Evaluation of the implementation process of family nursing in oncology

Background: The confrontation with a life-threatening cancer disease and the resulting consequences are a great burden for patients as well as for their family members. Family nursing based on the Calgary Model was implemented on a German oncological inpatient unit in order to strengthen the family's ability to self-help. Aim: The objectives were a) to systematically record, evaluate and if necessary to modify the implementation process, b) to highlight promoting and inhibiting factors and c) to derive recommendations for transferability to other oncological units. Methods: The implementation process was examined by means of two group interviews with nurses, five interviews with other members of the treatment team, and observations of, in each case four, family assessments, family interviews and family-related team meetings. Results: Family nursing could be implemented in a modified form. Genograms and ecomaps have become part of the admission interview. In family interviews, needs of the entire family were determined with the help of circular communication. Family-related team meetings were carried out according to an adapted method of the reflecting team. The complete implementation of family nursing was impeded by the lack of professional consulting competences of the nursing staff, the system of nursing care delivery and lack of time. Conclusion: An implementation of family nursing in other oncological units is recommended under modified preconditions.