Family treatment in the health setting: the need for innovation

While the important role families play vis-à-vis illness is generally recognized, there are relatively few clinical encounters with entire families reported by social workers in health settings. Some of the possible explanations for this are examined, with a recommendation for the design of interventions based on a family systems perspective. Two areas requiring further investigation are highlighted: the element of uncertainty which confronts families coping with chronic life-threatening illness and the impact of serious illness on children. By conceptualizing new ways to help families adapt, social workers can make a significant contribution clinically and reaffirm their position in this domain.