Implementation of a Strengths-Based Nursing Intervention for Supporting Families in Acute Care Settings: Perspectives of Family Members and Nurses

Abstract

Aim To evaluate changes in family members´ perceived support and family nursing practice following the implementation of a nurse-led family strengths-based intervention in adult intensive care units. Design This was an implementation study that utilised a single-group pre-post-test quasi-experimental design. Methods The intervention involved three elements: assessment of family strengths, development of family strengths, and feedback. To support the delivery of the intervention, the intervention and supporting information was manualized. The Icelandic Family Perceived Support Scale and the Family Nursing Practice Scale were administered to family members (n = 34) and nurses (n = 30) respectively. Study outcomes were measured at baseline (T_O) and immediately after the intervention (T₁). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a repeated measures-MANOVA. Results family members´ perspectives on family support (emotional and cognitive support) improved after implementing the intervention. Improvements were also observed in nurses´ practice skills appraisal scores but not in nurse-family relationship scores. Conclusion The nurse-led family intervention implemented in intensive care settings can be a valuable tool for supporting families and nurses´ skills of working with families during the trajectory of care. Further research is needed to explore the intervention´s comparative effectiveness in diverse contexts using larger samples and randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods. Impact: Family strengths can be leveraged when designing approaches aimed at providing emotional and cognitive support to family members during the trajectory of care in acute care settings. The intervention framework based on Strengths-Based Nursing is an insightful way to facilitate nurse-family interaction and a way to enhance nurses´ practice skills of working with families. Patient or Public Contribution: The elements of the intervention tested in this study were directly informed by the experiences of patients´ family members. Patients´ family members were also consulted during the design stage of the intervention.