Development of a framework for person-centred nursing

This paper presents the development and content of a person-centred nursing framework. BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: Person-centred is a widely used concept in nursing and health care generally, and a range of literature articulates key components of person-centred nursing. This evidence base highlights the links between this approach and previous work on therapeutic caring. METHODS: The framework was developed through an iterative process and involved a series of systematic steps to combine two existing conceptual frameworks derived from empirical studies. The process included the mapping of original conceptual frameworks against the person-centred nursing and caring literature, critical dialogue to develop a combined framework, and focus groups with practitioners and co-researchers in a larger person-centred nursing development and research project to test its face validity. FINDINGS: The person-centred nursing framework comprises four constructs -prerequisites, which focus on the attributes of the nurse; the care environment, which focuses on the context in which care is delivered; person-centred processes, which focus on delivering care through a range of activities; and expected outcomes, which are the results of effective person-centred nursing. The relationship between the constructs suggests that, to deliver person-centred outcomes, account must be taken of the prerequisites and the care environment that are necessary for providing effective care through the care processes. CONCLUSION: The framework described here has been tested in a development and research project in an acute hospital setting. Whilst there is an increasing empirical base for person-centred nursing, as yet little research has been undertaken to determine its outcomes for patients and nurses. The framework developed can be described as a mid-range theory. Further testing of the framework through empirical research is required to establish its utility for nursing practice and research.     

Exploring person-centredness in emergency departments: A literature review

Person-centred approaches to care delivery have been increasingly promoted in international policy and strategy, but despite this there is evidence of failings within healthcare systems that negatively impact on the care experience for patients and staff. This paper explores the international literature on person-centredness within emergency departments (EDs). The Person-centred Practice Framework was used as the underpinning theoretical framework. This theory contends that staff must possess certain attributes to manage the care environment appropriately to deliver effective care processes in order to achieve effective person-centred outcomes for patients and staff. An initial search of the literature identified no relevant papers that discussed person-centredness as a concept within EDs. A further search using terms drawn from a definition of person-centredness revealed literature that reflected components of person-centredness. Themes that emerged included medical-technical intervention, a culture of worthiness, managing the patient journey, nurse/doctor relationships, patients' and relatives' experience of care, and ED as a stressful environment. The themes can be mapped onto the Person-centred Practice Framework, suggesting that components of person-centred practice have emerged from studies in a fragmented fashion, without consideration of person-centredness as a whole within an ED context.     

Towards innovation: the development of a person-centred model of care for older people in acute care

That the population is ageing poses many challenges for health care planners. Some argue that these challenges, exacerbated by limited funding, maintaining increased community expectations and the need for quality health care outcomes, may be overcome by exploring alternate models of care.These ideas have led health planners to reconceptualise contemporary philosophies of care with the current emphasis on multidisciplinary teams and a person-centred approach to care. This paper presents a model for the care of older people in the acute care setting.The concepts for the development of the model were derived from the international literature. In the model the care of older people is underpinned by a philosophy of person-centredness.The complex nature of care is represented along with those factors that enable a person-centred approach to be taken. The functions of the model in practice are highlighted and discussion of how it is being implemented within the acute care sector outlined.     

Person-centredness: a concept analysis

Person-centred care is a term that has been used frequently in literature since the mid-1990s. This type of care requires health care staff to use person-centredness as a focus for developing relationships and plans of care. In an attempt to define person-centredness, a literature review was undertaken as a means of developing a concept analysis. This led to profiling attributes of person-centredness developed from the work of early theorists and authors as they began to recognise the importance of the ethical and legal rights of people and the importance of holistic care in maintaining wellbeing. However, in the literature, the term person-centred was often interchanged with terms such as patient or client-centred which may lead to confusion. This concept analysis shows that many of the attributes of person-centredness are indeed relevant to patient and client centred care. However, the connotations behind client and patient may appear to shift the balance of power to the health carer by concentrating on the illness rather than the person. Therefore, clarification of the term person-centredness may assist future researchers, practitioners and authors to apply one term only until evolution leads to further definition or change.     

