Family Centered Theory Versus Comfort Care Theory

Differences Between both theories Family centered theory revolves around family and comfort care theory focuses on patient. Family centred theory works according to psychological needs of family (Chow, Ateah, Scott, Ricci, & Kyle, 2013). It includes working with family and child to provide holistic care; whereas, comfort care theory achieve holistic care by providing physical, psychospiritual, sociocultural, and environmental aspects (Kolcaba K. , 2003).
The main difference between two theories is that nurses are qualified and educated when providing care where as families may have no knowledge base of child’s disease process. Nurses use critical thinking when dealing with emergency situations whereas, families may panic in emergency situations (Pye, Janie, & Jones, 2010).
Family centred care involves the families when caring a child; however, comfort theory nurses focus is only patient’s holistic care. Family centred care involve family and its psychological needs; whereas, comfort care theory nurses focus on patient’s immediate needs and patient’s comfort.
Benefits of both theories
Both theories work in favour of
In my opinion both theories have positive and negative sides. Firstly, family centred care revolves around family of sick child. It is good that family is being involved; however, family should not be the centre of care. Main focus of care should be the sick child. On the other hand, family can participate in making care plans with health care providers. Family knows their loved one the best; therefore, they can help recover their loved one faster. Comfort care theory involves many disciplines to plan child’s care. Nurses use their knowledge base and logical approach to deal with situations. They use their previous experience to make functional care plans. On the contrary, parents are the best to know their child; therefore, family involvement can be very