Parental presence during paediatric trauma resuscitation: Health care professionals' attitudes and beliefs

Abstract

A qualitative study, using interpretive description, was conducted at a tertiary paediatric hospital. Its purpose was to determine attitudes and beliefs of nurses and physicians about parental presence during paediatric trauma resuscitations in the Emergency Department. Parental presence was believed to have both benefits and problems for patients, parents and the trauma team. Registered nurses and physicians expressed largely similar attitudes and beliefs related to parental presence. These depended heavily on context. Most participants believed presence was appropriate with stable children and when death was imminent. In between these two ends of the continuum, participants had greater variability in their attitudes and beliefs. Findings provide insight into how health care professionals believe they can deliver the highest quality technical care for the patient while meeting the psychosocial needs of all involved. Relevance of the findings to family centred-care is discussed. Implications for nursing practice, education and research are identified.