Family Health Asssement

According to Edelman & Mandle, 2010, the term “family” is defined as a set of interacting individuals who is related by blood, marriage, cohabitation or adoption who interdependently perform relevant functions by fulfilling expected roles. These relevant functions include values and practices the family has on health or family health practice. The term “structure” refers to the organizational characteristics of the family, the sub system and the basic rules that influences interpersonal choices and behaviors in the family (A,Vetne, September, 2001). Family consists of both functional and structural components. Family structure refers to family composition including roles and relationships where as Family function consists of process within the system as information and energy exchange occurs between families and their environment (Edelman & Mandle, 2010).
Structural family therapy refers to a body of theory and practice that approaches individuals in their social and relational context (A.Vetne, 2001). Health care professionals, especially nurses play an important role in promoting health care for the family. Using family focused approach is a priority when providing efficient family care and support. Behavior patterns, beliefs, perceptions and values form the essential components of health assessment when maximum health potential of the individuals is considered by a nurse (Edelman & Mandle, 2010).
Health practice varies from one family to another family and each family has a unique way of health perception, belief, value and cultural practice. Health perception and values are focus on the individual’s perception of their health, health beliefs and values (Edelman & Mandle 2010). Gordon’s 11 health patterns play a vital role in elaborating various types of family health assessment. These patterns form the standardize format for effective family assessment using a systematic approach with emphasis on developmental stage and risk factors. I have completed