The Family Health System Approach to Family Systems Nursing

Abstract

This article explores the Family Health System (FHS) approach, which offers a holistic perspective in examination, assessment, and care delivery for families. It demonstrates that other theoretical models can be integrated to offer family systems nursing in comprehensive assessment and care delivery to families with health issues. Two phenomena are described: the assessment of families using the FHS approach to determine areas of concern and strengths according to the five realms of family health, and the development of a nursing care plan documenting family outcomes and family nursing interventions. The goals of this methodology include improved family health or well-being, family management of illness conditions or transitions, and achievement of health outcomes related to the family areas of concern. A case example is presented to demonstrate the FHS approach to advanced practice family nursing care.