It is important to note that the traditional approach in healthcare is individual-based, where each patient is considered and observed as a single and isolated system with the intention of working internally on a person’s health. However, one should be aware that human beings are social creatures, where their social environment and interactions can significantly contribute to people’s health systems. In other words, a person’s closest circle, primarily family, is a major factor, which cannot be underestimated or dismissed entirely since the main nursing goal is to apply enhanced practices to ensure improvements in patients’ quality of life as well as health. In addition, the family theory is implemented and utilized by assessing dynamic and intricate interactions between members of a family with the intention of describing and analyzing a wide range of factors of relationship-related behaviors and relevant health system responses (Kaakinen et al., 2018). For example, family theory can operate to understand and improve relationships between children and their parents since both parties can have a direct and indirect impact on their health and quality of life.
Family theory, if implemented correctly, is designed to improve and enhance nursing care by not only focusing on a patient as an isolated and individual entity but rather factor in influences being made by and on family members. It should also be noted that family theory can be considered as a cornerstone nursing framework in a family nursing practice since intricate connections and dynamics between each member can dictate whether minor or drastic changes need to be integrated into the current approach. However, the theory should not alter the fundamental principles of patient-centered and evidence-based care since each patient still remains at the center of the framework.
Reference
Kaakinen, J. R., Coehlo, D. P., Steele, R., & Robinson, M. (2018). Family health care nursing: Theory, practice, and research. F.A. Davis Company.