Genogram and ecomap: Brazilian nursing contributions

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and analyze how the genogram and ecomap have been used in Brazilian nursing, summarizing this area's contribution to family care. Integrative review, combining predetermined key words and descriptor in LILACS and SciELO, besides a non-systemized search in five qualified nursing journals, published between 2000 and 2010. Inclusion and exclusion criteria guided the paper selection, resulting in a sample of 34 articles. The genogram and ecomap have been mainly used as complementary tools in research data collection. Its use as an approximation between interviewer and interviewee, in teaching and as a therapeutic resource are hardly explored. The use and dissemination of these tools are essential to understand the family, picturing its structure and interactions with the community, enhancing the participation of individuals, and contributing to the understanding of the context of each family, which is vital to nursing care.