Family functioning evaluated by family members of older patients and nurses in emergency departments

Abstract

The functioning of families in emergency departments (EDs) encompasses the level at which the families of older patients perform as a whole during the ED stay. Currently, little is known about how the families of older patients function in EDs. In this study, family functioning included the subareas of family strengths, structural factors and relationships both inside and outside the family. The study aimed to describe family functioning in EDs as evaluated by both the family members (n = 111) of older patients and nurses (n = 93). The data were collected from four Estonian hospitals, and the scale used was the Family Functioning, Health and Social Support scale. The results showed that both the family members and nurses evaluated family functioning and all its subareas as being moderate. Family structural factors were found to be associated with the family members' social status. The scores in the subareas were higher when older patients had received help from family members before the ED visit. The family members and nurses differed significantly in the scores they gave for family functioning in general and for all the subareas. No association was found between family functioning as rated by nurses and the families' demographic characteristics. These results suggest that nurses should pay more attention to family functioning in general and to the structural factors within the family, including internal relationships, while older patients are in the ED. Comprehensive knowledge about how families function during an ED stay may help nurses to better meet the needs of older patients and their families and help them to prepare families to provide aftercare at home. Our findings support the idea that healthcare organisation and delivery should be more family centred.

Family Functioning and Optimism as Protective Factors of Life Satisfaction Among Stroke Patients During the COVID-19 Epidemic in Shenyang, China

“…This study found that family functioning was moderately and positively associated with life satisfaction, which confirmed that a higher familial sense of togetherness, familiarity, and satisfaction with family ties contributed to improved psychological wellbeing for stroke patients when they faced a public health emergency ( 21 , 45 ). Most research has shown that people who have stronger familial cohesion and communication have more positive perceived family roles and responsibilities, and thus, higher life satisfaction ( 46 , 47 ).…”

Readmission is experienced as inevitable among older adults receiving homecare: A qualitative interview study

“…Furthermore, the participants who lived alone described feeling insecure and anxious when home alone and were concerned about being unable to call for help due to acute illness. Demidenko et al described how essential it is for health professionals working in an ED to know the level of support and understand a family's functioning [39]. Living alone and weak social relationships are associated with a higher risk and frequency of unplanned hospitalisation among older adults [40,41].…”

What are the needs and preferences of patients and family members discharged from the emergency department within 24 hours? A qualitative study towards a family-centred approach

“…13 14 However, research on the needs of family members involved in short visits to EDs is sparse or focuses on elderly patients. 15 16 To date, little is known of how patients and families experience short-term stays in the ED and what needs and preferences they have. 17 18 In the interest of organising and practising tailored care, it is essential to explore the needs and preferences of patients and their family members to ensure that the care provided is valuable.…”