Promoting Family Involvement Research Articles

Parental Perspectives on Transition to Kindergarten Videos to Promote Family Involvement

Video is one way to promote, and help families understand, the transition to kindergarten. The present study explored the experiences of parents with transition-to-kindergarten videos. Four videos, in English and Spanish with accompanying information sheets in English and Spanish, targeted parents for transitioning to kindergarten. There were a total of 141 parents in the six classrooms that could have received the videos and information sheets. Findings indicate that the quality of the videos was rated positively and that parents had positive experiences viewing the videos. Parents reported that the videos provided general information about the transition to kindergarten, provided examples of activities they could do to help their child transition to kindergarten, and promoted parents’ understanding of child development. Findings are discussed in light of implications for researchers advancing technology tools and family involvement.

WhatApps groups in families of Preschool and Primary Education

The main objectives of this study were firstly, to know the opinions of the families of the children belonging to Early Childhood Education and Primary Education in the Region of Murcia about the usage of WhatsApp groups for families and teachers; and secondly, to analyze their opinions based on these socio-demographic variables: relationship, age, level of education, school degree, employment status and number of children at the school. To that end, a questionnaire was created consisting of 26 items based on six dimensions (usage, shared content, regulations, permissiveness, involvement/participation and educational resources) and measured against a 1 to 5 scale. The full sample was composed of 134 subjects selected through a convenient nonprobability sampling, since it was applied to those families we had access to. The results indicate that it is not useful in promoting family involvement or as an educational resource to support education, but as a place for parents and teachers to stay connected.

The impact of interventions that promote family involvement in care on adult acute-care wards: An integrative review

BackgroundHealthcare that involves patients and their families in care has been recommended to improve patient safety and quality. With limited direction on care partnerships for adult acute care patients, their families and healthcare teams, there is a need for a review of interventions that have been used to promote family in patient care within adult acute care wards. AimThe aim of this integrative review was to describe interventions that have been used to promote family involvement in patient care within adult acute care wards. MethodElectronic databases of Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane, PubMed, and PsycINFO were searched between 1994 and 2016 using key search terms and word variations ‘family involvement’, ‘family nursing’, family centred care’, family interventions’, ‘family therapies’. Additional literature was sourced from reference lists of relevant original publications. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and Template for Intervention Description and Replication informed study and intervention assessment. FindingsEleven single centered studies were included with interventions designed to improve functional capacity, cognitive function, and communication. Nurses were involved in intervention delivery for six of the 11 interventions. Outcomes of interest included patient outcomes (n=8) and intervention acceptability and feasibility (n=3). Improved patient outcomes were reported for seven studies. Intervention design and implementation were generally poorly described. ConclusionInterventions designed to promote family in patient care on adult acute care wards improved patient outcomes in some instances, however, methodological limitations confound the evidence base for family involvement having a direct and positive impact on patient outcomes. Allowing patients and family members to partner in intervention design may enhance uptake and improve outcomes. Process and economic evaluations should also be included in future studies to allow assessment of clinical feasibility.

요양시설 입소 노인 가족의 가족참여 요구도에 관한 연구

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the expected family involvement of family members of elderly residents in nursing homes. Methods: This study utilized a descriptive design with a survey research method. Data were collected using the Expect Family Involvement Questionnaire Scale, which was completed by 112 family caregivers of older adults in nursing homes in Seoul and Gyeong-gi Province. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Responses to the questionnaire indicated the highest value was recorded for the item, ‘use of a room for family privacy’ with 2.41±0.43 points, followed by the item, ‘staff calling family for advice with resident problems’ with 2.38±0.38 points and ‘education about nursing home programs’ with 2.32±0.42 points. Conclusion: In order to promote family involvement in long-term care facilities, various approaches, interventions, and government supports with the respective of the family are required. The nursing home placement process should include understanding discuss on the importance of the role of family, and should help promote positive relationships between the elderly residents and their families. Staffs and administrators of nursing home are to consider the family as a partner rather than visitor.

