The Effectiveness of Family Group Conferencing and the Challenges to Its Implementation: A Scoping Review

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the effectiveness of Family Group Conferencing (FGC), a decision-making model that is not only family-centered but also takes the form of a family-driven or social network, and to consider the challenges to FGC implementation. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. A systematic search was conducted of such electronic databases as PsycInfo, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Criteria were set utilizing the search terms “family group conferencing” or “family group conference”, with the search refined to studies published between January 2015 and July 2020. The data extracted by the review team were inductively analyzed, and the findings were classified into categories. Results: This review included a total of 26 studies. The categories underscoring the effectiveness of FGC included “sense of ownership”, “restoring belongingness”, “reduction of coercion”, and “learning platform”. Categories presenting challenges to FGC implementation included “severe situations of main actor”, “severe situations of the family”, “the complex role of the FGC coordinator”, and “the cost-ineffectiveness of FGC”. Conclusions: The effectiveness in the capacity of decision-makers was determined by the interaction between the main actor and social network of the FGC, with the challenges to FGC reducing the likelihood of completing the FGC process. It will be necessary therefore to identify the skills and qualifications of FGC coordinators, who must take into account group dynamics, so as to enable the main actor and their social network to develop a positive reciprocal interaction.