Family Assessment
Assessment Description
Understanding family structure and style is essential to patient and family care. Conducting a family interview and needs assessment gathers information to identify strengths, as well as potential barriers to health. This information ultimately helps develop family-centered strategies for support and guidance.
This family health assessment is a two-part assignment. The information you gather in this initial assignment will be utilized for the second assignment in Topic 3.
Develop an interview questionnaire to be used in a family-focused functional assessment. The questionnaire must include three open-ended, family-focused questions to assess functional health patterns for each of the following:
1. Values/Health Perception
2. Nutrition
3. Sleep/Rest
4. Elimination
5. Activity/Exercise
6. Cognitive
7. Sensory-Perception
8. Self-Perception
9. Role Relationship
10. Sexuality
11. Coping
Select a family, other than your own, and seek permission from the family to conduct an interview. Utilize the interview questions complied in your interview questionnaire to conduct a family-focused functional assessment. Document the responses as you conduct the interview.
Upon completion of the interview, write a 750-1,000-word paper. Analyze your assessment findings. Submit your questionnaire as an appendix with your assignment.
Include the following in your paper:
1. Describe the family structure. Include individuals and any relevant attributes defining the family composition, race/ethnicity, social class, spirituality, and environment.
2. Summarize the overall health behaviors of the family. Describe the current health of the family.
3. Based on your findings, describe at least two of the functional health pattern strengths noted in the findings. Discuss three areas in which health problems or barriers to health were identified.
4. Describe how family systems theory can be applied to solicit changes in family members that, in turn, initiate positive changes to the overall family functions over time.
Cite at least three peer-reviewed or scholarly sources to complete this assignment. Sources should be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Course Resources if you need assistance.
Family Assessment Rubric
Family Health Assessment Part I – Rubric
Collapse All Family Health Assessment Part I – RubricCollapse All
Interview Questionnaire Assessing Functional Health Patterns
22.5 points
Criteria Description
Interview Questionnaire Assessing Functional Health Patterns
- Excellent
22.5 points
The interview questionnaire presented and demonstrates strong insight into family-focused assessment strategies. All functional heath patterns include three highly relevant open-ended questions.
- Good
20.03 points
The interview questionnaire presented. All functional heath patterns are included, and each has three open-ended questions that are family focused and relevant to functional health patterns. The interview questionnaire is consistent with the assignment criteria. Overall, the open-ended questions are family-focused and relevant to the scope of the assignment.
- Satisfactory
17.78 points
The interview questionnaire presented. One of the functional heath patterns has been omitted. One of the functional health patterns has fewer than three open-ended questions. Overall, the interview questionnaire is consistent with the assignment criteria. Some of the open-ended questions are not family-focused or not relevant to the scope of the assignment.
- Less than Satisfactory
16.88 points
The interview questionnaire presented is incomplete. One or two of the functional heath patterns have been omitted. Two or three of the functional health patterns have fewer than three open-ended questions. Overall, the interview questionnaire is inconsistent with the assignment criteria.
- Unsatisfactory
0 points
Interview questionnaire is omitted. The interview questionnaire presented does not include family-focused functional health patterns. More than three of the functional heath patterns have been omitted. Four or more of the functional health patterns have fewer than three open-ended questions.
Family Structure
22.5 points
Criteria Description
Family Structure (individuals, relevant attributes of family composition, race/ethnicity, social class, spirituality, environment)
- Excellent
22.5 points
The family structure is clearly described. All individuals and relevant attributes are discussed in detail. The discussion demonstrates an in-depth perspective into family structure.
- Good
20.03 points
The family structure is described. All individuals and relevant attributes are presented. Overall, the discussion provides insight into the family structure.
- Satisfactory
17.78 points
A summary of family structure is presented. All individuals are included. Most relevant attributes listed are summarized. Some aspects are vague. There are minor inaccuracies.
- Less than Satisfactory
16.88 points
A partial description of family structure is presented. Not all individuals are included. Relevant attributes are listed but incomplete. Some attributes are missing. There are inaccuracies.
- Unsatisfactory
0 points
Description of family structure omitted.
