Hello, I was just wondering about the role of the family in terms of medicine: medical treatment, medical adherence, and the patient doctor relationship. I would like to know the role of the family in American culture mainly, but other cultures are important. I am also wondering if there are any articles or particular journals that clearly make references to this topic. I seem to have some good information, but it is not enough, and I wonder what kind of thoughts any experts had. This seems like a sociology topic, but I really only get good information in psychology journals or articles. I am wondering if there is a more social aspect to this topic. Thank you very much for your help, I hope to hear from an expert soon.

I am a bit surprised that your question has been posted so long without an answer. First of all, medicine is a science, and the correct procedures to deal with medical ills have nothing to do with input from a family unit. The best medical science we have available at any given time determines what medical procedures are going to be applied. The family unit in America is responsible for providing medcial care for its children by law, if it is unable to do so, the welfare agencies will help out. Failing to provide medical care to children in the family unit is also considered child abuse-a criminal act.

Of course there are some choices that are made by the family unit when it comes to medical care... A choice of doctors, facilities and so on may be available depending on the insurance provider or other factors. There may also be other options open to the family when it comes to chosing specifics of any medical situation, such as whether to undo surgery while awake or asleep.

The main point I am trying to make is that the main determinant in medical procedure is the science of the day, not the family.