Abstract
Background: After 3 decades of research, much is understood about the benefits of family presence during resuscitation (FPDR), yet translation into clinical practice has been lagging. This article provides guidance for nurse leaders seeking to advance FPDR by sharing the experience of establishing a multifaceted, hospital-wide program of education and policy development.
Objectives: This quality improvement project aimed to (1) implement a hospital-wide FPDR program guided by policy, (2) evaluate classroom and simulation educational interventions, (3) examine chart review data for evidence of FPDR practice change, and (4) act on information learned to further improve the FPDR program and increase practice implementation.
Methods: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle provided the model for cyclic evaluation of the FPDR program at a rural Midwestern United States hospital. Interventions were classroom education for existing nursing staff, simulation for new nurses, and implementation of a hospital-wide policy. Outcome measures included nurses' perceptions of FPDR risks and benefits, self-confidence with FPDR, and evidence of practice change via retrospective chart review.
Results: Pilot data demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in nurses' perceptions of FPDR benefits and self-confidence post education, and the rate of FPDR practiced in the facility tripled. The PDSA cycle provided a useful paradigm for ongoing process improvement and program sustainability.
Discussion: After the delivery of an FPDR policy along with classroom and simulation education, an increase in the clinical implementation of FPDR occurred. The use of the PDSA cycle resulted in expanded approaches including the addition of FPDR to in situ mock codes.