"Crisis Decision-Making in Healthcare: A Review of Factors Shaping Nurses' and Physicians' Responses to Family Presence During Resuscitation in Saudi Arabia"

Abstract

Family presence during resuscitation (FDR) is a controversial practice in healthcare, requiring a delicate balance between addressing the emotional needs of families and maintaining clinical efficiency during life-saving interventions.
This review explores the factors influencing nurses' and physicians' decision-making regarding FDR in Saudi Arabia, where cultural and religious norms strongly emphasize family involvement in patient care.
A qualitative approach was adopted, systematically analyzing peer-reviewed literature from 2009 to 2024. Key themes identified include emotional and psychological impacts on healthcare providers, ethical and cultural considerations, communication challenges, and organizational and policy factors.
The findings reveal that while FDR aligns with Islamic values of family unity, it also raises concerns about increased stress, distractions, and ethical dilemmas. Notably, attitudes toward FDR vary between nurses and physicianshighlighting the need for interdisciplinary discussions and standardized guidelines tailored to Saudi cultural contexts.
Recommendations include implementing structured training programs focusing on stress management, effective communication, and ethical decision-making. By addressing these factors, healthcare institutions can enhance patient care and support healthcare providers in navigating the complexities of FDR within culturally sensitive frameworks.