92240 The Family in Health and Illness

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

A lifespan approach is used as the framework in which the stages of family life form the basis for an exploration of key social and health issues and the practice of family-centred nursing care. Psychosocial factors and the family's response to life stressors in both health and illness are discussed using a cross-disciplinary approach. Particular emphasis is given to maternal and infant care and the child-bearing family, issues to do with caring for a person with a developmental disability within the family, and the effect on families of the chronic illness of a family member. A health promotion perspective is used throughout.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. utilise a health promotion focus in their nursing care of the family in health and illness (ANMC competencies: 3.1, 3.2, 6.1, 6.2)
2. appreciate the complexity of the notion of family and family life in contemporary Australian society (ANMC competencies: 2.3, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
3. analyse social, health and illness issues that affect the family as a unit (ANMC competencies: 2.3, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
4. include assessment of the family in their nursing practice (ANMC competencies: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3)
5. appreciate the effects of psychological, social and economic pressures on the family in health and illness (ANMC competencies: 2.3, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
6. apply knowledge of normal processes of pregnancy and birthing to nursing care of the child bearing family (ANMC competencies: 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4).

Content

This subject focuses on four themes related to the family:

• Family development and family assessment
• Health promotion and the family
• The childbearing family and parenting
• Contemporary health and illness issues and challenges in Australian family life.

The subject begins with an exploration of the social construct of 'family' in contemporary Australia and continues with a theoretical examination of family formation, structure and development. Students are introduced to family assessment techniques. The family and its importance for health promotion and maintenance is considered.

The second section of this subject introduces students to the nursing care of the childbearing family using a health promotion perspective. It covers maternal health care during pregnancy and the post-partum period and the nursing care of the neonate and infant.

The third, fourth and fifth sections of this subject deal with some of the social pressures on families that may lead to family dysfunction and breakdown, and the effects of transitions on the family unit. The ability of families to cope with stress and loss is explored.