Family Systems Care ‒ Expert consensus on ethics behind committed practice

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Healthcare Ethics
• Family Systems Theory

Background:

• Ethical challenges are common in healthcare professional (HCP)-family interactions.
• Existing models offer practical guidance but often lack explicit ethical theory grounding.
• Family Systems Care (FSC) requires deeper understanding of underlying ethical frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the ethical underpinnings of Family Systems Care (FSC).
• To explore the basis of FSC in virtue ethics, deontology, and teleology.
• To identify how ethical theories inform practice in challenging family care situations.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative expert consensus study.
• Involved two focus groups, a Delphi group, and an expert panel.
• 23 FSC professionals (nurses, midwives, GP) participated.

Main Results:

• Participants recognized classical virtues (faith, fortitude, hope, caritas) as crucial in FSC.
• Virtues guide HCPs and empower families to find strength during suffering.
• Integration of deontology and teleology is key for balancing well-being and fostering relationships.

Conclusions:

• Virtue ethics, deontology, and teleology are vital for HCP moral reasoning in FSC.
• Respect and appreciation are essential for maintaining trust with families.
• Integrating ethical theories enhances HCPs' ability to provide compassionate and dignified care.