Medical Family Therapy in an Inpatient Psychiatric Setting: A Qualitative Study.

This study used a grounded theory approach to examine and describe the process of conducting Medical Family Therapy (MedFT) in an inpatient psychiatric system. Fifteen clinical cases were analyzed from the point of view of the patient, family/support member, referring providers, and MedFTs. In this study, MedFT appears to function well when there are high levels of collaboration with the patient, family, and referring provider. The participants in this study reported that MedFT was effective in helping them deal with complex family dynamics that often surround psychiatric hospitalization, and in helping patients and their families initiate systemic changes that help to reduce the possibility of further hospitalization for psychiatric issues. Effective MedFT approaches used in this setting are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]