Preferences of patients' family regarding family-witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A qualitative perspective of intensive care patients' family members

Objectives: To describe preferences of intensive care patients' family members regarding the idea of an inpatient family-witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Research methodology/design: A descriptive qualitative design was used in this study. Twelve family members of intensive care patients took part in individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Setting: A population of Finnish and Polish former intensive care adult patients' relatives. Findings: The thematic analysis resulted in two main themes with four subthemes each: (Theme 1) Being more involved and engaged in patient's care in case of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with subthemes: (a) Having an option to decide, (b) Being in physical proximity to the patient, (c) Feeling like having more control and impact and (d) Having a better idea about the situation. (Theme 2) Being cared for and treated respectfully during possible cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with subthemes: (a) Need for more support and understanding from the staff, (b) Uniqueness of the family-patient relationship, (c) Need for staff to be more humane and less mechanical and (d) Professional and highly qualified staff. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest a possible gap in family-centred care delivery in intensive care settings. System changes are necessary in order to increase nurses' awareness of patients' families' preferences, and successfully implement recommended family-witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.