Family Practice and the Treatment of Hemophilia
Abstract: This paper will describe the features of hemophilia that make it an excellent example of the impact of chronic illness on the family and the ways in which social workers may effectively intervene. We will describe several models of family therapy that are useful in understanding and intervening these families, based on the families' capacity. Capacity will be assessed through development and other family dynamics. Hemophilia is a genetically determined disorder, passed on the X-chromosome by a mother to her sons. The offspring of a carrier mother and a normal father have a 50-50 chance of having a hemophiliac son or a carrier daughter. The genetic transmission of hemophilia as well as the care required for the child creates a range of psycho social issues for the family. The genetic picture may cause strain in the marital couple. Parents and siblings may feel isolated from other families. While the families are managed medically the range and frequency of psycho social issues make the presence of a social worker imperative on the health care team. The social worker will view the family as the target for assessment and intervention.(S)he will enable the family and the health care team to see the family members beyond the illness. Family practice models are very useful in assisting social workers understand and respond to the family's needs. The authors utilize elements from structural, Bowenian and narrative models of family practice.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation attendees should: 1. understand psychosocial impact of chronic illness on families At the end of this program, attendees should: 1. understand the impact of chronic illness on the family 2. understand the need for environmental supports for the family with chronic illness 3. understand the role of social work on the health care team 4. understand hemophilia as a family illness understand role of social work in treatment of families with chronic illness understand application of family theory to assessment and intervention understand hemophilia as a family illness
Keywords: Chronic Illness, Social Work
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.