Differences between family-oriented and family-focused nursing care
Family-oriented care directly relates to the concept of family pediatrics, the main purpose of which is extending the responsibilities of a pediatrician to a variety of areas. The responsibilities may include screening and assessment, as well as the further referral of the child to other professionals as to physical and emotional problems that can consequently impact the child’s overall well-being. The concept of family-oriented care was created to exist in harmony with the notion of family-focused care (Pettoello-Mantovani, Campanozzi, Maiuri, & Giardino, 2009).
Family-focused (family-centered) care is the term that was initially created in developed countries with high levels of healthcare. Its emergence was associated with increased social awareness, focusing predominantly on the social and developmental needs of a child and the importance of the family in ensuring his or her overall well-being.
Some may see no difference between family-oriented and family-focused nursing care and regard these notions as synonymous. Even though they do not bear completely different meanings, it is important to differentiate them. As to historical significance, family-focused care emerged from the concept of Medical Home, which constituted an entire approach towards providing patients with high-quality healthcare services. Therefore, family-focused care is accessible to families, compassionate, as well as attentive to cultural peculiarities (Pettoello-Mantovani et al., 2009).
On the other hand, family-oriented care is a much more specific notion, which is associated with the provision of effective healthcare policies, programs, and everyday interactions between the care providers, families, and patients. It is important to mention that family-oriented and family-focused nursing care can only be effective when the community recognizes the importance of family in promoting health and well-being for children.
Community-based services in the promotion of health for families
The community can also play a significant role in promoting the health and well-being of many members of society, especially children. While children benefit from traditional healthcare services, there is also great support available on the part of the community. For example, community-based services include housing, employment for parents, treatment from substance abuse, assistance in learning a second language, as well as other services such as family support or respite care (Bright Futures, 2008).
Therefore, community-based services encompass a range of areas varying from language learning to oral health. By providing families in need with appropriate services, the community will contribute to the overall well-being of all levels of the society, establishing high standards for support, guidance, and mutual understanding. Furthermore, creating a comfortable environment for children to develop is one of the key components of a healthy and prosperous community.
Community-based services go hand-in-hand with family-centered care. When a child develops within a community that promotes a healthy lifestyle and provides appropriate accommodations to all members, there is a great chance that the child will become a balanced individual with a high level of awareness about his or her well-being. Community-based services are designed to help families improve their health status or better adapt in society.
For example, community-based services may include language learning courses for foreign members of the community. Since language differences may greatly limit the provision of quality care services, offering some members of the community an opportunity to learn a second language and increase communication skills may be of great benefit (Bright Futures, 2008). Therefore, family-centered care goes along with community-based services and work with them in unison.
References
Bright Futures. (2008). Promoting community relationships and resources. Web.
Pettoello-Mantovani, M., Campanozzi, A., Maiuri, L., & Giardino, I. (2009). Family-oriented and family-centered care in pediatrics. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 35(12), 1-11.