Evidence-based guidelines for family presence in the resuscitation room

The benefits of family presence (FP) during resuscitation have been well documented in the literature for the past 20 years. However, many hospitals lack written guidelines to direct staff members during a resuscitation event. A structured approach affords staff a uniform and organized way to offering FP, avoiding any interference with patient care. The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence-based practice guidelines to offering FP during resuscitation in the emergency department. The guidelines illustrate a practical step-by-step approach that staff members can follow every time a patient is being evaluated and/or treated in the resuscitation room.