Increasing Nurses’ Knowledge of and Self-confidence With Family Presence During Pediatric Resuscitation

Abstract

Background Family presence during resuscitation is becoming more common, and pediatric critical care nurses regularly facilitate this process. However, most hospitals lack policies and education to support nurses in this practice. Objective To increase pediatric intensive care unit nurses’ knowledge and self-confidence with family presence during resuscitation through an educational intervention. Methods The project used a pre-post intervention study design with anonymous online cross-sectional surveying. Participant demographic data were collected along with participants’ responses to 2 instruments measuring perceived risks and benefits of family presence during resuscitation and participant self-confidence with the process. The educational session consisted of a 2-hour structured session incorporating content presentation, discussion, simulation videos, and parental testimony. Results Thirty-six nurses participated in this project. Overall mean scores of both tools and scores of almost every item within each tool significantly increased after the intervention. Conclusion Formalized and structured education on family presence during resuscitation appears to promote pediatric intensive care unit nurses’ knowledge, increase their perception of benefits outweighing risks, and enhance their self-confidence in supporting family members. Providing information about family presence during resuscitation and how best to facilitate this practice should be a priority and included as part of standard educational support for pediatric intensive care unit nurses.