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

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 outcomes 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.