Indicators of Family Capacity for Participating in the Rehabilitation Process: Report of a Preliminary Investigation

Rehabilitation nurses (n = 37) were surveyed concerning indicators of family capacity for participation during the hospitalization phase of the rehabilitation process. Findings revealed that family variables considered most important to measure are willingness to help with patient care, coping patterns, knowledge of illness or disability, the patient's expectations, and the family's economic status. Results showed that most patients have family members available to participate in the rehabilitation process, but that family involvement usually consists only of learning patient care. 1989 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses