Families in crisis due to multiple trauma.

The key to effective management of patients and families with multiple trauma is an early assessment of family system structure, relationship process, and function. Immediate management through the application of a firm knowledge base incorporating family systems principles can enhance existing family strengths and target potential dysfunction early in the crisis. Trauma nurses are in key, pivotal positions to identify functional and/or dysfunctional family adaptation and to intervene accordingly. Incorporation of patient and family issues into family care plans should lead to increased participatory care and greater ease in transition for patient and family through subsequent stages of recovery.