Education and Ethics In Nursing ISSN: 2322-5300

Family-Centered Care in Nursing: A Narrative Review of Approaches and Clinical Outcomes

https://doi.org/10.22034/ethic.2026.2092262.1235
Volume 15, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 168-183
Education and Ethics In Nursing ISSN: 2322-5300

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Akbar Javadi 1
Tahereh Toulabi 2
khadijeh Heydarizadeh 3

1 PhD Candidate in Nursing, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Nursing, Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.

Abstract
Background: Family-centered care (FCC) is recognized as a fundamental approach in healthcare systems, emphasizing respect for family values, transparent information sharing, shared decision-making, and family empowerment. With the growing prevalence of chronic and complex diseases, the family's role as an essential partner in the care process has become increasingly important. Despite the expanding body of evidence, a comprehensive synthesis of theoretical approaches, interventions, and clinical outcomes of family-centered care in nursing remains necessary.
Methods: This narrative review was conducted to examine the theoretical approaches and clinical outcomes of family-centered care in nursing. A systematic search was performed in international databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) and Persian databases (SID, Magiran, and IranDoc) without time restriction through 2025. Of the 1,127 records initially identified, 31 studies, including systematic reviews, clinical trials, qualitative, conceptual, and methodological studies, met the inclusion criteria. Data were systematically extracted and synthesized using thematic analysis.
Results: The findings demonstrated that family-centered care has been implemented through diverse theoretical and practical approaches across different populations, including older adults, patients with chronic diseases, critically ill patients, children, and neonates. These approaches were associated with improved quality of life, reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced treatment adherence, strengthened family participation, improved communication between healthcare professionals and families, greater patient safety, and stronger parent–child bonding. Emerging innovations, including Family Integrated Care (FICare), mobile FICare (mFICare), telemedicine, and validated family-centered assessment instruments, have expanded the applicability of this approach. However, implementation remains challenged by organizational constraints, heavy nursing workload, limited resources, restrictive institutional policies, cultural barriers, and the lack of standardized outcome measures. Organizational support, evidence-based nursing education, effective communication, and active family engagement were identified as major facilitators.
Conclusion: Family-centered care is not only an ethical philosophy but also an evidence-based clinical strategy that improves patient, family, and healthcare outcomes. Successful implementation requires organizational commitment, standardized outcome measurement, culturally sensitive practice, equitable access to care, and continuous support for meaningful family participation in healthcare decision-making.

Keywords

Family-centered care
Nursing
Family empowerment
Clinical outcomes
Quality of life
Subjects
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