Why is rehabilitation not yet fully person-centred and should it be more person-centred?

Aims. It is a generally shared opinion that rehabilitation is not (yet) ‘fully person-centred’ and that it should be more. For a certain number of authors, this deficit in person-centredness has originated from the important weight of a ‘medical framework’ within rehabilitation. In this paper, we will discuss this criticism and its corollary: the idea that rehabilitation is bound to choose between a non-medical and a medical paradigm, since there is a fundamental contradiction between medicine and person-centredness. In the first section of the paper, we will examine the conceptual history of rehabilitation and question whether this history can really be summarized as a ‘shift from a medical approach to a person-centred approach’. In the second section, we will question assumptions and suggestions that have been made to develop person-centredness in rehabilitation. In the third section, we will discuss what might be gained but also what might be lost by reinforcing person-centredness in rehabilitation.

Key findings and implications. (i) The history of rehabilitation is complex with several stages and paradigm shifts. Furthermore, these paradigms do not succeed one another but overlap. It would therefore be erroneous to reduce the history of rehabilitation to merely a shift ‘from a medical approach to a person-centred approach’. (ii) Several proposals of how to make rehabilitation more person-centred are found within the literature. However, none of these appears satisfactory with each leading to theoretical and practical difficulties. (iii) Although person-centredness has unquestionably contributed to the overall progress of rehabilitation, it is not certain that more person-centredness is the solution to current challenges to rehabilitation.

Conclusion and recommendations. In some ways, the challenge rehabilitation faces is the need to transpose and adapt a notion (person-centredness) that has emerged from fields that are in fact unrelated to disability such as, for example, clinical psychology. The difficulties encountered are therefore not so much related to the particular dominance of a ‘medical model’ in rehabilitation than they are to the complexities of the concept of disability. We argue that one way forward might be to clarify further the respective role of the medical and non-medical aspects of rehabilitation in ways that go beyond what has been already achieved in either the ICIDH or ICF but which is still unsatisfactory or incomplete in many respects.     

Exploring the usefulness of a recovery-based approach to dementia care nursing

Exploring new approaches to dementia care nursing is vital to enable services to cope with the expected rise in demand for healthcare due to an ageing population. A comparison between the current person-centred care approach in aged care and recovery-based approach that underpins mental health nursing was reviewed in the literature to determine which is more useful to dementia care nursing. The recovery model is the conceptual framework that underlies the recovery-based approach. It broadens the current person-centred care approach through the fostering of hope, facilitative rather than directive care, and enhances autonomy. This promotes positive outcomes for older people with dementia through empowerment to make choices in the way they wish to live within the community. This essay proposes that the recovery-based approach is more useful to dementia care nursing than person-centred models.     

An exploration of person-centredness in practice

Person-centredness' is a term that is becoming increasingly familiar within health and social care at a global level; it is being used to describe a standard of care that ensures the patient/client is at the centre of care delivery. In this article we explore the relevance of person-centredness in the context of nursing, taking account of the ongoing critical debate and dialogue regarding developments in this field. Person-centredness is recognised as a multidimensional concept. The complexity of the concept contributes to the challenge of articulating its shared meaning and describing how it can be applied in practice. The aim of this paper is to explore some of the issues pertaining to language and conceptual clarity, with a view to making connections and increasing our shared understanding of person-centred care in a way that can impact nursing practice. We begin by describing the development of the concept of person-centredness, after which we discuss the synergies with patient-centredness and other related terms, and consider how nurses can operationalise person-centredness in their practice.     

