Decision-making for parental presence in pediatric resuscitation: A qualitative study of parents’ and resuscitation team members’ experiences and perceptions

Abstract

Parental presence during pediatric resuscitation presents a complex challenge, often provoking mixed reactions from healthcare providers and families. This qualitative study explored how decisions about parental presence emerge from the experiences and perceptions of resuscitation teams and parents. An exploratory descriptive design was used across three pediatric hospitals. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with 33 resuscitation team members and 20 parents who witnessed their child’s resuscitation. Thematic analysis identified patterns for participant accounts. Participants shared their experiences and perceptions regarding decision-making about parental presence during pediatric resuscitation. Two main themes emerged: (1) Double-edged sword of parental presence (reluctance to allow parental presence; permission for parental presence) and (2) emotional weight of parents’ decision to be present (decision to be present; indecision regarding presence). Findings highlight that parental presence involves balancing team readiness, environmental factors, and parental emotional state. Institutional policies should support offering presence as an option, reinforced by staff training and structured pre-briefing and debriefing to promote shared decision-making and strengthen family-centered care.