Family involvement in emergency department discharge education for older people.

To report findings concerning family involvement in emergency department discharge education for older people. The current trend of population ageing in Western countries has caused an increase in emergency department visits. Due to the continuing improvement in the mental and physical status of older people, they are frequently discharged home. Proper discharge education enables older people and their families to better understand how they can cope with the medical issue at home. Given the lack of research, we know relatively little about the significance of family involvement in older people's emergency department discharge education. A descriptive qualitative design was used. Qualitative thematic interviews of seven older patients, five family members and fifteen nurses were conducted. Data were analysed using content analysis. Family involvement in discharge education was seen as turbulent. The experiences were twofold: family involvement was acknowledged, but there was also a feeling that family members were ostracised. Families were seen as a resource for nurses, but as obliged initiators of their own involvement. Our findings suggest that family members are not considered participants in emergency department care. For a family-friendly approach, actions should be taken on both individual and organisational levels. The findings support healthcare providers and organisation leaders in promoting family involvement in discharge education for older people. Families can be encouraged to be involved without feeling responsible for the interaction.

The effectiveness of interventions to meet family needs of critically ill patients in an adult intensive care unit: a systematic review update.

Attending to the needs of family members of critically ill patients is an important and necessary step in providing appropriate holistic care for both the patient and the family. Family interaction can significantly impact on the experience of critical illness, notwithstanding the challenge of meeting families' needs for many clinicians in the intensive care unit (ICU). Family needs have been extensively researched; however, a previous Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) systematic review was the first published systematic review recommending effective interventions for addressing family needs of critically ill patients in an acute intensive care setting. Since its publication in 2011, additional research findings have been published and it was deemed appropriate to update the original systematic review. This systematic review aims to establish recent best practice in addressing the needs of family members with a relative or loved one admitted to an adult critical care unit. Studies that included family members (including children) of adult patients in an ICU were considered for inclusion in this review. Patients with any clinical condition, length of stay or outcome were included. This review considered interventions that addressed the five previously identified categories of family needs: support - support groups, training in coping strategies and journal or diary writing; assurance - face-to-face meetings and participation in ward rounds; proximity - changes to visitation policies; information - staff and/or family education, handouts and brochures and the use of technology (e.g. SMS messages); and comfort - changes to the ICU physical environment. This review considered any randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of interventions in addressing family needs of critically ill patients in an adult ICU. In the absence of RCTs, other research designs such as quasi-experimental, as well as pre- and post-studies were considered for inclusion in the narrative summary to enable the identification of current approaches and possible future strategies for addressing family needs of critically ill patients. This review considered studies that evaluated outcomes with a validated tool that measured information comprehension, coping mechanisms, anxiety, depression, stress and satisfaction. An extensive search of the major databases was conducted. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, psycINFO, Health source, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects. The original search of this review included published and unpublished studies and articles in English from 1980 to 2010. The updated search identified articles for inclusion from 2010 to 2014. Quantitative articles selected for retrieval were assessed by two independent reviewers for methodological validity prior to inclusion in the review. Any disagreements that arose between the reviewers were resolved through discussion, or with a third reviewer. Data was extracted from the articles included in this review using standardized data extraction tools from the JBI Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument package. The studies included in this review were not suitable for meta-analysis and therefore the results are presented as a narrative summary. Originally, 14 studies and one dissertation met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Of these, 12 were quasi-experimental studies and three were prospective randomized trials. In this current update, 14 new articles were identified for inclusion - one RCT, 10 quasi-experimental studies and three observational studies. The settings were in ICUs in Sweden, USA, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The evidence identified from all studies in the review includes the use of support groups for family members of patients admitted to an ICU, structured communication and/or education programs for family members, the use of leaflets or brochures to meet family information needs, use of a diary, changes in the physical environment and open or more flexible visiting hours. This current update of the original review makes several reiterative and new recommendations for clinical practice to address family needs of patients admitted to a critical care unit; however, the need for significant further research in this area is again highlighted. Future intervention studies focusing on family needs could include the use of technology such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) and SMS (Short Message Service) for informing families and interventions specifically designed to improve family comfort. Communication interventions help promote family involvement in their loved one's care and facilitate their decision-making capacity, as well as improving clinician and family interaction, family comprehension of their loved one's condition and also reduce the development of post-traumatic stress-related symptoms (Grade A). Family satisfaction may be increased with the provision of comfortable physical environments with noise reduction measures (Grade B). More rigorous high-quality studies investigating interventions to meet the needs of family with a relative in ICU are needed. The majority of included studies in this updated review focused on family satisfaction wherein more robust data on family needs would better inform health professionals in their practice.

