Witnessed resuscitation: A concept analysis

Abstract

Background: The advance in the practice of resuscitation is globally recognised and fully sanctioned in scientific world. However, practicing family presence during resuscitation, also known as witnessed resuscitation, is yet to be endorsed by healthcare professionals. Many professional nursing and physician organisations have endorsed the practice of witnessed resuscitation by issuing guidelines. These organisations support family presence during resuscitation due to the research proving its benefit for patients and families.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the concept of witnessed resuscitation.

Method: A concept analysis was undertaken using Rodger's (2000) evolutionary method.

Findings: The concept analysis suggests that witnessed resuscitation refers to the presence of a family member or relative during a resuscitation procedure, mostly in emergency and complex critical care areas. The defining attributes are family centred care approach, exercising patients and family rights and autonomy in end of life care decisions and involvement of family as active and passive observers during a resuscitation event.

Conclusion: Clarity surrounding witnessed resuscitation will guide the development of a conceptual framework, expand nursing knowledge and identify the research required to advance understanding of witnessed resuscitation in practice.

Keywords: Cardiac arrest; Concept analysis; Critical care; Emergency; Family presence; Witnessed resuscitation.