Attitudes of Health Care Providers Toward the Presence of Family Members During Invasive Procedures in Children

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to explore the attitudes of health care providers in Jordan toward family members’ presence during invasive procedures for their children. A cross sectional descriptive design, using a non-experimental, explorative method was used in this study. A purposive sample of 75 health care providers (physicians, registered nurses) was recruited from 4 departments of the Queen Rania Military Hospital in Jordan. Results indicated that health care providers in this study have reported that they do not usually approve family presence during the performance of an invasive procedure to the child. Results also suggest that the benefits achieved from family presence during different invasive procedures are limited for the child, the family, and the overall process. The study concluded that family presence while performing an invasive procedure can be helpful once both family members and health care staff were aware of their roles and how to increase comfort and minimize pain experienced by the child. Future research is recommended to establish evidence on staff attitudes, educational and training requirements of staff and family, and the need for policies to help families promote better child health.