Family-centered care for hospitalized children aged 0-12 years: a systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract

The foundation for a family-centered approach to pediatric health care is the belief that a child'semotional and developmental needs, and overall family wellbeing are best achieved when the service system supports the ability of the family to meet the needs of their child by involving families in their child’s care. There are a range of potential benefits and difficulties associated with the provision of family centred care, e.g. role negotiation, parental expectations in regard to participation in their child’s care, and issues relating to power and control. Currently, however, there is limited systematic information on how the principles of family-centered care are implemented in the delivery of care to the hospitalized child and their family, and the impact on the family and the health care providers.