Translating change: The development of a person-centred triage training programme for emergency nurses

Within health care, there has been a change in practice from an illness-orientated service to one that is more health-focused and person-centred. The concept of person-centredness is frequently espoused by practitioners as being not only a desirable, but a necessary element of health care provision. Indeed, nationally and internationally, person-centred care has underpinned many healthcare documents and policies. Person-centred practice focuses on providing care, utilising a variety of processes that operationalise person-centred nursing and include working with patients′ beliefs and values, engagement, presence, sharing decision-making and providing for physical needs.In the field of emergency nursing, the incorporation of person-centred care and its holistic foundation may require a significant shift in practice. There is evidence to suggest that emergency nurses view their role as one, which is predominantly concerned with providing urgent physical care, rather than one, which espouses the theories of holistic healthcare. To this extent, being person-centred in the context of emergency care, requires the nurse to move beyond the traditional notions of his/her role and to embrace the more holistic aspects of patient care. The aim of this article is to critically analyse how a change in nurse-led triage training in one Irish Emergency Department facilitated an improved person-centred approach in practice.     

A conceptual framework for person-centred practice with older people

This paper presents a conceptual framework for person-centred practice with older people. The research from which the framework was developed was guided by hermeneutic philosophy and integrated processes of conversation analysis and reflective conversation in data collection and analysis. The research findings suggested that nurses need to be able to particularize the person that the patient is, the relationship that exists between them and the patient, and the understandings and expectations implicit in the relationship. From these findings a conceptual framework for person-centred practice was developed. In the framework, person-centredness is premised on the concept of authentic consciousness and is operationalized through five imperfect duties. The factors that enable person-centredness to operate in practice are identified as the patient's values, the nurse's values and the context of the care environment. Considerations for implementing the model in practice are highlighted.     

Why is rehabilitation not yet fully person-centred and should it be more person-centred?

Aims. It is a generally shared opinion that rehabilitation is not (yet) 'fully person-centred' and that it should be more. For a certain number of authors, this deficit in person-centredness has originated from the important weight of a 'medical framework' within rehabilitation. In this paper, we will discuss this criticism and its corollary: the idea that rehabilitation is bound to choose between a non-medical and a medical paradigm, since there is a fundamental contradiction between medicine and person-centredness. In the first section of the paper, we will examine the conceptual history of rehabilitation and question whether this history can really be summarized as a 'shift from a medical approach to a person-centred approach'. In the second section, we will question assumptions and suggestions that have been made to develop person-centredness in rehabilitation. In the third section, we will discuss what might be gained but also what might be lost by reinforcing person-centredness in rehabilitation.

Key findings and implications. (i) The history of rehabilitation is complex with several stages and paradigm shifts. Furthermore, these paradigms do not succeed one another but overlap. It would therefore be erroneous to reduce the history of rehabilitation to merely a shift 'from a medical approach to a person-centred approach'. (ii) Several proposals of how to make rehabilitation more person-centred are found within the literature. However, none of these appears satisfactory with each leading to theoretical and practical difficulties. (iii) Although person-centredness has unquestionably contributed to the overall progress of rehabilitation, it is not certain that more person-centredness is the solution to current challenges to rehabilitation.

Conclusion and recommendations. In some ways, the challenge rehabilitation faces is the need to transpose and adapt a notion (person-centredness) that has emerged from fields that are in fact unrelated to disability such as, for example, clinical psychology. The difficulties encountered are therefore not so much related to the particular dominance of a 'medical model' in rehabilitation than they are to the complexities of the concept of disability. We argue that one way forward might be to clarify further the respective role of the medical and non-medical aspects of rehabilitation in ways that go beyond what has been already achieved in either the ICIDH or ICF but which is still unsatisfactory or incomplete in many respects.     

Registered nurses’ perceptions of new nursing graduates’ clinical competence: A systematic integrative review

Over the past decade, many questions have been raised about graduates’ clinical competence and fitness for practice upon completion of their undergraduate education. Despite the significance of this issue, the perspectives of registered nurses have rarely been examined. This systematic review explores the perceptions of experienced registered nurses regarding the clinical competence of new nursing graduates. Original research studies published between 2004–2014 were identified using electronic databases, reference lists, and by searching “grey literature.” Papers were critically reviewed and relevant data extracted and synthesized using an approach based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis. From 153 studies initially identified, 15 original research papers were included. Four main research themes were identified: clinical/technical skills, critical thinking, interaction/communication, and overall readiness for practice. Areas of concern in relation to the clinical competence of new nursing graduates specifically related to two themes: critical thinking and clinical/technical skills. Further research is required on strategies identified within the literature with the ultimate aim of ensuring new nursing graduates are safe and competent practitioners.     

