Factors Predicting Older Patients′ Family Involvement by Nursing Staff in Hospitals: The View of Hospital Nurses in Israel

Abstract

According to the family-centered approach, the involvement of family in the care of hospitalized older patients is a crucial element of quality care. Active involvement of family in care by the nursing staff depends on different factors, including attitudes towards the importance of family in the care and perception of the interactions with the family. This study aims to identify the factors predicting staff behavior of involving the family in the care process. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 179 nursing staff at a hospital, using a self-report questionnaire examining staff attitudes towards the importance of family in care, the perception of the interactions with the family (family behavior, communication and conflicts), and staff behavior toward family involvement. The findings point out the importance that staff attitudes have on their behavior in the active involvement of family in the care of older patients. Staff behavior of family involvement was predicted by their perceptions of the family (as conversational partners and having their own resources), less conflicts with the family, and staff academic education. Staff behavior toward family is influenced by their attitude and staff–family relationships. Educational programs should emphasize the importance of family, as well as dealing with conflicts.