Opinions and Attitudes of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Doctors Regarding Family Presence During Resuscitation in Two Major Hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

TL;DR

This study explores Malaysian critical care doctors' opinions on allowing families to be present during resuscitation, finding most are opposed due to concerns like stress and privacy issues.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into FPDR acceptance in Malaysian hospitals, highlighting the influence of personal experience and perceived risks.

Findings

Only 27.7% of doctors supported family presence during resuscitation.

Doctors with personal FPDR experience were more likely to support it (OR: 8.823).

Major concerns included staff stress, privacy violations, and litigation risks.

Abstract

Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) remains controversial despite growing acceptance in Western countries. This study explored Malaysian doctors' views on FPDR within critical care environments.

A cross-sectional survey of 169 doctors working in critical care units of Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) and Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (HCTM) was conducted between October 2023 and January 2024. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, simple logistic regression, and multivariable logistic regression.

A total of 27.7% (n = 44) of respondents agreed to allow FPDR, with no significant association found between acceptance and demographic or professional characteristics. Major concerns included increased staff stress, potential misinterpretation of procedures, space limitations, privacy violations, emotional distress for families, difficulty stopping futile resuscitation, and litigation risks. Healthcare providers recognised FPDR's educational value and potential to promote professionalism. Opinions were divided on FPDR's impact on family participation, support, and bonding. Most did not believe FPDR reduces family anxiety. Respondents who have had personal FPDR experience were more likely to support it (OR: 8.823 (95% CI: 3.670 - 21.212), p < 0.001).

This study revealed that the majority of respondents working in critical care settings in HKL and HCTM are opposed to FPDR. Their reluctance is due to the perceived negative effects of FPDR. Experience in FPDR significantly influenced the willingness to practise FPDR.