Why is rehabilitation not yet fully person-centred and should it be more person-centred?

AIMS: It is a generally shared opinion that rehabilitation is not (yet) 'fully person-centred' and that it should be more. For a certain number of authors, this deficit in person-centredness has originated from the important weight of a 'medical framework' within rehabilitation. In this paper, we will discuss this criticism and its corollary: the idea that rehabilitation is bound to choose between a non-medical and a medical paradigm, since there is a fundamental contradiction between medicine and person-centredness. In the first section of the paper, we will examine the conceptual history of rehabilitation and question whether this history can really be summarized as a 'shift from a medical approach to a person-centred approach'. In the second section, we will question assumptions and suggestions that have been made to develop person-centredness in rehabilitation. In the third section, we will discuss what might be gained but also what might be lost by reinforcing person-centredness in rehabilitation. KEY FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS: (i) The history of rehabilitation is complex with several stages and paradigm shifts. Furthermore, these paradigms do not succeed one another but overlap. It would therefore be erroneous to reduce the history of rehabilitation to merely a shift 'from a medical approach to a person-centred approach'. (ii) Several proposals of how to make rehabilitation more person-centred are found within the literature. However, none of these appears satisfactory with each leading to theoretical and practical difficulties. (iii) Although person-centredness has unquestionably contributed to the overall progress of rehabilitation, it is not certain that more person-centredness is the solution to current challenges to rehabilitation. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: In some ways, the challenge rehabilitation faces is the need to transpose and adapt a notion (person-centredness) that has emerged from fields that are in fact unrelated to disability such as, for example, clinical psychology. The difficulties encountered are therefore not so much related to the particular dominance of a 'medical model' in rehabilitation than they are to the complexities of the concept of disability. We argue that one way forward might be to clarify further the respective role of the medical and non-medical aspects of rehabilitation in ways that go beyond what has been already achieved in either the ICIDH or ICF but which is still unsatisfactory or incomplete in many respects.     

Experiences of nursing care for patients who self-harm and suggestions for future practices: The perspectives of emergency care nurses

Self-harm is a major challenge in healthcare systems. Emergency department nurses provide care to numerous patients with self-harm injuries. Accordingly, nurse–patient interactions are vital to improve the physical and psychological outcomes of this complex patient group. Previous studies have proposed the establishment of improved teaching programs to increase the competence of emergency department nurses within mental health care; however, few studies have comprehensively investigated the experiences and suggestions for future nursing practices. Therefore, we gathered in-depth knowledge of Danish emergency department nurses' experiences caring for patients who self-harm and obtained their suggestions on future nursing practices. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture the nurses' individual perspectives. The scientific theory is based on phenomenology and hermeneutics. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used, and three themes were identified: (i) importance of having the competences to establish a relationship in the acute phase; (ii) acute care from a biomedical perspective; and (iii) highlighting ideas for improved future practices. The emergency department nurses were aware of the importance of mental health care but found their competence and motivation situated in medical care. The nurses felt that they lacked skills to undertake in-depth mental care for patients who self-harm and that the healthcare system failed to help this group of patients. Based on these findings, rather than aiming at improving nursing skills, we suggest a close collaboration between the emergency and psychiatric departments to improve the quality of care for patients who self-harm. We also recommend organizational changes within the emergency department, such as the introduction of a so-called ‘social track’.     

