Healthcare providers’ perspectives on family presence during resuscitation in a Palestinian tertiary hospital

Abstract Family presence during resuscitation (FPDR) has been associated with potential emotional benefits for patients’ families; however, its implementation remains controversial due to concerns among healthcare providers. This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2024 at An-Najah National University Hospital in Palestine to explore healthcare providers’ perspectives on FPDR. A total of 167 healthcare providers, including nurses and physicians involved in resuscitation activities, were surveyed using a previously validated self-administered questionnaire. The findings indicated that a substantial proportion of participants perceived FPDR as a source of increased stress and legal concern, particularly among physicians. Nevertheless, more than two-thirds of both nurses and physicians acknowledged the family’s right to be present during resuscitation and recognized potential emotional benefits. Overall, the results highlight a clear tension between ethical support for FPDR and practical, legal, and emotional barriers to its implementation. These findings underscore the need for context-specific policies and targeted training to support safe and culturally appropriate FPDR practices within Palestinian healthcare settings.