About Family-Centered Care

Family-centered care continues to emerge in the field of medicine, particularly in pediatric care. "In pediatrics, patient- and family-centered care is based on the understanding that the family is the child's primary source of strength and support. Further, this approach to care recognizes that the perspectives and information provided by families, children, and young adults are essential components of high-quality clinical decision-making, and that patients and family are integral partners with the health care team."¹ The effects of separating patients from those who know them best - their families and friends - has long been recognized as having an adverse effect on recovery. Because each family is unique, they enter the journey into healthcare with different personalities, cultures, religions, beliefs and educational levels. Family-centered care bridges the communication divide between patient and healthcare provider. Being in consistent, close proximity to patients has been proven to help speed recovery, lower costs due to emotional and other stressors that accompany illness, increase communication between patient, family and healthcare provider, which lowers risks of infections, other complications and hospital re-admissions.

¹Policy Statement, Patient- and Family-Centered Care and the Pediatrician's Role, (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012), Page 1