Family presence during endoscopy and other invasive procedures

[RyanS]

Hi
My wife recently underwent this procedure. She and I were nervous and of course anxious so she requested that I be able to accompany her during the procedure. We had this done through private medical and the request was denied to the point where I was unable to even accompany her to the anethitists room. We had been told that I would be able to stay with her until then at least but were then told at the last minute that it wasn't "allowed". This caused both of us a huge amount of stress and anxiety right before the start of her procedure. She had the procedure done and said it was okay but wanted me there. I have created a petition in the hope that these policies can be reviewed for other patients. I agree that there needs to be control in place but I feel that the patients wishes should be kept in mind where possible.
Studies have proven that having a family member present reduces the amount of stress and anxiety experienced by the patient, family and staff. It also speeds up recovery of the patient. There have also been studies undertaken regarding the concern that family members would interfere. These concerns have been proven unfounded in 99% of cases and have found that patients are actually less likely to use sedation if a family member was present.
If there are other patients here that feel the same way or find that they would be better off with a family member present please take the time to visit the epetitions website of the uk government and sign the following petition. (I am unable to post this link at the moment so please use the search function) petition is called "Allow Family Presence during invasive procedures"

[RyanS]

I have continued doing more research on this and have found that in most cases where studies have allowed family members present during the procedure the patient has been more at ease to the point that less if any sedation has to be given. This obviously has a number of benefits. Patients are able to leave sooner rather than have to recover, the procedure costs less and this then allows the hospital or surgery the ability to free up a bed for more urgent issues.
From the families point of view, they get to see and be a part of the patients symptoms, diagnosis and recommended solution. The patient is able to feel reassurance from a loved one and the family member doesn't have to wait in the dark whilst something/nothing is found. Obviously it should be the family/patients choice and there are those that prefer to do this alone, but there are also other who would prefer a family member present.

[Annie0904]

I was allowed in with my husband while he had treatment and I fainted so I can see the reasons why some hospitals don't allow it I ended up in a bed in the cubicle opposite him

[RyanS]

Hi Annie, that's unfortunate and I agree that there should be a policy in place but at least you had the option. I don't mean that the hospitals should just open there doors to all but rather set up something where family can be present and not be a strain or possible complication to the staff. Hospitals are required to provide a chaperone if need be and that person could always be with the family member. If there were issues that person would escort the family member to a safe area or even seat thereby not interfering in the procedure. The family member should also understand and know there own limits as you are no good to anyone if you're passed out. This is one of the reasons for this discussion as there are pros and cons to both sides but not the procedures or policies to deal with both.

[RyanS]

I would love to hear other members experiences or points of view, there have been some new developments and focus of NHS hospitals lately regarding care of patients and I feel that this should be taken in to consideration as an added facet to patient care.

[lele19]

I will sign your petition. I am booked in for a flexible sigmoidoscopy this Thursday. I want my bf to be allowed to sit with me and hold my hand. I have not even bothered to ask the NHS hospital whether this will be okay as I know they will say no, which will then cause me further stress and anxiety. As you say, I have now opted to have sedation for this procedure but feel that if my BF was allowed in, I would choose differently - or at the very least I would feel safer, less anxious and more in control of the situation. I am completely dreading it.

[RyanS]

lele19, thank you for agreeing to sign. The more people that do the more chance the healthcare policies will be looked at. Don't worry too much, you will be fine even though you are anxious now. There is nothing wrong with asking the Dr, even if they do say no. There are some that may agree to this. Definitely speak to your Dr and let him know how you feel. He may advise general anesthetic if you are really anxious. You have the right to ask these questions and they as primary care providers should listen with compassion and understanding. I am sure that your procedure will be fine as it has been done many times before and with the sedation and the great thing is that if they use midazolom you shouldn't actually remember any of it.
My wifes procedure was fine but the stress and anxiety it created was unneeded and for the sake of 20 mins could have been avoided. We would also then not had to spend an additional 2 hours in a room waiting for the sedation to wear off but rather given the bed to someone who needed it.

[nomorepanic]

Here are some links that Ryan wanted to post:



Petition link -


http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/57838

Research links -


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8771421


http://www.nursingtimes.net/are-visi...062983.article


http://med.psu.edu/c/document_librar...groupId=307082


http://www.epmonthly.com/cme/cme-arc...resuscitation/

[RyanS]

In continuing to investigate this, I have tried to find non biased views and studies on this. Ie actively looking for studies on reasons to not allow family members to view or be a part of procedures, however the general result of most studies indicate a positive outcome for all involved when allowing family members to be present or at least presenting patients and family members with the option and allowing them to choose.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...36467913006227
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1203366
http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperDo...&paperID=28494