A view on childhood and Family life
Childhood and family life are two areas that play a significant role in the general well being of human beings. Healthy living within families both for the children and adults contributes to a healthier society. There has been an increase in focus on the wellbeing of the children and family within as well as outside the healthcare system. Nursing and treatment of children now mainly takes place in separate facilities from those that serve adults. It is out of recognition that the two groups have different diverse needs and quality of care.
Health care has become more family-centered even within pediatric settings. Pediatricians are increasingly encouraging parents to become partners in the care with health professionals helping to minimize adverse effects of illnesses or hospitalization of children who require attention. Many facilities now offer open visiting arrangements and resident facilities when they can.
Importance of Pediatric Healthcare
It is common for children to get injuries or contract infections. Pediatrics deal with health issues that range from minor illness such as common colds, broken bones, cuts, burns and chronic diseases. They may make diagnoses of diseases or injuries by considering symptoms and other data. Many pediatricians are now directing efforts at promoting the health of children by attending to particular needs in a practice setting on their basis. It includes providing medical care at their homes. Combining personal interests and commitments by the community and pediatricians is an approach that contributes to improved quality of healthcare.
The primary threat to the health of the children are the problems that one model cannot address adequately on its own. The problems include:
- High infant mortality rate
- Children with chronic health care needs
- Extreme injuries
- Obesity
- Substance abuse
- Exposure to environmental hazards
- Mental health conditions
- Family dysfunctions
- Inappropriate care and experience
Those who take care of children health needs must work in partnership with others, or their efforts will not attain much success.
Family-centered Healthcare
Family healthcare is an essential part of primary care for patients of all ages ranging from infants to geriatric age patients.
Family oriented care begins with the pediatric care of the children from infancy till they reach adulthood. At this age, pediatric nurses play an essential role in giving immunizations, developmental screenings and treating frequent illnesses such as tonsillitis or chicken pox. They work closely with pediatricians, family doctors, and other nurses to provide critical or preventive care. Pediatric care contributes to health in the family as the healthcare personnel teaches members including parents in preventing childhood diseases, nutrition for growth as well as development.
Providers of family healthcare assess the health of the whole family to identify the risk factors and health problems. They also participate in developing interventions to address various health concerns and implement interventions that improve the health of individuals as well as families. Family nurses play an essential role in working with patients through the whole life cycle. It helps to foster a stronger relationship between patients and healthcare providers.
Family nursing is patient-centered to a small extent, but more focus is on the care of family units. It also takes a team approach towards healthcare, but since physicians cannot be everywhere, nurses perform many duties. Their educational background provides them with the skills to write prescriptions after checking the diagnoses. The, however, need more skills and a broader base of knowledge if they are to take care of their patients in the same way as physicians. Family health service is available in various settings including:
- Clinics
- Private offices
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Hospice centers
- Homes
Focus on childhood and family in health care is essential because, in addition to treatment, it helps to determine the history and anticipate if the members are at the risk of contracting particular diseases due to a trail of similar cases in the past.
