What Is Integrating Family Theory

ntegrating the Family Theory into practice is looking at the family dynamics, understanding the patient as a part of the family unit, and the family's ability to comprehend the healthcare system (Hadock, n.d). There are many components of the family that can affect the patients' health. By involving the family in care both the patient and family can see improved patient outcomes (Gruenewald, Gabriel, Rizzo, & Luhrs, 2017). Some of these components include communication, roles in the family, and coping mechanisms (Årestedt, Persson, & Benzein, 2014 & Tomlinson, Peden-McAlpine, & Sherman, 2012). While there are many components that family may play a part in these are key components that one will concentrate on.

One will integrate many different components of the family theory; components that will be integrated are coping, relationship roles, and communication. To help patients cope it would be important to understand the patients and family's belief system. By understanding the patient and family's belief system the NP would be able to help the family and patient cope. It would also be important for the NP to recognize any beliefs that are different between the family and patient because this may cause some stress and need to use coping skills (Årestedt, Persson, & Benzein, 2014 & Tomlinson, Peden-McAlpine, & Sherman, 2012).
If the patient is a parent he/she may not be able to perform his or her roles like normal. If the patient is a child one of the parents may be relied on more than the other making their role in the family change. If a patient or family member is not able to complete their normal role in the family this may cause stress and frustration with family