The practice of family presence during resuscitation provides the opportunity to the family members to atend visually and physically with the patient during resuscitation. The concept of family presence during resuscitation empowers the family-centred care philosophy. However, allowing families during resuscitation is controversial among health care providers. Using predeined search terms, a systematic search was carried out on CINAHL, PubMed, Proquest, Meditext, Ebsco and MedLine. Of the references identiied, 35 studies were identiied that met the inclusion criteria. The included studies clearly highlight. The family members revealed a desire to their presence during resuscitation and indicated further beneits of their presence. Health care providers had diferent opinions, some refused the practice indicating that it would be ofensive and may interfere with the treatment. Others believed that it would positively afect patient care and would reassure family that the best care is being provided. Both family members and health care providers showed a need for educational programs and writen policies to facilitate family presence during resuscitation.