Roller Skating and Interdisciplinary Physical Education

Today, more than 23 million children and adolescents are obese or overweight in the United States. Physical educators strive to find appropriate, yet fun activities to encourage and increase physical activity. Introducing students to a variety of activities can promote family involvement in physical activity and create lifelong physical activity habits in children outside of school. Activities of mutual interest (such as roller skating) for girls and boys presented in a coeducational setting can accomplish these goals. Roller skating can be fun and can provide health-related fitness benefits. A roller skating curriculum may spark interest in lifelong physical activity and create an opportunity to incorporate various subject areas such as mathematics, science, health, etc. This article describes an interdisciplinary skating unit that was taught and implemented in a fourth-grade physical education class.

Physiotherapy and patients with osteogenesis imperfecta: an experience report

Introduction Individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) have bone fragility and osteopenia which cause fractures, mobility restriction and pain. Objective This article examines a physiotherapy experience with people diagnosed with OI in an OI reference center of Rio de Janeiro. Materials and methods This was an exploratory qualitative study, based on field notes related to physiotherapy care to 92 patients of both genders with clinical diagnoses of OI, aged between 30 days and 37 years old, during the period 2004–2008. The analysis comprised a reading of the field notes as a corpus, considering them as a means of understanding the subjects’ perspectives. Two different forms of codification were applied — open and focused — followed by semiotic analysis techniques. Results Early encouragement to perform active movements within a safe environment, or even after fractures, reduced articular contractures and enhanced muscular tonus; physiotherapy manipulation facilitated the integration of body perception in relation to movements and responses to tactile-kinesthetic-vestibular stimuli; promoting family involvement, by adopting practical solutions adapted to each patient’s reality, contributed to reduce fear of fractures and allowed the construction of a new functional image. Conclusion Physiotherapy assessment and treatment should be based not only on clinical and neurofunctional elements and technical strategies, but also on a dialogue that includes the multiple dimensions of the patients and their family members, in order to engage them in a learning process to stimulate potentials, abilities and competences.

Correlates of wellness among youth with functional disabilities

BackgroundThe literature is more informative on the impediments to wellness among youth with functional limitations and less instructive on the state of wellness for this population. ObjectiveTo explore overall wellness, and each sub-dimension of wellness, in a national sample of youth with functional limitations and to determine how demographic characteristics are associated with wellness. MethodsUsing a previously validated screening instrument, we identify youth with functional limitations aged 12 to 17 represented in the 2011/12 National Survey of Children's Health. Survey items were coded to operationalize an overall wellness score comprised of four sub-dimensions of wellness (i.e., physical, intellectual, emotional, and social). ResultsThe mean overall wellness score was 26.7 (out of 40) and had an approximate normal distribution. Mean raw scores for each sub-dimension were as follows: social = 2.79 (out of 4; 69.7%); emotional = 4.09 (out of 6; 68.2%); intellectual = 3.79 (out of 8; 47.4%); and physical = 6.30 (out of 8; 78.7%). Lower wellness scores were associated with older age among youth, increasing number of chronic health conditions, lower income, single mother homes, and youth whose mother reported fair or poor mental health status (all p < 0.05). Higher wellness scores were positively associated with mother's education (p < 0.001). ConclusionsProgram planners should consider interventions that target youth with functional limitations shown to be at particular risk for lower overall wellness and promote family involvement and comprehensive supports, including maternal educational attainment, mental health screening, and referral.

