Using the family strengths framework for assessment in nursing will be explored in this essay. Concepts covered will include defining family in contemporary Australian society, the family strengths framework and how the framework can be applied to practice as a nurse. Wright and Leahey (cited in Barnes & Rowe 2011, p. 5) declared ‘the family is who they say they are’, but defining family for discussion in nursing is much more complex.
Defining family in contemporary society can be challenging with many factors to consider within the context of nursing. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS 2012, np) describes a family as ‘a group of two or more people that are related by blood, marriage (registered or de facto), adoption, step or fostering, …show more content…
Smith and Ford (2013) defines the concept of the family strengths framework as a positive, solution-focused approach to health care, identifying what families are doing well and what they can do to optimise positive health outcomes. Smith and Ford continue by stating that family strengths are ‘the set of relationships and processes that inherently satisfy, support and protect families and family members, especially during times of adversity and change’ (Moore, Whitney & Kinukawa, cited in Smith & Ford 2013, p. 98). Geggie, DeFrain, Hitchcock and Silberberg (cited in Smith & Ford 2013) conducted the Australian Family Strengths Research Project to establish an understanding of the language that Australian’s use when talking about their family strengths. Using this research eight core family strengths were identified; communication, togetherness, sharing activities, affection, support, acceptance, commitment and resilience. The Australian Family Strengths Nursing Assessment Guide, which ‘provides an overview of the types of strengths that indicate resilience and effective family functioning’ (Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service 2014, p. 264) includes a ninth family strength, spiritual wellbeing. The family strengths framework assists nurses in providing family centric care, aiding families to develop positive attitudes towards their capabilities and building trust in their nurse-patient
Defining family in contemporary society can be challenging with many factors to consider within the context of nursing. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS 2012, np) describes a family as ‘a group of two or more people that are related by blood, marriage (registered or de facto), adoption, step or fostering, …show more content…
Smith and Ford (2013) defines the concept of the family strengths framework as a positive, solution-focused approach to health care, identifying what families are doing well and what they can do to optimise positive health outcomes. Smith and Ford continue by stating that family strengths are ‘the set of relationships and processes that inherently satisfy, support and protect families and family members, especially during times of adversity and change’ (Moore, Whitney & Kinukawa, cited in Smith & Ford 2013, p. 98). Geggie, DeFrain, Hitchcock and Silberberg (cited in Smith & Ford 2013) conducted the Australian Family Strengths Research Project to establish an understanding of the language that Australian’s use when talking about their family strengths. Using this research eight core family strengths were identified; communication, togetherness, sharing activities, affection, support, acceptance, commitment and resilience. The Australian Family Strengths Nursing Assessment Guide, which ‘provides an overview of the types of strengths that indicate resilience and effective family functioning’ (Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service 2014, p. 264) includes a ninth family strength, spiritual wellbeing. The family strengths framework assists nurses in providing family centric care, aiding families to develop positive attitudes towards their capabilities and building trust in their nurse-patient