Nursing Care of the Family with a Chronically III, Hospitalized Child: An Alternative Approach

Abstract

Although nurses successfully employ family crisis intervention strategies when caring for pediatric in-patients, this approach may be counterproductive with families of a chronically ill, hospitalized child. During an admission to an acute care facility these families, if previous levels of functioning have been adequate, may be able to function well despite the stress that all families experience under such circumstances. This article explores an alternative framework for assessing families who are coping simultaneously with a chronic pediatric condition and an acute medical problem. An assessment model based on Miller's 1983 work was developed; it focuses on families' response to long-term health problems and successful adaptation. A clinical case is presented and analyzed using relevant theoretical and research literature. Nursing interventions with both family and staff are included in this presentation.