Parental Presence during Pediatric Invasive Procedures

Parental presence during pediatric invasive procedures is becoming more common, yet it remains a controversial issue related to providing family-centered care. A literature review related to this important issue was performed. Credible arguments supporting parental presence during invasive procedures as well as opposing arguments were discussed. One must consider both views in order to create a nonbiased analysis of the issue. Parental presence during invasive procedures raises critical debates related to maintaining or altering the continuum of holistic patient care. Additional research would provide an objective approach to the problem. Development of an evidence-based protocol would provide a framework for this issue.