Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Kathleen E. Fleck
NUR 4122
“I Pledge”
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 2
Abstract
The purpose of this integrative review is to examine literature related to the effects of family
presence during resuscitation on their perception of the experience. The recent shift from patient-
centered to family-centered delivery of healthcare has led to an increased interest in the potential
benefits associated with family witnessed resuscitation. Databases such as PubMed, OVID, and
EBSCO Medline Complete were utilized to find research articles. Research articles were selected
based on their satisfaction of the detailed research criteria designated for this specific topic. The
final selection resulted in five research articles, three quantitative, one qualitative, and one mixed
study. The results of these studies are synonymous and clearly identify the benefits of allowing
family members to witness resuscitation of their loved ones. Not only did family members
experience a decrease in psychological feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, but they also
experienced a sense of relief. There are limitations to this review primarily stemming from the
lack of experience and authority of the writer. Providers of healthcare can use the results found
in this literature review as evidence to support the practice of giving family members the option
to witness resuscitation. Knowing that presence during resuscitation can ultimately benefit the
initial outcomes.
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 3
The purpose of this integrative review is to identify the positive and negative
psychological effects and experiences of witnessed resuscitation on family members who are
present during resuscitation. There has been a recent shift in the delivery of healthcare from
(O’Connell et al., 2017). Previous research around this topic has shown that family members
who are present during resuscitation are at risk of developing future emotional and physical
issues (Jabre et al., 2013). On the other hand, witnessing resuscitation has been shown to
symptoms and showing them that life saving measures were exhausted (Jabre et al., 2013).
members who have witnessed resuscitation of a loved one (De Stefano et al., 2016). This
shortage of research has led to a lack of acceptance of the practice in many instances (O’Connell
et al., 2017). The aim of this literature review is to collect appropriate information regarding the
writer’s PICOT question, “In family members, what is the effect of witnessing resuscitation on
their perception of the experience compared with not witnessing resuscitation after the event?”
The research design is an integrative review. The online databases utilized for the search
were PubMed, OVID, and EBSCO Medline Complete. Key terms that were used when
conducting the search were family presence, resuscitation, FPDR, and witnessing resuscitation.
The databases yielded approximately 450 articles. In order to uphold consistency, the search was
limited to peer-reviewed research studies, written in English, and published within the past 5
years. The range of publication dates began in 2013 and ended in 2017. Other filters were
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 4
applied to narrow down the search even further and yielded only articles from academic journals
The final criteria for inclusion was that the article pertain to the PICOT question, “In
family members, what is the effect of witnessing resuscitation on their perception of the
experience compared with not witnessing resuscitation after the event?” In order for the articles
to be included in the literature review, the writer ensured that the perspective of each article
focused on the family member and not the healthcare team members or patient. The final
selection resulted in five research articles, three quantitative (Jabre et al., 2013; Leske,
McAndrew, Brasel, & Feetham, 2017; Soleimanpour et al., 2017), one qualitative (De Stefano et
The results and findings of the five reviewed research studies clearly identify the benefits
of allowing family members to witness resuscitation (De Stefano et al., 2016; Jabre et al., 2013;
Leske et al., 2017; O’Connell et al., 2017; Soleimanpour et al., 2017). A summary of each
research article is located in Table 1: Qualitative and Quantitative Article Evaluation. The writer
structured the review based on the summaries of each individual research study.
meaning of the benefits and disadvantages of their presence” (p. 2) during the event. This study
was based in France used a sequential explanatory design. Researchers explored opinions related
to the experience of the family members regarding their decision to be present during
resuscitation or to not be present to further interpret the findings of a quantitative study. The
initial sample size consisted of 540 participants, however, “saturation was reached after the
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 5
analysis of 30 interviews out of a randomly selected sample of 75 family members” (p. 1). Data
collection strategies consisted of a clinical psychologist led pre-drafted telephone interview that
covered three topics concerning the family member and their experience. Interview data was
analyzed using the “grounded theory and based on a technique of constant comparison” (p. 4).
