Taxonomic systems in the field of health care, family care, and child and youth care: A systematic overview of the literature

Taxonomies of child, youth, and family care are needed for the adequate comparison of the effectiveness and usefulness of care and treatment programs. Until now, no systematic overview has been made of the taxonomies available and their outcomes. The aim of this paper is to systematically summarize the evidence available about taxonomies for child, youth, and family care. We searched the literature published during the period 1990–2011 in the databases Medline, PsycInfo, SocIndex, and Eric, using various terms related to the content of care. We identified 894 publications, out of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. The taxonomies identified always included the following aspects: the recipients of care and treatment, the intervention content, the intensity and complexity of the care arrangements, and the environment in which the intervention took place. Most of the taxonomies showed a structure with domains and sub-axes which were intended to enhance feasibility in practical applications. However, the empirical data concerning their use in daily practice were scarce. We concluded that several rather similar taxonomies were available but that the feasibility of such systems in daily care required more attention.

► Summarized evidence available about taxonomies for child, youth, and family care.
► Empirical studies which reported on a taxonomy of care or on interventions.
► Eight had been clinically applied; five taxonomies were conceptually applied.
► Contents, recipients, professional expertise, duration, intensity and the setting.
► With information on these components, main parts of the “black box” can be opened.