The four principles of family-centered care
Patients, family become part of health care team
Family-centered care, a partnership between health care providers, patients, and families in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care, is characterized by four principles according to the Institute for Family-Centered Care in Bethesda, MD, which include:
1. People are treated with dignity and respect.
Health care professionals need to remember that patients are in a vulnerable position and do all they can to make sure the patient maintains his or her dignity in the health care setting, says Rosalie Parrish, MEd, program specialist for family partnerships at the institute. For example, health care professionals should remember to knock before entering the room when a procedure is being done.
Also, once members of the health care team have discussed the options with a patient, they need to respect the patient’s final decision.
2. Health care providers communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful.
Patients and family members as well as health care providers must share all information. One of the ways to do this is to provide patients access to their medical chart. Although not yet widely accepted, in some family-centered practices, patients are also allowed to write in the chart, says Parrish.
"A health care professional can share information; but to actually have open communication, that means accepting information as well," she says.
3. Patients and family members build on their strengths by participating in experiences that enhance control and independence.
If patients and family members are given information, resources are shared, and their choices are respected, it is a lot easier for them to participate in their own care, says Parrish.
This principle most easily is seen in critical care when family members are included in patient care allowed to come and go at their convenience.
4. Collaboration among patients, family members, and providers occurs in policy and program development and professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.
It is essential to include consumers — the people who use the health care services — when shaping policies, evaluating the quality of care or programs, and reviewing health care practices.
For family-centered care to occur, consumers need to be placed on committees as fully active participants. "They aren’t there as token members, but come in with ideas and personal experiences," says Parrish.
Family-centered care, a partnership between health care providers, patients, and families in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care, is characterized by four principles according to the Institute for Family-Centered Care in Bethesda, MD, which include:You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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