Paper: Developing a Family and Patient-Centered Care Model for Diverse Populations (40th Biennial Convention (October 31st- November 4th, 2009))

Monday, November 2, 2009: 3:30 PM

Patricia A. Brown, DNP, APN-BC, CCRN
Nursing Administration, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL

Learning Objective 1: describe the relationship between families and improved patient outcomes.

Learning Objective 2: discuss the development of a family and patient-centered model.

The importance of the family in the care of patients has been recognized as beneficial in pediatric and community nursing practice, but has received mixed acceptance in other settings. As a result, poor communication and wariness between nursing, physicians and family members may occur. Needs of the patient and family may go unmet and care may be compromised. A lack of trust and connection between all involved can also lead to dissatisfaction with the healthcare experience.

While the needs of families in the critical care setting have been well documented in the literature, few studies have involved an interdisciplinary approach to communicating, educating, and involving culturally diverse families in different aspects of patient care. The Family Access Model of Care (FAM-Care^©) was developed as the foundation for family and patient-centered care at a large metropolitan academic medical center in the Midwest. The model describes how trust and a sense of connectedness take place when the family and healthcare team work together in the best interest of the patient. Key elements of the model include a two-way flow of communication, information, openness and accessibility between the family and team, with the nurse serving as gatekeeper and coordinator of patient care. The process for model development and integration into practice will be discussed.

See more of: Diversity and Clinical Judgment
See more of: Oral Paper & Poster: Clinical Sessions