Why you should read this article:

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To understand the arguments for and against family-witnessed resuscitation

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To be aware of the psychological issues involved for relatives and healthcare colleagues

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To be aware of the recommendations for best practice and implement them into everyday practice

There are varying opinions about family-witnessed resuscitation in children and young people throughout the literature and the guidance on this practice is outdated and imprecise. Family-witnessed resuscitation can have psychological benefits for relatives; however, healthcare practitioners are often prevented from implementing this practice because of the perceived negative effect on their work through distraction or interference.

Healthcare practitioners can also find it challenging to negotiate the ethics of family-witnessed resuscitation, particularly in relation to whether this practice can be considered caring or compassionate. The limited guidance on family-witnessed resuscitation in children and young people also means that it can be challenging for healthcare practitioners who want to implement the practice to identify available evidence to justify their actions.

This article explores the evidence for and against the practice of family-witnessed resuscitation in children and young people and provides recommendations for healthcare practitioners who are implementing this practice.