conjectural navel gazing; jesus in lint form

difficult thinking

Here is something to think about:

Research suggests that the majority of families want to be present while resuscitative measures are being performed on their loved ones. Multiple studies have reported families believe they benefit by being present, citing decreased anxiety, hopelessness, wondering, helplessness, and having an increased understanding of the seriousness of the illness or trauma. Family members who were present felt they could provide comfort to their dying loved one and that their loved one knew they were present and felt comforted. Families also felt their presence facilitated their own grieving, and that their adjustment to the loss of a loved one was made easier.

When asked if families would make the same choice, nearly all stated they would participate in the resuscitation process again. Families believed they became part of the healthcare team, they functioned as the patient’s advocate, and that their presence had a positive impact on the patient. Families also believed their presence made the healthcare team view the patient as a person, which made them more accountable for their actions. - Implementing a Family Presence Protocol Option York, Nancy; RN, MSN Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Jan 1, 2004

I have had experiences that support this. And, obviously, the religious convictions of the family could play a large part in this decision. I have experienced Pentacostals wanting to come in and lay on hands...and as long as only one person comes back and not the whole family, I will "allow" it. Our ER bays are smallish, and ten more people in there is impossible. So, typically only two family members are allowed back at a time. In the case of an ongoing recuscitation, there can be ten medical staff people in the room with the patient. Adding very emotional family into the mix is disruptive and can even be dangerous. But sometimes you run into a family where it becomes apparent that allowing them in will bring them healing...even if their loved one dies.

Even when the outcome is death, a family might feel that their loved one and they have received the best care possible. It is a tremendous ministry to offer and witness.

What do you think? Would you want to be in the room?

Posted by tripp at April 13, 2005 02:42 PM