Duration of untreated psychosis in a rural/suburban region of Japan

We examined the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and its social and clinical correlates in patients with schizophrenia in a rural/suburban region of Japan. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with first-episode psychosis from 11 hospitals in Kochi Prefecture. There were 108 patients who met the eligibility criteria, and data regarding their DUP and social/clinical variables were collected. The median (mean) DUP of our cohort was 10.5 (34.6) months. Longer DUP was associated with younger age at onset, older age at first consultation, less educational attainment, insidious mode of onset and not being accompanied by another person at first consultation. After adjusting for confounding factors, age at onset, age at first consultation and mode of onset remained significantly and independently associated with DUP. In terms of treatment and response, longer DUP was associated with less antipsychotics prescribed upon first visit, and worse Clinical Global Impression Severity and Improvement scores after 1 year. The patients treated in a rural/suburban region of Japan had a long DUP, and shortening their DUP through promoting family involvement could improve their outcomes.

A quasi-experimental design trial exploring the effect of a partnership intervention on family and staff well-being in long-term dementia care

Objectives: This study sought to explore the effect of the family involvement in care (FIC) intervention on family and staff well-being over a nine-month period in a long-term care (LTC) facility providing dementia care. Method: A quasi-experimental design with randomised allocation of two LTC sites but not the participants was employed. Family caregivers (n = 57) of residents with dementia and staff (n = 59) from two LTC facilities in Queensland, Australia, were recruited. Participants were assessed once pre-intervention and three times post-intervention for knowledge, stress and satisfaction outcomes. Between-group and within-group effects were analysed using ANOVAs at <0.05 level of significance. Pre- and post-intervention interviews from a purposive sample of family caregivers were also conducted to enhance understanding of FIC benefits. Results: Beneficial intervention effects associated with family caregivers’ knowledge of dementia were found (p < 0.001). Negative intervention effects were also found for family satisfaction outcomes in relation to staff consideration of their relatives and management effectiveness (p < 0.05). In addition, staff well-being and job satisfaction were found to be negatively affected by their perceived inappropriate behaviour of residents with dementia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Participation in the FIC intervention improved family caregiver knowledge. The major barrier to the success of the partnership intervention in achieving beneficial long-term psychosocial effects for family and staff caregivers was lack of resources and leadership required to support collaboration between family and staff, mainly due to environment and structural changes. This study contributes to our understanding of the importance of partnerships in promoting family involvement in dementia care.

Family participation in child protection practice: an observational study of family group meetings

ABSTRACTOver the past two decades, child protection authorities internationally have begun to implement models of family participation in child protection decision‐making. Debate exists about the extent to which these models promote family involvement in decision‐making. While a significant body of research on family and professional experience and perceptions of models of family participation in decision‐making has emerged, there has been little observational research of these approaches. In this paper, we report on observational data from 11 family group meetings (FGMs) in a child protection context in Queensland, Australia. Under Queensland child protection law, these meetings are referred to as an inclusive process for child protection decision‐making and planning. We draw on observational data to analyse how family inclusion in child protection decision‐making is facilitated, or limited, by the FGM process. We consider tensions in the realization of a participatory ethos in child protection services systems and discuss what practitioners can practically do to enhance family participation in child protection decision‐making.

Family involvement as a priority element in high school

Family and school are the two main socialising settings of children and adolescents. Their joint responsibility in education is a commitment that should be established in an atmosphere of confidence to tend towards a learning community model. Research works, as those by Pineault (2001), Soler Prats (2002) and Martinez and Alvarez (2006), back that parents' participation in school life has beneficial consequences for the family?school dynamics. In this research, the participation of families in secondary schools is analysed through 1388 questionnaires and 21 interviews, and some elements of reflection and working tools are presented to enhance and promote family involvement.