Person centred nursing care in radiation oncology: A case study

PurposeThe aim of this case study is to describe clinical staff perceptions of implementing a person-centred model of nursing in an outpatient radiotherapy treatment department, using a Primary Nursing/Collaborative Practice framework. The questions are: 1) what are the nursing and radiotherapy staff perspectives of the changed model of care, 2) what factors impacted on aspects of the evolving model?, and 3) how was interdisciplinary collaboration influenced by the new model?MethodsAn instrumental case study addressed the multiple perspectives of several radiotherapy health professionals, within a qualitative approach, to assess the new model of nursing care. Interview data were obtained from thirteen clinical staff over a six month period approximately one year after the model was implemented.ResultsThe new model supports nurses to work more closely with the individual patient, with some perceived positive patient outcomes. Nurses reported increased satisfaction with their work, more autonomy and responsibility, and improved working relationships with medical staff. They also became more aware of the holistic approach to support positive patient outcomes. However, this study acknowledged that education was required for nurses to provide holistic care, especially in the context of complex interdisciplinary relationships.ConclusionsA person-centred nursing approach in radiotherapy represents a radical change to the functional approach, providing some benefits for patients. However, the challenges of providing holistic care in the context of complex interdisciplinary relationships are evident, and this study acknowledges the importance of a team approach to addressing changes in practice in the future.     

Emotional intelligence: a review of the literature with specific focus on empirical and epistemological perspectives

Aims and objectives. The aim of this literature review was to evaluate and discuss previous research on emotional intelligence with specific focus on empirical and epistemological perspectives. Background. The concept of emotional intelligence is derived from extensive research and theory about thoughts, feelings and abilities that, prior to 1990, were considered to be unrelated phenomena. Today, emotional intelligence attracts growing interest worldwide, contributing to critical reflection as well as to various educational, health and occupational outcomes. Method. Systematic review. Findings. The findings revealed that the epistemological tradition of natural science is the most frequently used and that, therefore, few articles related to humanistic sciences or philosophical perspectives were found. There is no agreement as to whether emotional intelligence is an individual ability, non‐cognitive skill, capability or competence. One important finding is that, regardless of the theoretical framework used, researchers agree that emotional intelligence embraces emotional awareness in relation to self and others, professional efficiency and emotional management. There have been some interesting theoretical frameworks that relate emotional intelligence to stress and mental health within different contexts. Emotional learning and maturation processes, i.e. personal growth and development in the area of emotional intelligence, are central to professional competence. Conclusions. There is no doubt that the research on emotional intelligence is scarce and still at the developmental stage. Clinical questions pertaining to the nursing profession should be developed with focus on personal qualities of relevance to nursing practice. Different approaches are needed in order to further expand the theoretical, empirical and philosophical foundation of this important and enigmatic concept. Relevance to clinical practice. Emotional intelligence may have implications for health promotion and quality of working life within nursing. Emotional intelligence seems to lead to more positive attitudes, greater adaptability, improved relationships and increased orientation towards positive values.     

Developing person-centred care: addressing contextual challenges through practice development

Developing person-centred care is not a one-time event; rather it requires a sustained commitment from organisations to the ongoing facilitation of developments, a commitment both in clinical teams and across organizations. Contextual factors pose the greatest challenge to person-centredness and the development of cultures that can sustain person-centred care. We will begin with a general comment on 'context' and its meaning before exploring three particular factors that influence the practice context, namely, workplace culture, learning culture, and the physical environment. Next we explore a particular approach to developing person-centred care through emancipatory practice development. We highlight the importance of facilitation through emancipatory practice development programmes and describe how person-centred care can be developed through the presentation of a case study that illustrates the principles and processes of emancipatory practice development as well as the outcomes achieved. We conclude with an application to clinical practice. A key consideration for all organisations in the development of person-centred care is to move from what we suggest are 'person-centred moments' (individual, ad hoc experiences of person-centredness) to 'person-centred care' as an underpinning culture of teams and organisations.     

Empathy, identity and engagement in person-centred medicine: the sociocultural context

AIMS: This paper considers in outline the complexity of the empathic process from subjective, philosophical and psychological perspectives, and suggests that compassionate empathy is a core requirement of a person-centred approach to health care delivery. Empathy is facilitated by secure attachments in infancy (intersubjectivity) and a subsequent firm sense of self and personal identity. Empathic understanding is enhanced by the medical humanities, but the neglect of musical appreciation in this regard is surprising. CONCLUSIONS: The biopsychosocial model is reviewed, and a body-mind-spirit paradigm is proposed as a more optimal framework for health care delivery in a multicultural society.