Family Health and Health Behaviors
22.5 points
Criteria Description
Family Health and Health Behaviors
- Excellent
22.5 points
Health behaviors are identified and presented in detail. The current health of the family is described. A clear understanding of family health and health behavior is demonstrated.
- Good
20.03 points
Health behaviors are identified and presented. The current health behaviors of the family are described.
- Satisfactory
17.78 points
Health behaviors and current health of the family are summarized. Overall, the health and health behaviors of the family are generally presented.
- Less than Satisfactory
16.88 points
Health behaviors and current health of the family are partially presented. Overall, the health and health behaviors of the family are unclear.
- Unsatisfactory
0 points
Health behaviors and current health of the family are not presented.
Findings (functional health patterns strengths, health problems or barriers to health)
22.5 points
Criteria Description
Findings (functional health patterns strengths, health problems or barriers to health)
- Excellent
22.5 points
Two functional health pattern strengths, three health problems, and barriers to health are discussed. Discussion identifies and assesses key aspects from findings. Discussion demonstrates insight into assessment of findings to identify functional health pattern strengths and health problems or barriers.
- Good
20.03 points
Two functional health pattern strengths, three health problems, and barriers to health are discussed. Aspects presented are relevant and consistent with findings.
- Satisfactory
17.78 points
Two functional health pattern strengths, three health problems, and barriers to health are summarized. Aspects presented are relevant and generally consistent with findings.
- Less than Satisfactory
16.88 points
Two functional health pattern strengths, and three health problems or barriers to health are partially presented. Some aspects presented are not relevant, or are not consistent with findings.
- Unsatisfactory
0 points
Functional health pattern strengths, health problems, and barriers to health are not presented as indicated in assignment criteria.
Application of Family Systems Theory
30 points
Criteria Description
Application of Family Systems Theory
- Excellent
30 points
Application of family systems theory to initiate positive changes in family functions over time is thoroughly discussed. The manner in which the theory is applied is highly relevant and strongly supports steps to achieving the desired outcomes.
- Good
26.7 points
Application of family systems theory to initiate positive changes in family functions over time is discussed. The manner in which the theory is applied is relevant and generally supports steps toward the desired outcomes.
- Satisfactory
23.7 points
Application of family systems theory is presented. A general discussion on how the theory will be applied to initiate positive changes in family functions over time is presented. There are minor inaccuracies in the application or representation of the theory.
- Less than Satisfactory
22.5 points
Application of family systems theory is partially presented. It is unclear how the theory will be applied to positively change overall family functions over time. There are inaccuracies in the application or representation of the theory.
- Unsatisfactory
0 points
Application of family systems theory is not presented.
Thesis Development and Purpose
7.5 points
Criteria Description
Thesis Development and Purpose
- Excellent
7.5 points
Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.
- Good
6.68 points
Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose.
- Satisfactory
5.93 points
Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose.
- Less than Satisfactory
5.63 points
Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear.
- Unsatisfactory
0 points
Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.
Argument Logic and Construction
7.5 points
Criteria Description
Argument Logic and Construction
- Excellent
7.5 points
Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.
- Good
6.68 points
Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative.
- Satisfactory
5.93 points
Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis.
- Less than Satisfactory
5.63 points
Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility.
- Unsatisfactory
0 points
Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources.
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)
7.5 points
Criteria Description
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)
- Excellent
7.5 points
Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.
- Good
6.68 points
Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used.
- Satisfactory
5.93 points
Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used.
- Less than Satisfactory
5.63 points
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, or word choice are present.
- Unsatisfactory
0 points
Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.
Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)
3 points
Criteria Description
Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)
- Excellent
3 points
All format elements are correct.
- Good
2.67 points
Template is fully used; There are virtually no errors in formatting style.
- Satisfactory
2.37 points
Template is used, and formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.
- Less than Satisfactory
2.25 points
Template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken; lack of control with formatting is apparent.
- Unsatisfactory
0 points
Template is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.
Documentation of Sources
4.5 points
Criteria Description
Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)
- Excellent
4.5 points
Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.
