A Patient/Family Centered Care Study on Acute Gastroenteritis

Abstract

Over the years, due to the advancement of technology in our modern times, nursing as a profession has seen notable development in its practice. This has resulted in holistic, and comprehensive care of patients via the application of the nursing process. The Patient/Family care study, which is based on the nursing process approach, forms part of the academic requirements for the award of Registered Diploma Nursing certificate to practice nursing. It requires students to carry out a total nursing care to patient and family from the time of admission to time of discharge of the patient and beyond in a follow up care at home. It takes into consideration the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the patient and family. The Patient/Family care study gives an opportunity for the patient and family to gain insight and comprehend their condition, hence, aids in improving and promoting their health status by practicing measures explained to them during their health education through the interaction with the student nurse. The patient/Family care study also equips the final year student nurse with more theoretical and practical skills on the condition and gives him or her opportunity to practice the skills and knowledge attained during his or her training to give a comprehensive care using the nursing process approach. Finally, the family and patient care study also serves as an evaluation tool used by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana for the assessment of the student nurse in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the reward of a Registered General Nursing certificate. The study used initials of names in order to maintain confidentiality.