Family centred care is a philosophy that respects the important role of the family in a child’s life.
There are four main components of family centred care:
- People are treated with respect and dignity.
- Health care providers communicate and share complete and unbiased information with patients and families in ways that are affirming and useful.
- Individuals and families build on their strengths through participation in experiences that enhance control and collaboration.
- Collaboration among patients, families and providers occurs in policy and program development and professional education, as well as in the delivery of care.
We broadly define the term ‘family’ as people who are connected to a child – biologically, legally or emotionally. Families and children define who is a member of their family. This could be a mom or dad, guardian, grandparent, aunt, brother or sister, or close friend.
At the Stollery Children’s Hospital, families are partners in their child’s care at the bedside or in clinic. By becoming a member of the Stollery Family Centred Care Network, families have chance to work with hospital staff and physicians in other ways, like filling out surveys, reviewing pamphlets and handouts, public speaking at presentations, or serving on committees.
Please visit Alberta Health Services' website here for more information.