The evolution of family-centered care

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare models
• History of nursing
• Child development studies

Background:

• Paternalistic nursing practices pre-WWII contrasted with evolving societal expectations for pediatric care.
• The post-World War II era created a social climate receptive to changes in healthcare.
• Shifting social norms influenced the demand for more family-inclusive approaches in children's hospitals.

Observation:

• Family-centered care (FCC) development was influenced by post-World War II socio-cultural changes.
• Research and advocacy by U.S. and UK professionals were pivotal in FCC's emergence.
• The timing of FCC's introduction aligned with societal readiness for reform.

Findings:

• World War II catalyzed the formation of advocacy groups for hospitalized children.
• Pediatric healthcare professionals became more aware of family-oriented practices.
• The development of new care models facilitated the widespread adoption of FCC.

Implications:

• FCC represents a significant paradigm shift from paternalistic to family-inclusive pediatric care.
• Understanding the historical context of FCC informs current best practices in child healthcare.
• The evolution of FCC underscores the impact of societal changes on healthcare delivery models.