Family-Based Intervention in Residential Long-Term Care

Family care for older adults is often conceptualized as a 'career,' and one of the key transitions that may occur during the course of caregiving is the placement of an older relative in a residential long-term care facility (most commonly a nursing home). This literature review critiques and synthesizes existing intervention strategies designed to promote family involvement following institutionalization. In particular, two types of family-based interventions are identified that have received scientific evaluations in the literature: group-based and family-staff partnership approaches. Specific studies on each of these types (N= 11) are summarized and critiqued. Key research and practice recommendations are also offered to guide the future evaluation of programs to assist families adapt to the long-term care experience.

Early Childhood Intervention Personnel Preparation

The centerpiece of my vision for personnel preparation is a well paid, well-educated early childhood intervention workforce situated in "learning communities" whereby parents, practitioners, administrators, consultants, and university and community college faculty are mutually accountable for creating quality early environments for children. Personnel preparation is an ongoing part of the fabric of daily work. The driving force behind the content and specific personnel preparation activities is the basic question, "What do we need to know and do to improve the outcomes for all young children?" I suggest that currently we do not have the resources or the policies in place to support such a vision. I further suggest that grassroots public support for early childhood intervention could be achieved through the kind of "learning communities" envisioned in the opening vignette of this article. I suggest that there are three areas where changes are critical in order to create "learning communities": (1) increasing collaboration among multiple partners at multiple levels; (2) attending to diversity issues; and (3) promoting family involvement in personnel preparation. Without a shared vision and commitment to early childhood intervention at the community level, we will continue to operate with a massive gap between what we know from research and how we practice. We know what constitutes an effective personnel preparation system, just like we know what makes an effective early childhood intervention program. The question is can that information be shared in ways that make the need for changes in policies and practices undeniable? It will take a nation of informed "learning communities" to make my vision a reality.

Home Literacy Bags Promote Family Involvement

(1998). Home Literacy Bags Promote Family Involvement. Childhood Education: Vol. 75, No. 2, pp. 71-75.

Promoting family involvement in learning.

Promoting family involvement in learning.

Promoting family involvement in learning.

Promoting family involvement in learning.

Social support and barriers to family involvement in caregiving for persons with AIDS: implications for patient education.

If efforts to promote family involvement in patient education and other caregiving activities for people with AIDS (PWAs) are to be successful, clinicians need information concerning PWAs' family network and the barriers PWAs face in obtaining support. Using data from interviews with 224 PWAs in New York City, we assessed the size and composition of their family network and the self-identified barriers to support. Overall, respondents mentioned having an average of less than two sources of close support. Women relied on children for support more than men did. Male injection drug users and men reporting sex with men relied on friends and traditional family almost equally, while men at risk for HIV via heterosexual contact relied more on traditional family sources. Barriers to support included interpersonal costs, lack of access, lack of acceptance, lack of intimacy, negative interactions and fear of disclosure. Health professionals need to conduct comprehensive network assessments with PWAs in order to determine the full scope of support resources available to each patient. Educational initiatives that provide information about family conflict resolution and the course and transmission of HIV may assist in alleviating these barriers. Clinicians can facilitate family involvement in patient education by addressing the informational needs that are salient to both PWAs' and their family caregivers.

Varicella Encephalitis

Varicella or chickenpox is a common, generally benign contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The high degree of communicability of chickenpox during early childhood (generally 2-8 years of age) can be appreciated by the presence of protective antibodies in 85-90% of children. Although considered to be a mild disease, reported cases of severe and life-threatening complications such as encephalitis have been reported. Treatment involves the use of antiviral agents such as acyclovir. The role of the nurse in the care of the child with varicella encephalitis is to assist a family toward a sense of structure and feeling of helping through prearranged teaching times, structured communication and promoting family involvement in every facet of the child's recovery.