A Multisite Study of Health Professionals’ Perceptions and Practices of Family-Centered Care

Abstract

Family-centered care (FCC) has been promoted as the optimal philosophy for children and families in their interactions with health professionals. Furthermore, FCC is a health care delivery model that seeks to fully involve families in the care of children through an approach that is respectful and supportive. This multisite survey was undertaken to determine the differences in health professionals’ perceptions and practices of FCC and to examine factors that influence those perceptions and practices. Findings revealed that although advances have been made in recognizing the key elements of FCC, difficulties remain in implementing these elements. The “dilemma of helping,” the potential lack of interprofessional collaboration, the design of the health care delivery system, as well as the potential lack of continuing education and mentoring programs are proposed as explanations for these findings.