Working with families in long-term care

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Family Medicine
• Healthcare Communication

Background:

• Effective family communication is crucial for improving clinical processes and outcomes in long-term care settings.
• Clinicians often face challenges, including skill deficits and discomfort with negative emotions, hindering effective family communication.
• Existing theoretical models can provide a framework to address these communication barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present theoretical models for understanding family adaptation and improving clinician-family communication in long-term care.
• To guide clinicians in organizing and conducting effective family meetings.
• To offer strategies for conflict management and emphasize the role of the interdisciplinary team.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Pearlin Stress Process Model to understand family adaptation to long-term care.
• Incorporated Structural Family Systems Theory to identify family characteristics influencing communication.
• Applied the Levels of Physician Involvement model to structure family meetings.
• Used clinical case vignettes for practical application.

Main Results:

• The Pearlin Stress Process Model provides a framework for analyzing family adaptation, with family function as a key variable.
• Structural Family Systems Theory aids in recognizing communication-impacting family characteristics.
• A stepwise process for family meetings, informed by physician involvement levels, is proposed.
• Strategies for conflict management and interdisciplinary team collaboration are outlined.

Conclusions:

• Theoretical models can equip long-term care clinicians with skills to overcome communication barriers with families.
• Structured approaches to family meetings and conflict management enhance the care process.
• The interdisciplinary team plays a vital role in supporting effective family care in long-term settings.