Researchers used the NVivo software v. 10 to analyze data and uncovered four principle themes
between family and medical team, perception of the reality of death, and experience and reaction
of the relative witnessing resuscitation” (p. 4-9). Findings reflected that being present during
resuscitation tended to positively affect the family member in their perception, cognition, and
symptoms. This was a prospective, cluster-randomized, controlled trial study conducted on 570
relatives of patients given resuscitation in a home setting in France. Data was collected 90 days
after the resuscitation event using a structured questionnaire conducted over the telephone by a
psychologist. The Impact of Event Scale (IES) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
(HADS) were also used to evaluate the presence of PTSD-related symptoms in participants. Data
was analyzed using Student’s t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, chi-square test, and Fischer’s
exact test. Results from the study were conclusive that PTSD-related symptoms, such as anxiety
and depression, are higher in the family members who were not present during resuscitation of
their loved one. The results from the study showed that the presence of family members during
resuscitation does not affect the effectiveness of resuscitation, patient survival, or the level of
Leske et al. (2017) conducted a quantitative study with the purpose of examining the
effects of family presence during resuscitation on family outcomes in patients who survived a
traumatic injury, in this case related to gunshot wounds (GSW) and motor vehicle crashes
(MVC). A conceptual model was used as the framework for the study and depicted the influence
of family strengths on family outcomes. The research design was a multivariate, prospective, and
comparative study with 140 family members of trauma patients in a Level 1 Trauma Center in
Wisconsin. Data collection was conducted 72 hours after resuscitation in a private waiting area.
The following instruments were used to evaluate participant outcomes: Family Crisis-Oriented
Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASD), Family Member Well-
being Index (FMWBI), and Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit Scale. Data was
analyzed using SPSS for windows software v. 22 and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).
Findings yielded by the study showed the initial effects of witnessed resuscitation on the family
member. These results indicated that family presence during resuscitation resulted in decreased
anxiety, stress, and improved the overall well-being of the family member.
O’Connell et al. (2017) used a mixed methods study to address the attitudes, behaviors,
and experiences of family members witnessing the resuscitation of a pediatric patient. A sample
of 126 family members were observed in three Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Centers located in
Texas, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. Data was collected three to six months after the
event via structured telephone interviews and focus groups. The Parental Family Present Attitude
Scale-FM (PFPAS-FM) and Parental Family Not Present Attitude Scale-FM (PFNPAS-FM)
were used to evaluate the experiences of the study participants. The data was analyzed using
SAS version 9.2, chi-square, Fisher exact test, 2-sample t tests, analysis of variance, Wilcoxon
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 7
rank-sum tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The results of the study depicted a strong correlation
between family members who were present during resuscitation and reports of a positive
experience of the event. The themes identified by the authors illustrate that family member
presence reduces anxiety, allows family members to witness that all options were exhausted, and
effect of family presence during resuscitation and the future development of psychological
observed in this study based in Iran . Participants were put into two variable groups: the
intervention group, made up of relatives who were present during resuscitation, and the control
group, made up of relatives who were not present to witness resuscitation. Data was collected 90
days after the resuscitation event through telephone interviews. The HADS and IES
questionnaires were used to evaluate participant outcomes. The data was analyzed using SPSS
version 16, chi-square, t test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results were compiled into three
categories, “being present, satisfaction, and coping with presence consequences” (p. 115). In
general the findings reflected a decrease in anxiety, depression, and stress and an increase in
coping ability in those family members who were present during resuscitation.
The results of the research articles reviewed illustrate a noticeable positive correlation
between family members’ presence during resuscitation and their overall psychological
perception of the experience. The PICOT question set by the writer of this integrative review is
supported by the research included in this review, as evidenced by the similar results of the
studies. Although there has been speculation around family presence during resuscitation and the
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 8
increased risk of future psychological issues, the results of this integrative review implicate that
the practice of allowing family to witness resuscitation is actually beneficial to those individuals
(De Stefano et al., 2016; Jabre et al., 2013; Leske et al., 2017; O’Connell et al., 2017;
Soleimanpour et al., 2017). One aspect of this integrative review that exhibits importance is the
inclusion of various global healthcare settings. For example, settings ranged from Level 1
resuscitation, the practice of family presence during resuscitation is not a widely utilized concept
in many healthcare systems (De Stefano et al., 2016; Leske et al., 2017; O’Connell et al., 2017).
The results found during this literature review can be used by healthcare providers to support the
practice of giving family members the option to witness resuscitation. Knowing that presence
during resuscitation can ultimately benefit the psychological state of family members, resources
research to further support the current research results. Future research on this topic should
include examining long-term psychological effects on family members, rather than focusing on
Limitations
integrative review. The most impactful limitation is the lack of experience and authority of the
writer of this review, which leads to the decreased credibility of the literature review as a whole.
