Patient and family-centered care for children: A concept analysis

Background: Family-centered care has evolved into patient and family-centered care.
Although this is not a new concept; however, its application to nursing practice is very
challenging among nurses due to its ambiguity.
Objective: This study aimed to clarify the concept of patient and family-centered care for
children.
Methods: Walker and Avant’s concept analysis method was used. A literature search was
also done using the following databases: Google Scholar, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and
Scopus, for articles published from 2011 to 2021.
Results: The defining attributes of patient and family-centered care are partnership,
communication, respect, and compassion. Antecedents include patient and family
involvement, readiness to collaborate and participate, competency and desire of the care
professional team, supportive environment, and policies. Consequences of the patient and
family-centered care include improved child outcomes and quality of life, promotion of patient
safety, increased patient and family satisfaction, enhancement of humanistic values, reduction
of hospitalization cost and length of stay, and decreased stress, anxiety, and depression in
family members.
Conclusion: Four attributes of patient and family-centered care, its antecedents, and
consequences may aid researchers in better understanding the concept and its application in
nursing practice. This concept can also be used to establish quality care delivery strategies
and promote professional relationships between nurses, patients, and families in clinical
settings.