Is It Time for Family Presence During Resuscitation in the OR?

Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) is a growing trend in many areas of health care facilities, and it may be time to consider allowing FPDR in the OR as well. Health care providers cite concerns against FPDR, however, including psychological trauma of family members, medical litigation, performance anxiety of staff members affecting performance quality, team member distractions, problems maintaining sterility, and questions regarding a patient's right to FPDR. The circulating nurse may be an appropriate person to advocate for the patient's wishes to allow family members access to the OR during resuscitation efforts. Two hospitals in Spokane, Washington, have implemented a hospital-wide FPDR policy, allowing family presence in the emergency department, trauma rooms, labor and delivery rooms, and on patient care floors. Committee members developed guidelines for FPDR in the OR, educated hospital staff members, and presented the concept of FPDR to surgery executive committee members.