Is there a difference between family-centered care and family-focused care?
While both approaches acknowledge involvement with the family as a fundamental element of care, there are key differences. In family-focused care, professionals often provide care from the position of an “expert -” assessing the patient and family, recommending a treatment or intervention and creating a plan for the family to follow. They do things to and for the patient and family, regarding the family as the “unit of intervention.” Family-centered care, by contrast, is characterized by a collaborative approach to caregiving and decision-making. Each party respects the knowledge, skills, and experience that the other brings to health care encounters. The family and health care team collaboratively assess the needs and development of the treatment plan.
