[Family intervention according to Roy].

The author presents a care plan based upon Sister Callista Roy's conceptual model, that is recognized as well suited to the family system. This, the first of two-part series, focuses on the first two steps of the care plan--the theoretical and practical aspects of data collection and data analysis. The subjects are a single mother and her son. During the first level of evaluation of the family system, the nurse observes and explores the family system's behavior as well as that of each of the family members using the four modes of adaptation: physiological needs, self-concept, role function, and interdependence relations. During the second level of evaluation, the nurse identifies observed and reported stimuli or factors within the family environment that influence observed behaviors. During the data analysis, the nurse determines if the reported or observed behaviors are adaptive or non-adaptive toward maintaining the bio-psycho-social integrity of the family. The nurse also determines if the behaviors allow for achievement of identified goals. The nurse establishes links between the behaviors and the stimuli, classes and organizes the findings, and formulates an appropriate nursing care plan. Next month's article will focus on the planning, implementation and evaluation of the nursing care plan. It will focus equally on the ways in which the nurse can facilitate the family's adaptation.