Trauma surgeons’ attitude towards family presence during trauma resuscitation: A nationwide survey

Abstract

Trauma is the foremost cause of death in young patients. Not only the patient but also the family experience the consequences of trauma. Interactions of medical staff with family members in the emergency situation may fail psychological and emotional needs. In this context the concept of family presence (FP) during resuscitation is controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the attitude of trauma surgeons towards FP during trauma resuscitation. A questionnaire concerning beliefs and attitudes towards FP during trauma resuscitation was mailed to level I trauma centres of the Trauma Network of the German Trauma Society (DGU). Statistical difference was determined by Rank-Sum test to analyse ordinal variables, for analysing three groups Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's testing were used. Data are given in mean+/-S.D. or absolute percentage. The questionnaire was answered by 464 of 545 (85%) trauma surgeons between July 2005 and September 2005. One hundred and sixty seven surgeons (37.9%) already knew about FP, 349 (75.2%) considered it a relevant topic, but 232 (50%) would never allow FP during trauma resuscitation. One hundred and sixty eight surgeons (36.2%) had experience of FP during trauma resuscitation with positive results in 56%. Female respondents tend to be better informed about FP and would promote FP more supportively. Those women with experience with FP reported predominantly positive experiences (87% versus 50%, p<0.001). Our study investigated the factors affecting physicians' opinions towards FP. Any institutional FP programme will have to address physician objections to be successful, by recommending a well-designed, carefully structured protocol with a designated specially trained staff member to offer the family support and the option of entering the resuscitation room with permission of the staff.