How to implement family-systems care in paediatric physiotherapy

Background: Whenever a child's health is impaired, parents, siblings and perhaps extended family members are also involved. Family members are both supporters and co-affected. The family members are influenced by the child's state of health, but the family members also have an influence on the child's state of health. If the family is viewed as a system, the intervention is aimed at the whole system and not primarily at the child with an impairment. We now know that the targeted inclusion of the family in the intervention has various positive consequences for the child, but also for all family members. Studies also showed that the practical implementation of Family Systems Care (FSC) in everyday working life also improves the job satisfaction of health professionals. All these processes are very relevant in social and health economic terms. Objectives: The aim of this presentation is to give the participants initial concrete ideas on how they can involve the family in the intervention in the sense of FCS and how they can conduct family-centred discussions from the very first meeting. Methods: Through the presentation, participants will learn how to conduct a family-centred anamnesis interview and how to identify and recognise the strengths and resources of families. They will also learn about the intervention options available in the FSC. The four phases of a comprehensive family dialogue are presented. Participants will receive information on literature on the topic. Results: Participants go home with initial tools that they can use directly in their day-to-day work to implement the evidence-based procedures of the FSC. Participants will also receive literature on how they can delve deeper into this topic if they are interested. The use of FSC leads to better self-management, improved quality of life and satisfaction with the intervention for the families of the participating HP. The families can make informed decisions and the quality of communication improves. Conclusion: A comprehensive implementation of the FSC improves the well-being of the entire family system, as well as that of the health professionals.