ASSISTING FAMILIES THROUGH LIFE TRANSITIONS

Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes PhD, LMHC, CRC, NCC

FLOWER EMPOWER A comprehensive approach The core of the flower is the clinician-family

partnership The stem symbolizes advocacy activities and

policy changes The leaves symbolize vision, values and

principles

PARTS CONT… The petals

Assess family needs Sustain caring environment Identify resources and support Educate

The roots symbolize grounding in Responsibility Resources Respect Results Recognition

* DISCUSSION FORUM * Do you have previous experience

utilizing the Flower Empower method? What would you say are its benefits or drawbacks? Please share your experiences in the discussion forum. Thank you.

CLINICIAN - FAMILY PARTNERSHIP Recognize family assessment of the situation

as essential Respect the important role of family Determine the desired degree of family

involvement Negotiate the roles of clinician and family

within the partnership Listen Engage in participatory dialog Recognize patterns Highlight family strengths

15- MINUTE INTERVIEW Therapeutic questions Identify the family unit Identify individuals strengths

ASSESSMENT Within the context of the family Identify if assistance is required to

strengthen the family Information

Family structure Environmental characteristics Family strengths Family supports Family perception of events Degree of involvement desired by family

* DISCUSSION FORUM * As a clinician, do you include questions

about the family’s spiritual identification as part of your assessment? Please share your experiences and thoughts in our discussion forum. Thank you.

SUPPORT Sources

Intrafamilial (within) Extrafamilial (outside) Interfamilial (between)

Issues The family Concerns and sense of vulnerability Information needs

VALUES AND PRINCIPLES It is important for nurses to recognize their own

assumptions and values about families and cultural beliefs, and adjust their care accordingly. families are unique, diverse, and change over time families in transition can make informed decisions families have expert knowledge and skills that help them

determine their own needs and respond to expected and unexpected life events.

partnerships with families are built upon mutual trust, honesty, and collaboration

partnerships support and strengthen families families should be supported in their choices family members and the client may have different and

conflicting needs nurses can help support family situations

OUTREACH Target groups

Clinicians Families Policymakers Public

Information to assist families in managing expected or unexpected life events

* DISCUSSION FORUM * As a clinician, what are several ways

you determine if adequate resources and support to meet the needs of the family are available? Please share your responses in the discussion forum. Thank you.

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT Ensures staff is oriented to family-centered

care Ensures clinicians can effectively access

resources Provides ongoing opportunities for

professional development

IMPLEMENTATION Ensure appropriate staffing levels and

placement Implement family-centered practices and

policies Create work environment conducive to

promoting family involvement Develop employee assistance programs

promoting family health Ensure policies promote work-life balance

ADVOCACY Lobbying

Family care giving Public education about the legitimacy of family

caregivers Consistency in funding for respite care and

research Mechanisms within organizations for family

* DISCUSSION FORUM * How are you advocating for family-

centered practice? What are some ways you can increase your involvement in this area? Please share your responses in the discussion forum. Thank you.

IMPLEMENTATION Assessment of organizational readiness Involvement of direct and indirect members Dedication Ongoing opportunities for collaboration Opportunities for personal reflection

KEY STEPS IN IMPLEMENTING A BEST-PRACTICE: Assessment of environmental readiness Planning and implementing evaluation Identifying and securing required resources

for implementation Identifying a well-developed, evidence-

based clinical practice guideline Identification, assessment and engagement

of stakeholders

SUMMARY The Flower Empower model provides a

simple, but comprehensive framework for the clinician-family partnership.