Family routines and rituals in the context of chronic conditions: A review

Abstract

This paper is a systematic review of 39 empirical studies on family routines and rituals in the context of a chronic condition of a family member. The search strategy encompassed a wide spectrum of chronic conditions affecting family members from childhood/adolescence to adulthood. Twenty quantitative, 13 qualitative, 3 mixed-methods, and 3 intervention studies published between 1995 and 2012 were reviewed. A conceptual framework of routines and rituals as key elements of family health was adopted, resulting in three main findings. First, a chronic condition in a family member impacted the frequency and nature of family's routines and rituals. Second, these whole-family interactions held important functions for individuals and families, constituting strategic resources in the condition's management and opportunities for emotional support exchanges, and providing the family with a sense of normalcy amid the challenges posed by chronic conditions. Third, family routines and rituals were linked to positive health and adaptation outcomes for both patients and family members. Implications for future research include the need for the distinction between routines and rituals against a conceptual background, use of validated assessment methods, and empirical examination of predictors of changes in routines and rituals throughout the course of the condition and of the mechanisms linking these family events to positive outcomes. Conclusions support the inclusion of routines and rituals in a family-centered care approach to the understanding and treatment of chronic conditions.

Elaboração de plano de cuidados como diferencial na prática assistencial ao hipertenso

“…They also must elaborate care plans directed to families of patients, who are a source of support and help for those with a chronic conditions. (7,20) In this perspective, a study carried out in Nigeria among 2,000 individuals with hypertension showed that the most common source of medical information for approximately 60.0% of interviewers were members of the family, friends and social group of trust; physicians, nurses and other health workers were mentioned as the main providers of information and knowledge about the disease and its treatment for only about 9.0% of individuals. (21) A meta-analysis including controlled studies from China showed that health education with family support -the most commonly used intervention -were, in general, an indispensable component of patient self-management and a trigger for better control of hypertension and, in turn, better quality of life with the disease and its treatment.…”

“…Considering that family experience is directly related to confrontation of chronic conditions by the individual, we emphasize that insertion of family in care planning and its implementation can contribute to improve control from the perspective of a sick individual, and also how the disease and management of treatment are significant and experienced in terms of the family dynamics. (7) Therefore, we highlight, on the basis of the literature, that motivation linked to individuals changing can work better when it is based on a plan of goals for self-care, especially when health professionals act as partners for elaboration, accompanying and supporting a plan to solve or reduce barriers experienced by individuals with chronic conditions. (8) In addition, we presuppose that elaboration of care plans can result in differences in care for those with hypertension.…”

Siblings of a Child with a Serious Disease: Educational Family Guidelines for Developing the Emotional Health of This Minority Group

“…Quite often the healthy siblings do not outwardly express their suffering; one can hardly confess his suffering to his parents if they're never around. Of course these parents are frequently absent from home because they are with doctors or at the hospital with their sick child, so they are victims of their own feelings [10].…”

A importância do uso do genograma para compreensão da dinâmica familiar

“…This way, it is up to the student to focus his training on a biopsychosocial model centered on a multiprofessional team to execute an efficient care plan. 13 The application of instruments of family approach was of great importance to increase the knowledge and validate it as a resource in the bond with patient -his family, friends, relationships with people and with the community, with his religion and with the FHU.…”