Supporting Families and Carers: A Nursing Perspective / Edition 1

by Mary E. Braine, Julie Wray

Overview

Understanding the perspective of carers is an essential aspect of nursing. Supporting Families and Carers: A Nursing Perspective offers insights into the fundamental principles of caring for families and carers irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality or religion.

This book discusses the concepts and theories that underpin our understanding of the behaviours and feelings that families and caregivers may experience. While the book covers theoretical dimensions to understand the caregiving experience, it also provides practical perspectives for nursing and is a unique resource to inform nursing practice and learning at all levels.

The book covers topics such as the stress process, stressors and how they relate to caregiving as well as actions and resources to help alter stressful situations. Interventions discussed include training and education programs, problem-solving skills, information technology–based support and formal approaches to planning care that take into account the specific needs of carers.

Carers are a central aspect of contemporary health services, and working with carers is fundamental to the delivery of high-quality person- and family-centred nursing care. This invaluable resource helps nurses to work effectively in partnership with patients and their carers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498706704
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/07/2016
Pages:	204
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Mary E. Braine, D.Prof, MSc, PGCHE, BSc (Hons), Diploma in Nursing (London), RN, senior lecturer, School of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and Social Science, University of Salford, UK

Julie Wray, PhD, MSc, PGCHE, RN, RM, ONC, senior lecturer/user and carer lead, School of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and Social Science, University of Salford, UK

Table of Contents

Context of the Carer. The Family. Adjusting and Adapting to Caregiving. Coping Process and Coping Strategies. Impact of Caring on Families and Carers. Providing Support and Interventions for Families and Carers. Working with Families and Carers.

Editorial Reviews

"It takes a wide brush stroke across many key issues in caregiving, with a solid background in concept and theory application of family, coping, loss, stress, and resilience. A significant strength of the book is its "Thinking Box"—a set of questions for readers to pause and consider in understanding the possible meanings of or applications to situations. Other strengths are its key points, stories, and straightforward presentation of theory. It is an easy read for those unfamiliar with family caregiving and hits the prominent components of family caregiving. With this title, instructors will have ready tools built in for further exploration. This work is a good reference to lead graduate students to seek new discoveries … Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals" – Choice

From the Publisher

Reviewer: Sonja J Meiers, PhD, MS, PHN (Winona State University)
Description: This book offers insights into the principles of caring for families and other carers of persons in our communities who need assistance regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, or religion so that nurses can understand and support families and caregivers in their role as carers.
Purpose: The authors specifically make a case for the importance of nurses attending to the needs of carers (family members, neighbors, or friends) as an essential element of holistic and ethical nursing care so that those needing assistance at home and in the community get optimum care. The general assumption is that nurses provide this care in partnership with families. In addition, the authors "disentangle the complexity of family and carer experiences" through the use of a variety of theoretical underpinnings. Particular emphasis is placed on role, stress, coping, loss, and resiliency theories. The authors synthesize literature regarding the effects of caregiving on carers and propose interventions to enhance the capacity of the family for caring. Given the current assumption that families must provide care, these are worthy objectives.
Audience: The authors intend the book for practitioners and learners. However, the messages the book delivers are of value to prelicensure and graduate students as well as clinicians across the continuum of care. Both authors are senior lecturers, doctorally prepared, and have a rich history in contributing to quality of care for families: Dr. Braine in neuroscience nursing and Dr. Wray in midwifery and postnatal care. The authors maintain active research careers and offer service to the discipline directed toward enhancing family care.
Features: The book reviews demographics and societal and health policy in the United Kingdom that create the need for nurses to address the needs of carers. It covers family concepts that influence the context of care and the influence of care on family experiences well. The authors use thinking boxes, case studies, and YouTube videos to engage readers, a welcoming and helpful approach. One shortcoming is the overreliance on family social science theories without including family nursing theories.
Assessment: This book is of particular relevance in the U.K. for moving care toward a holistic approach that includes the family. The book is well written and the key points and summaries at each chapter end are helpful, making it useful for education and practice. References are current and broad, with the exception of family nursing theories. For instance, missing from the references are the Calgary Family Assessment and Intervention Model (Wright & Leahey, 2009), the Illness Beliefs Model (Wright & Bell, 2009), and the Family Management Style Framework (Knafl & Deatrick, 2006). However, the book is quite useful in the way readers can concurrently read the research underlying the central family concepts addressed.

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