Abstract

Introduction: Even though there is no scientific evidence to refute the benefit of family presence during CPR, healthcare providers still oppose it. While the origin of this opposition is yet to be revealed, medical dramas may play a role in perpetuating it. Thus, by analyzing the way family presence during CPR is portrayed on TV, we can further understand the factors that influence the attitudes of healthcare staff towards the issue, and perhaps use TV to modify them in accordance with scientific evidence and formal guidelines. Objective: To examine the way family presence during resuscitation is depicted in current prime-time medical drama TV shows and to compare these depictions to an older prime-time medical drama. Design: Observational study. Method: The entire first seasons of House: M.D- and Grey’s Anatomy were viewed and analyzed. 16 episodes of Medic were also viewed and analyzed. Results: In Grey’s Anatomy, family is present in only one CPR out of 12. In House M.D., family is present in six out of 14 CPRs. In Medic, family is present in the sole case of CPR depicted. Conclusion: Current prime-time medical dramas mirror and probably influence both medical community’s and lay persons’ attitudes toward FPDR. However, these attitudes do not correlate with existing literature and American and European guidelines. Therefore, script writers, lay people and healthcare professionals should correct any unsubstantiated opinions that oppose FPDR and bring only those which are based on scientific evidence to the fore.

Key Words: Family presence during resuscitation | CPR | television | media