Family healthcare with King's theory of goal attainment.

King's conceptual system and theory of goal attainment provide a systematic approach to the thought and action of nursing that has stood the test of time with continuing utility for organizing the complex factors of healthcare. Following a brief overview of the conceptual system and theory of goal attainment, application to family healthcare is discussed and illustrated with the programs of research of three exemplar King scholars: family healthcare with a mentally-ill child, family healthcare with children with type 1 diabetes or asthma, and family healthcare when a family member has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The scientific benefit and developmental progression of a theory-driven program of research for practice is noted. Future studies are presented as well as additional sources for King's conceptual system and theory of goal attainment.