Renae Lynn Dougal
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, USA
Title: Family presence during invasive procedures in the emergency department
Biography
Biography: Renae Lynn Dougal
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to evaluate experiences, attitudes, and stress of healthcare personnel, patients, and family who were present during resuscitation and/or invasive procedures performed on adult patients in the emergency department (ED). A need was identified for a policy regarding family presence (FP) during these procedures. A literature review was completed, evidence critiqued and leveled. Several publications focused on pediatric settings, fewer focused on adult patients in specialty areas. A study by Duran, et al. (2007) found no completed studies about FP during resuscitation and/or invasive procedures performed in the ED. A family member is described as a person with an established relationship with the patient; this may include a relative, significant other, legal guardian, caregiver, or friend. The ED healthcare team is mainly composed of nurses, trauma surgeons, physicians, respiratory technicians, social workers, and chaplaincy. Presence is being with a patient in an authentic relationship promoting mutual respect, honesty, and dignity. A quantitative non-experimental design was used. Likert-style surveys were adapted with permission from a survey by Duran, et al. (2007). Three versions of the survey were created for patients, family members present during the event, and the ED healthcare team. Anticipate that findings will show nurses have a more receptive attitude than other healthcare personnel to family member(s)’ presence during resuscitation and/or invasive procedures, and family member(s)' and patients have decreased stress and positive attitudes regarding family member(s)’ presence during a resuscitation and/or invasive procedure performed in the ED.