The Introduction of Family Presence Evidence-Based Practice Into a Baccalaureate Nursing Curriculum

The topic of family presence (FP) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation or invasive procedures has recently received attention and debate among healthcare professionals due to pioneering research in this field. Studies completed have included family perspectives on family presence, patients' feelings on family presence, and healthcare providers' views on family presence. Two key areas found to correlate with family presence acceptance among healthcare providers are education and experience. Senior nursing students in one baccalaureate program were introduced to this topic during a 3-hour class on death and dying. Comparisons between pretest and posttest scores revealed an increase in the acceptance of family presence as a priority in nursing care of the critically ill.