Familiezorg

Within the research line Family Care, we aim to contribute to the development of a more systemic approach to care situations. Using applied scientific research, we seek to gain insight into the effects of Family Care on the health and well-being of families. Based on these insights, we develop interventions that offer the support families need to keep going, and at the same time, remain healthy.

Family Care means family members taking care of each other! The transition from a welfare state to a participatory society is in full swing: there is increasing reliance on help and support from family members in the care for loved ones. This development has major consequences for families and family relationships. The risks and effects are becoming clear: the overburdening of informal carers has become an important societal issue.

Families need recognition for their role and their concerns, and they need support in carrying out their responsibilities as a family unit. To be able to offer this support, we must discover and understand the ‘unique family story’ and the way families function.

Intervention: Het Familiegesprek

Het Familiegesprek is an intervention developed on the basis of practice-oriented research within our research line. In this conversation format, a nurse invites the family to have a conversation together about the care situation. During the conversation, it becomes clear who belongs to the family, what everyone’s concerns and experiences are, and how the mutual cooperation is going. Together, they explore what an appropriate and shared goal for the care is, and concrete agreements are made to achieve that goal. This method has proven to be effective. The patient, their loved ones, and the nurse all experience greater clarity, connection and control.

Het Familiegesprek has now been scaled up at Hanze into a training course for care professionals. The training course is in Dutch. During this training, you develop the competences needed to engage in good, respectful conversations with families, so that optimal collaboration can take place and the balance between burden and resilience within the family is strengthened.

Click here for more information on the (Dutch) training course Het Familiegesprek

Curious about how we collaborate internationally on research into Family Care?

Take a look at our Strategic Direction Statement to learn more about FAME-RN’s shared ambitions. You can also browse our list of publications for an overview of recent academic contributions.