Another limitation is the lack of research regarding the topic as it directly pertains to the
perceptions of the family members witnessing the resuscitation, versus perceptions of the
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 9
healthcare team or patient. All articles were published within the past five years, therefore, the
Each article presented with study-specific limitations including, inadequate sample size
and insufficient study design due to ethical limitations (O’Connell et al., 2017; Soleimanpour et
al., 2017). It should also be mentioned that not all of the studies pertained to patients who died
during resuscitation efforts; this infers that the results could have been significantly different had
the subjects all been exposed to the same situational outcome. A final limitation is the risk of
bias ensuing from the fact that this literature review is a class assignment.
Conclusion
Findings discussed in this integrative review support the PICOT question highlighting the
influence of family presence during resuscitation on the positive perceptions of the family
members’ experience. Common themes that emerged from family members witnessing
resuscitation efforts are a decreased incidence of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as,
feelings of relief regarding the patient’s distress and the fact that all resuscitative actions were
exhausted (De Stefano et al., 2016; Jabre et al., 2013; Leske et al., 2017; O’Connell et al., 2017;
Soleimanpour et al., 2017). Providing family members with the option to witness resuscitation of
the benefits of allowing family presence during resuscitation should be shared with all healthcare
team members so they understand the impact that this option can have on the future
References
De Stefano, C., Normand, D., Jabre, P., Azoulay, E., Kentish-Barnes, N., Lapostolle, F., . . .
national multicenter randomized clinical trial. Public Library of Science One, 11(6): 1-12.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0156100
Jabre, P., Belpomme, V., Azoulay, E., Jacob, L., Bertrand, L., Lapostolle, F., . . . Adnet, F.
Leske, J. S., McAndrew, N. S., Brasel, K. J., & Feetham, S. (2017). Family presence during
doi:10.1097/JTN.0000000000000271
O’Connell, K., Fritzeen, J., Guzzetta, C. E., Clark, A. P., Lloyd, C., Scott, S. H., . . . Kreling, B.
doi:10.4037/ajcc2017503
Soleimanpour, H., Tabrizi, J. S., Rouhi, A. J., Golzari, S. E., Mahmoodpoor, A., Esfanjani, R.
discussion
NVivo software v. 10 used to characterize info into themes
Findings/Discussion Researchers found four principle themes and 12 sub-themes:
o Theme 1:Choosing to be actively involved in resuscitation
To be actively involved in the resuscitation process, to feel emotionally able
to be present, to support the patient during CPR, to see the efforts of the
resuscitation team, wish to protect oneself
o Theme 2: Communication between the family members and the emergency team
Medical information for the relative, satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with the
medical team’s intervention
o Theme 3: Perception of the reality of death
Awareness of death at the arrival of the emergency team, watching CPR and
the conduct of the participants
o Theme 4: Experience and reaction of the relative witnessing (or not) the resuscitation
Presence: feeling of relief in relation to the patient’s distress, presence:
experience of excessively heroic treatment and intrusion of shocking images,
absence: experience of violence, brutality, and dehumanization
Being present tended to positively affect family in the following ways:
o Perception – understanding of reality of death
o Cognition – thoughts related to support & communication w/ healthcare team
o Emotions – experience of shock and relief
This study shows the benefit of family feeling like an active participant, being able to choose to
be present, and being able to show self-efficacy can decrease and protect against traumatic
grieving
Sense of agency- concept where person can master and control their own environment
Appraisal/Worth to practice Offering family members choice to witness resuscitation can emotionally protect them down the
road
First Author Jabre (2013) – Medical Doctor, Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Health Sciences
(Year)/Qualifications Research
Background/Problem Family members present during CPR are at risk of developing future emotional and physical
Statement issues
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 13
Witnessing CPR could also benefit family members by showing them that life saving measures
were exhausted & provide opportunity for a last goodbye
Purpose – determine if family members given the option of witnessing resuscitation had a
reduction in PTSD-related symptoms
Conceptual/theoretical Not discussed
Framework
Study found that effectiveness of CPR, patient survival, and level of emotional stress (healthcare
team) not effected by presence of family member
Appraisal/Worth to practice Family member presence during CPR contributes to positive results on psychological
evaluations
First Author Leske (2017) – Doctor of Philosophy, Registered Nurse, Fellows American Academy or
(Year)/Qualifications Nursing, Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, College of Nursing- University of Wisconsin-
