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Families in Critical Care: Nancy Baumhover and Linda Hughes Spirituality and Support for Family Presence During Invasive Procedures and Resuscitations in Adults Am J Crit Care 2009; 18: 357-366 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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Perspectives re family presence

Peggy J. Woolf   (10 September 2009)

Perspectives re family presence 10 September 2009
Peggy J. Woolf, Administrator on Duty Oregon Health & Science University Send letter to journal: Re: Perspectives re family presence woolfpj{at}mindspring.com Peggy J. Woolf	In more than 3 decades as a nurse, I've seen pronounced movement from the survival perspective through the bifurcated and on to the holistic perspective regarding health professionals' views on family presence during resuscitation. I found it helpful to read the labels and descriptions of the perspectives discussed in the article. I hadn't really considered family members as actual participants in the resuscitation, but that is exactly what they can be when health care professionals think holistically. As a family member myself, I was asked by the physician if I wanted to be in the room when resuscitation attempts were being made for my husband. When the same doctor asked if I wanted to bring my daughter into the room, I knew exactly what that meant: bring her now, or it will be too late. I appreciated being included in the events. That was almost a decade ago, and I still appreciate being gently yet clearly asked if I wanted to be in the room with my husband. It was a major trigger in changing my own views and in learning another way to help families in my nursing practice.