Referenciais teóricos nos cuidados à família em mestrados e doutoramentos e enfermagem: scoping review

Introduction: Family-centred theoretical frameworks are approaches that place the family as the main focus of study and intervention in family nursing. Their use provides a robust conceptual basis, guiding assessment and intervention with families across different care contexts. Objective: To map the theoretical frameworks used by master’s and doctoral nursing students in Portugal. Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to JBI recommendations and PRISMA-ScR criteria. The search was carried out in the Scientific Open Access Repositories of Portugal (RCAAP) between 2011 and 2023, including full-text documents in Portuguese, with no methodological design restrictions, provided they explicitly used family-centred theoretical frameworks. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers, and the results were synthesised descriptively. Results: Thirty-six studies were included. The Dynamic Model of Family Assessment and Intervention (MDAIF) was the most frequently used framework, followed by Meleis’ Transition Theory, Orem’s Self-Care Theory, the Neuman Systems Model, and the Calgary Models. These frameworks supported interventions with families at different stages of the life cycle, promoting health gains. Conclusion: The theoretical frameworks identified demonstrate increasing alignment between academic research and specialised clinical practice, contributing to the consolidation of family nursing as a scientific discipline and a differentiated field of practice. The predominance of the MDAIF in Portugal contrasts with international trends, where Calgary-based models are more commonly adopted.