A diverse group of people surrounding a hospital bed.

Beyond Bedside Manner: How Family-Centered Care is Revolutionizing Emergency Nursing

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how KwaZulu-Natal emergency nurses are embracing patient- and family-centered care to improve outcomes and create a more compassionate healthcare experience."

The emergency department (ED) can be a chaotic and overwhelming place, not just for patients but also for their families. Imagine the stress of seeing a loved one rushed into emergency care, the uncertainty hanging in the air, and the feeling of helplessness amidst a flurry of medical activity. It’s a situation where anxiety and fear can easily take over.

Traditionally, healthcare has focused primarily on the patient's physical condition. However, a growing movement recognizes the vital role that families play in the healing process. This approach, known as patient- and family-centered care (PFCC), acknowledges that families are not just visitors but essential partners in care. By addressing their needs and involving them in decision-making, healthcare providers can significantly improve both patient outcomes and the overall experience.

Nowhere is this more critical than in the ED, where split-second decisions and high-pressure situations are the norm. This article delves into how emergency nurses in the Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are implementing PFCC practices to support families during these stressful times, offering insights and practical strategies for creating a more compassionate and effective healthcare environment.

What is Patient- and Family-Centered Care?

A diverse group of people surrounding a hospital bed.

Patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) is more than just a friendly bedside manner; it's a fundamental shift in how healthcare is delivered. It's an approach that actively involves patients and their families in all aspects of care, from planning and decision-making to evaluation. The core principles of PFCC include:

Respect and Dignity: Valuing the beliefs, culture, and background of each patient and family.
Information Sharing: Communicating openly and honestly, providing timely and accurate information.
Participation: Encouraging patients and families to actively participate in care and decision-making.
Collaboration: Working together with patients and families as partners in care.

For families in the ED, this means being recognized as integral to the patient's well-being, receiving clear explanations about their loved one's condition, and having their concerns and questions addressed with empathy and respect. Ultimately, PFCC aims to create a mutually beneficial partnership between healthcare providers, patients, and their families, leading to better outcomes and a more positive experience for everyone involved.

The Future of Compassionate Emergency Care

The journey towards truly patient- and family-centered care in emergency departments is ongoing. By embracing the principles of PFCC, healthcare professionals can create a more supportive, compassionate, and effective environment for patients and their families during times of crisis. This not only improves the quality of care but also strengthens the vital bonds that connect us all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What does patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) really mean in healthcare?

Patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) represents a transformative approach to healthcare delivery, moving beyond traditional methods by actively engaging patients and their families in every facet of the care process. This includes collaborative planning, shared decision-making, and thorough evaluation. The fundamental tenets of PFCC emphasize respect and dignity for each patient and family's unique beliefs, culture, and background. It prioritizes open and honest information sharing, ensuring timely and accurate communication. PFCC encourages active participation from patients and families in care decisions and fosters a collaborative environment where healthcare providers, patients, and their families work together as partners.

Why is patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) so important, especially in emergency situations?

Patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) is particularly significant in the emergency department (ED) because it acknowledges the crucial role families play in a patient's healing and overall well-being. By integrating families into the care process, healthcare providers can alleviate the stress and anxiety that often accompany emergency situations. This approach leads to improved patient outcomes and a more positive healthcare experience for everyone involved. Furthermore, it ensures that families are well-informed and supported during critical times, making them active participants in the care of their loved ones.

What are the key principles that define patient- and family-centered care (PFCC)?

The core principles of patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) are respect and dignity, information sharing, participation, and collaboration. Respect and dignity involve valuing the beliefs, culture, and background of each patient and family. Information sharing focuses on communicating openly and honestly, providing timely and accurate information. Participation encourages patients and families to actively engage in care and decision-making. Collaboration means working together with patients and families as partners in care. These principles collectively ensure that healthcare providers deliver compassionate and effective care that addresses the needs of both patients and their families.

How does using patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) change the experience in the emergency department (ED)?

Implementing patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) can significantly enhance the overall experience in the emergency department (ED) by reducing anxiety and stress for both patients and their families. When families are recognized as integral to a patient's well-being, they receive clear explanations about their loved one's condition, and their concerns and questions are addressed with empathy and respect. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of partnership between healthcare providers and families, leading to better patient outcomes and a more supportive atmosphere. The implications include improved communication, increased patient satisfaction, and a more efficient and compassionate healthcare delivery system.

How are emergency nurses in KwaZulu-Natal using patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) to help families?

Emergency nurses in KwaZulu-Natal are embracing patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) by integrating its principles into their daily practices. This involves actively supporting families during stressful times, providing clear and timely information, and involving them in decision-making processes. By recognizing the vital role families play in patient care, these nurses are creating a more compassionate and effective healthcare environment. The practical steps they are taking include enhancing communication, offering emotional support, and ensuring that families feel valued and respected as partners in care. The outcomes include improved patient well-being and a more positive experience for families navigating emergency situations.