With advances in screening and treatment for children with genetic disorders, family care is important because genetic conditions can affect the genetic conditions of other family members. A literature review was conducted to clarify the practice of family care and coordination for parents, focusing on the couple subsystem.
Using the Ichushi-Web, we searched for literature published since 2005 using the keywords“genetic condition”and“family”and excluded cases involving grief care. We identified 23 articles and 26 cases. Most were published before 2015, and there were few publications. A meta-study using the Suzuki/Watanabe Family Nursing Assessment/Support Model found that in family care for parents with a child with genetic condition, healthcare professionals' practices included[support for decision-making][support for acceptance of and attachment to their child][support for home parenting][family care in genetic counseling].
From a family care perspective, the following were suggested as important points for supporting parents of children with genetic conditions:encouraging parents to understand the characteristics and individuality of their child's genetic condition;encouraging parents to express their feelings;considering the family life, including the child;and creating an environment that allows for multidisciplinary collaboration and sustained involvement.
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