[Analysis of the concept of family nursing. Family systems nursing and family-centered nursing as closely related concepts].

Abstract

The article analyses the concept of family nursing, which is defined and described by reference to its key characteristics (e.g. Rodgers 1989, Meleis 1991). Other, closely related and to some extent even substitutable concepts identified in the article are family systems nursing and family-centered nursing. The broad area of family therapy is excluded from the discussion since the purpose is to concentrate on the nursing of healthy families. Family nursing is defined in three different ways depending on the place and the role of the family on practical nursing: family as a context, as a sum of its parts and as a client. Concept of family-centered nursing is included in these three levels, but also levels minimal emphasis on family and family therapy, which are not included in the concept of family nursing. However, it is concluded that the two concepts can be regarded as closely related. Family systems nursing can be regarded either as one sub-concept to family nursing and family-centered nursing or as a kindred concept. It is suggested that a serious debate should be started in Finland on these concepts and that research should be undertaken in different nursing situations to find out how these concepts occur in reality.