Families suffering with HIV/AIDS: what family nursing interventions are useful to promote healing?

The purpose of this clinical research project was to examine the usefulness of a family nursing intervention program offered to families experiencing illness suffering related to HIV/AIDS. The interventions were based on the Family Caregiving Model and the Illness Beliefs Model. Sixteen Thai families with one or more family members living with HIV/AIDS were offered three to four family clinical sessions by an advanced practice family nurse. The audiotaped family clinical sessions and field notes were analyzed using thematic analysis. The outcomes reported by families included a competence to manage illness care of family members experiencing HIV/AIDS, new meaning and purpose, improved family interaction, embraced facilitating beliefs and changed constraining beliefs, and a recognition of the family's strengths.