In the movies, the moment a code blue is called, the doctors and nurses quickly usher the patient’s family members out of the room so that CPR can be administered. This is a fairly normal procedure in real life, as well. However, a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that this isn’t the best practice. In fact, if family members are allowed to watch the resuscitation they are less likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers postulate possible outcomes of witnessing CPR
The study’s authors postulated that witnessing the resuscitation would “help family members understand that everything possible to bring the patient back to life has been implemented.” They also wrote, “In addition to quelling suspicion about behind-closed-doors resuscitation efforts and unrealistic expectations of such efforts, the family member’s presence may offer the opportunity for a last goodbye and help that person grasp the reality of death.”
Post-traumatic stress disorder affects family members
The findings of the study were surprisingly definitive. Family members who did not witness the administration of CPR to their loved ones were 70% more likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder 90 days later than were those who did watch.
Audience did not result in more lawsuits
One concern was how the presence of an audience might affect the doctors and nurses. Researchers worried it would add to their stress and even result in more lawsuits. However, neither of these things happened. Actually, the family members expressed their gratitude to the medical teams. And of those who did not witness CPR, 12% expressed regret, while only 3% of those who did watch wished they hadn’t.
Medical Malpractice Law News Brought To You By Spokane Medical Malpractice & Wrongful Death Attorney - Stephen Haskell Law Offices, PLLC
Source: Should family members watch as their dying loved ones get CPR? - chicagotribune.com
Researchers postulate possible outcomes of witnessing CPR
The study’s authors postulated that witnessing the resuscitation would “help family members understand that everything possible to bring the patient back to life has been implemented.” They also wrote, “In addition to quelling suspicion about behind-closed-doors resuscitation efforts and unrealistic expectations of such efforts, the family member’s presence may offer the opportunity for a last goodbye and help that person grasp the reality of death.”
Post-traumatic stress disorder affects family members
The findings of the study were surprisingly definitive. Family members who did not witness the administration of CPR to their loved ones were 70% more likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder 90 days later than were those who did watch.
Audience did not result in more lawsuits
One concern was how the presence of an audience might affect the doctors and nurses. Researchers worried it would add to their stress and even result in more lawsuits. However, neither of these things happened. Actually, the family members expressed their gratitude to the medical teams. And of those who did not witness CPR, 12% expressed regret, while only 3% of those who did watch wished they hadn’t.
Medical Malpractice Law News Brought To You By Spokane Medical Malpractice & Wrongful Death Attorney - Stephen Haskell Law Offices, PLLC
Source: Should family members watch as their dying loved ones get CPR? - chicagotribune.com
