The Meaning of Family Nursing Intervention: What Do Acute Care Nurses Think?

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-31-2014

Abstract

Understanding the concept of family nursing intervention from the perspective of practicing nurses is essential for implementing a family-centered approach in the acute care context. Data from this qualitative study were analyzed using a colloquial concept analysis method derived from Rodgers' evolutionary theory. Five main attributes of family nursing interventions were identified. Family nursing interventions were viewed as a time-limited, collaborative process, initiated and/or facilitated by nurses and directed at either the individual or the family to solve problems. The antecedents of family nursing interventions were "family assessment," "the presence of a family-related problem," "willingness to participate (provider and family)" and a "supportive organizational structure." The most common consequences (outcomes) were identified as positive (good) or negative (bad) individual or family-related out-comes following a family nursing intervention. The analysis suggests that family nursing interventions are essential but variable in nature within nursing practice. In addition, the analysis implies a need for further inquiry in diverse settings to define the concept and test relationships between the antecedents and outcomes to advance nurses' translational knowledge of culturally appropriate family nursing interventions.

DOI

10.1891/1541-6577.29.2.125

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