Ineffective family participation in professional care: a concept analysis of a proposed nursing diagnosis.

Purpose: To discuss the label, definition, defining characteristics, and related factors of a proposed nursing diagnosis, "ineffective family participation in professional care."

Data Sources: Published research articles, clinical handbooks, textbooks.

Data Synthesis: Although a number of family-related nursing diagnoses exist, none really addresses the problems encountered if family members are unwilling or unable to participate in patient care. This is critical because the bulk of care occurs outside the hospital setting.

Conclusions: A new nursing diagnosis, "Ineffective family participation in professional care" is needed. This diagnosis has been submitted to the Nursing Diagnosis Extension and Classification for consideration.

Practice Implications: With this diagnosis nurses could encourage family participation in care more effectively by focusing on assessment and interventions.