Family assessment in an oncology setting

Nurses who care for oncology patients are in a unique position to observe and assess how the family is managing this stressful experience. Families under stress can create obstacles to delivering optimal nursing care, resulting in feelings of powerlessness on the part of the nurse. This article proposes a family life-cycle framework for assessing families. The concept of centripetal and centrifugal modes constructively links the illness life cycle to the individual and family life cycles. Recommended psychosocial interventions using this model are addressed.