A European survey of critical care nurses' attitudes and experiences of having family members present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Int J Nurs Stud. 2005 Jul;42(5):557-68. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2004.09.012.

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a survey into the experiences and attitudes of 124 European critical care nurses to the presence of family members during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Nurses from mainland Europe were less experienced and less sure about the consequences of relatives witnessing resuscitation than United Kingdom (UK) nurses. Generally, nurses supported the presence of family members, although UK nurses held significantly more positive attitudes than their non-UK counterparts in the areas of decision-making, processes and outcomes of resuscitation. Differences in attitudes are explored in the discussion. On the basis of results from this study, it is recommended that further policy guidance is required.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Bias
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / nursing
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / psychology*
  • Critical Care / organization & administration
  • Critical Care / psychology*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Decision Making
  • Europe
  • Family* / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Male
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / education
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Organizational Policy
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • United Kingdom
  • Visitors to Patients* / psychology