Reza Nematollahi Maleki, Akram Ghahramanian, Mojgan Lotfi, Azad Rahmani, Reza Negarandeh
Clarifying this concept provides a framework to guide nursing practice, education, and future intervention research.
BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases are major contributors to global morbidity and mortality, and family members often assume primary caregiving roles. However, the concept of family care management remains poorly defined, limiting consistency in research and practice. This study analysed the concept of family care management of patients with chronic diseases.
METHODS: Walker and Avant's eight-step concept analysis method was used. A literature review was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, and Embase using terms related to family, care management, and chronic disease. English and Persian studies published up to August 12, 2026, were included. Study quality was assessed using established appraisal tools.
RESULTS: Four defining attributes were identified: active family participation, holistic support, collaboration with healthcare providers, and adaptability and flexibility. Antecedents included family capacity and readiness and socioeconomic and cultural status. Consequences were introduced as patients's outcomes and caregivers' outcomes.
CONCLUSION: Clarifying this concept provides a framework to guide nursing practice, education, and future intervention research.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The four defining attributes provide nurses with a structured framework for assessing family involvement, identifying gaps in family support, and designing individualised, family-centred care plans, particularly in home, community, and chronic disease care settings.
PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: As this study was a concept analysis based on existing literature, no patient or public involvement was required.