Factors Influencing Implementation of Family Witnessed Resuscitation Practice among Nurses Working in Medical-Surgical Units of Siaya County Referral Hospital, Kenya

Background: The family witnessed resuscitation is offering family members an option to be present while a loved one is being resuscitated to sustain life. Despite the recommendation by various professional bodies, it is not widely practiced among medical-surgical nurses. This study aimed to describe the influence of nursing-related factors on this practice, and identify its perceived benefits and risks among nurses.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical survey. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection were used A stratified random sampling design was used to obtain study participants. A sample of 75 registered nurses was generated using the Yamane formula. Data was collected using the Family Presence risk and benefit assessment scale designed and validated by Twibell et al. Analysis done using SPSS and NVIVO version 26 and 11 respectively. Chi-square, crosstabulation and frequencies were computed to establish frequencies, and relation between independent and dependent variables.

Results: There was a significant association between the implementation of family witnessed resuscitation practice and the following independent factors: advanced specialized training in resuscitation ( X 2 =4.125, df =1, p =.042), training on family witnessed resuscitation practice (X 2 =6.728, df =1, p =.009). Perceived benefits were; recognition of the efforts of healthcare professionals (81.7%), acceptance that everything possible was done (83.1%), and better process of grieving (71.8%). Perceived risks identified were; family panic (78.9%), family suffering long-term emotional effects (57.7%), and trauma to the family (63.4%).

Conclusion: Overall, 47.9% of respondents had a perception of more benefits & fewer risks. Training in family witnessed resuscitation practice and advanced specialized training in resuscitation increase the implementation of family witnessed resuscitation by 4.4 and 3.3 respectively.