Episode 205: Family Presence during Resuscitation

We discuss the impact of family presence during resuscitations.

Hosts:
Ellen Duncan, MD, PhD
Brian Gilberti, MD

Download Leave a Comment Tags: Critical Care, Pediatrics

Show Notes

Overview

• Historical Context: The conversation around allowing family members in the room during resuscitation events began gaining attention in 1987. Since then, the practice has been increasingly encouraged.
• Current Practices in Pediatrics:
  • Family presence during pediatric resuscitations remains inconsistent, with healthcare provider acceptance ranging from 15% to 85%.
  • Many subspecialists and consultants still request that families step out, often due to outdated concerns.
• Common Concerns & Myths:
  • Interference in resuscitation → Studies show minimal disruption.
  • Legal risks → No increased litigation risk has been demonstrated.
  • Family trauma → Research suggests that presence may help with grieving and reduce PTSD symptoms.

Evidence from the Literature

New England Journal of Medicine study on Family Presence During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Jabre et al., 2013):

• In a randomized controlled trial of 570 relatives, PTSD-related symptoms were significantly higher in family members who were not...