Milwaukee, Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin-Froedtert Hospital
Background/Problem Family witnessed resuscitation intended to support family-centered care but effects of family
Statement presence during resuscitation on families have not been well studied
Benefits for family members include knowing everything was done for patient, supportive &
helpful feelings, communication between family & healthcare provider, fostering grieving
Purpose- examine effects of family presence during resuscitation in patients who survived
gunshot wounds & motor vehicle crashes
Conceptual/theoretical Conceptual model of family adaptation in response to stress event used to guide variable
Framework selection and measures
Model looked at influence of family strengths on family outcomes
o Family strengths: coping, resources, communication
o Family outcomes: anxiety, stress, well-being, satisfaction
Design/ Quantitative study
Method/Philosophical Multivariate, prospective, comparative study
Underpinnings
Sample/ Setting/Ethical Sample size- family members of 140 trauma patients
Considerations Southeastern Wisconsin’s adult Level 1 trauma center
Study approved by hospital and medical school’s IRB & written informed consent obtained
from all participants
Major Variables Studied (and Intervention group- family member present during resuscitation
their definition), if Control group- family member not present during resuscitation
appropriate
Measurement Tool/Data Data collected in private waiting room or conference room 72 hours after resuscitation
Collection Method Self-report instruments used:
o Family Inventory of Resources for Management (FIRM)
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 15
First Author O’Connell (2017) – Medical Doctor, Master of Education, American Board of
(Year)/Qualifications Pediatrics/Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Specialist, Associate Professor of
Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine
and Health Sciences and Children’s National Health System
Background/Problem Moving from patient-centered care to family-centered care however, lack of acceptance of
Statement family presence during resuscitation because of lack of research backing benefits
Purpose- measure attitudes, behaviors, experiences of family members who witnessed
resuscitation of a pediatric patient
Conceptual/theoretical Not identified
Framework
Design/ Mixed methods- Quantitative & Qualitative
Method/Philosophical Observational
Underpinnings
Sample/ Setting/Ethical Sample size- 126 family members
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 16
healthcare providers to use to better prepare families for participation in resuscitation efforts in
the future
First Author Soleimanpour (2017) – Tabriz Health Services Management Research Center; Professor of
(Year)/Qualifications Anesthesiology and Critical Care and also Deputy Dean of Research and Technology of the
Medical Faculty Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Iran; ATLS Instructor of
American College of Surgeons
Background/Problem Purpose- study the effect of family presence during resuscitation on the effect of developing
Statement psychological disorders
Also looked at the effect of the presence of a trained support person for those who wished to
witness resuscitation on family member psychological state
Conceptual/theoretical Not identified
Framework
Design/ Interventional, quasi-experimental study
Method/Philosophical Quantitative
Underpinnings
Sample/ Setting/Ethical Sample size – 133 relatives
Considerations o Control- 59; intervention- 74
Emergency ward of Imam Reza hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
Approved by committee of ethics of TUOMS & written informed consent received from all
participants
Major Variables Studied (and Intervention group- relative wanted to be present during resuscitation, informed by healthcare
their definition), if professional of CPR process
appropriate Control group- relatives not asked to be present during resuscitation, if decided to witness CPR
were not given a healthcare support member
Measurement Tool/Data Telephone interviews and questionnaires
Collection Method Impact of Event Scale (IES)
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Data Analysis Data analyzed using SPSS version 16
Chi-square test used to compare qualitative variables
T-test and Mann-Whitney U-test used to compare quantitative variables
Findings/Discussion Results compiled into 3 categories:
INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW 18
o Being present
o Satisfaction
o Coping with presence consequences
PTSD and anxiety are lower in the resuscitation witnessed group than in the non-witnessed
group
Being present during resuscitation and having a support person helps family members to cope
and decreases stress, anxiety, and PTSD after witnessed resuscitation
Appraisal/Worth to practice Providing family members who wish to witness resuscitation with a support person helps to
reduce anxiety, stress, and other psychological disorders
Emotional and psychological support and interventions are effective and help prevent
development of psychological disorders