- Good
4.01 points
Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.
- Satisfactory
3.56 points
Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.
- Less than Satisfactory
3.38 points
Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.
- Unsatisfactory
0 points
Sources are not documented.
Total 150 points
Family Health Assessment
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course
Instructor’s Name
Date
Family Health Assessment
Introduction
Family is an important determinant of the health status of society. Family is the basic unit of society, hence, health practices at the family level will culminate at the societal level. Family health assessment provides reliable information regarding health behaviors of the members. Therefore, it plays a significant role in improving the overall health of individuals (Priest, 2021). In that regard, this paper discusses the findings of a family health assessment administered through a family-focused functional assessment questionnaire.
The Family Structure
This assessment was conducted to the family of a neighbor that the writer deemed could open up and provide an open discussion. The family lives in Union New Jersey, which is a middle-class neighborhood. It is a family of four, including the mother, the father, one son, and two daughters. The father is 45 years old while the mother is 38 years old. The son and the two daughters are 17, 13, and 9 years old respectively. All members of this family are Caucasians. They are Christians and attend a catholic church once a week. The children are attending different schools with the younger one going to a nearby elementary school. Both parents are teachers at a nearby high school.
The Overall Health Behaviors of the Family
The assessment results showed that the family perceives themselves as healthy. They eat a balanced diet and a lot of fruits in their diet. They source food from nearby Caucasian stores. The family eats big portions of food and does not worry about excess calories. They eat more than thrice a day and take snacks during the day, especially on weekends. They go to bed at 10 pm and wake up by 5:30 am. Therefore, they have good and consistent sleep patterns (Schulenkorf & Siefken, 2019). They denied any sleep disorder and have normal bowel movements. They deny any cognitive or sensory problems. The couple spends a lot on school fees. Their self-esteem is low due to fear of financial problems. They have a peaceful family and go out for physical activity together every evening after work. They play their roles well and are open to each other (Kaakinen et al., 2018). They pray and share their problems to cope with stress and other issues. Their coping strategy has a positive impact on everyone. The family does not go for regular medical checkups because they believe they are healthy.
The Functional Health Pattern Strengths Noted in The Findings
The first functional health pattern strength is the ability of the family to engage in physical activity. It is a strength because inactivity is associated with detrimental health outcomes such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and others (Schulenkorf & Siefken, 2019). Another strength is the coping strategy of the family. They pray and share their problems to reduce stress and anxiety. The coping strategy has a positive health impact on the individuals. The first barrier to health is the lack of regular medical checkups. Having a family doctor or regular medical checkup helps in early diagnosis, hence, improved quality of life (Kaakinen et al., 2018). The second barrier to health is the large portion of food that the family eats. This situation leads to excess calories which can cause obesity and other illnesses (Schulenkorf & Siefken, 2019). The third concern is low self-esteem due to fear of a financial crisis in the family, which may lead to stress and anxiety. These three areas need to be addressed to help the family stay healthy.
Application of The Family Systems Theory
Family Systems Theory suggests that a family is a complex social system where members interact to influence the behavior of one another. Based on the theory, every member has a role to play to ensure the effective functioning of the family (Priest, 2021). In this case, parents have a special role to play in shaping the behavior of their children in all aspects of life. In terms of eating behavior, the parents can educate the children and lead by example regarding healthy eating habits (Priest, 2021). The father must be full of enthusiasm and self-confidence to drive away low self-esteem in the family.
Conclusion
Family health assessment provides insights into the overact health and behavior of the members. It can be used to develop proper interventions for each family. The identified family has a good family structure. They are in good health but some of their health behaviors are a threat to their future health. Family education is important in this case to improve their health behaviors.
References
Kaakinen, J. R., Coehlo, D. P., Steele, R., & Robinson, M. (2018). Family health care nursing: Theory, practice, and research. FA Davis.
Priest, J. B. (2021). The science of family systems theory. Routledge.
Schulenkorf, N., & Siefken, K. (2019). Managing sport-for-development and healthy lifestyles: The sport-for-health model. Sport Management Review, 22(1), 96-107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smr.2018.09.003