Concept Analysis Research Articles

Fear of childbirth among pregnant women: A concept analysis.

To clarify the concept of fear of childbirth among pregnant women and to examine its current measure tools. Fear of childbirth is a psychological symptom, prevalent among pregnant women, which negatively impacts women's health and well-being. It has become an increasingly concerning issue in perinatal mental health. However, due to its poor conceptualization, it presents difficulty in conducting reliable assessments and identifying risk factors. The Walker and Avant approach to concept analysis guided this review. Six bibliographic databases were systematically searched for published research from their inception date to May 2023. Additional records were identified by manually searching the reference lists of relevant studies. Quantitative and qualitative studies investigating fear of childbirth in pregnant women were included. Three critical attributes have been identified: cognitive impairments, affective disorders and somatic symptoms. Antecedents include perceived a real or anticipated threat of pregnancy or its outcomes, low perceived self-coping ability and unmet social support needs. Consequences include processing and avoiding behaviours. This study also identified the dimensions of fear of childbirth, including 6 primary categories and 14 subcategories. The content of five scales was analysed and none covered all domains. The current analysis provides healthcare providers with a more comprehensive framework to assess and identify fear of childbirth. Further research is needed to develop a suitable instrument that covers all the attributes and dimensions of this concept and assesses its severity. This conceptual analysis provides a comprehensive insight into the phenomenon of fear of childbirth. This will help family members, healthcare providers and policymakers to identify the psychological needs of pregnant women and improve the quality of antenatal care. Not applicable as no new data were generated.

Reconsidering screening thresholds in health assessments for obstructive sleep apnea using operational and safety incident data

The rail industry in Australia screens workers for probable obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to known safety risks. However, existing criteria to trigger screening only identify a small proportion of workers with OSA. The current study sought to examine the relationship between OSA risk and rail incidents in real-world data from Australian train drivers, and conducted a proof of concept analysis to determine whether more conservative screening criteria are justified. Health assessment (2016–2018) and subsequent rail incident data (2016–2020) were collected from two passenger rail service providers. Predictors included OSA status (confirmed no OSA with a sleep study, controlled OSA, unknown OSA [no recorded sleep assessment data] and confirmed OSA with no indication of treatment); OSA risk according to the current Standard, and OSA risk according to more conservative clinical markers (BMI threshold and cardiometabolic burden). Coded rail safety incidents involving the train driver were included. Data were analysed using zero-inflated negative binomial models to account for over-dispersion with high 0 counts, and rail safety incidents are reported using Incidence Risk Ratios (IRRs). A total of 751 train drivers, typically middle-aged, overweight to obese and mostly men, were included in analyses. There were 43 (5.7%) drivers with confirmed OSA, 62 (8.2%) with controlled OSA, 13 (1.7%) with confirmed no OSA and 633 (84.4%) drivers with unknown OSA. Of the 633 train drivers with unknown OSA status, 21 (3.3%) met ‘at risk’ criteria for OSA according to the Standard, and incidents were 61% greater (IRR: 1.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.02–2.56) in the years following their health assessment compared to drivers who did not meet ‘at risk’ criteria. A more conservative OSA risk status using lower BMI threshold and cardiometabolic burden identified an additional 30 ‘at risk’ train drivers who had 46% greater incidents compared to drivers who did not meet risk criteria (IRR (95% CI) 1.46 (1.00–2.13)). Our more conservative OSA risk criteria identified more workers, with greater prospective incidents. These findings suggest that existing validated tools could be considered in future iterations of the Standard in order to more sensitively screen for OSA.

A concept analysis of transcultural in nursing practices

Background: Differences in interpreting the term ‘transcultural’ in nursing practice need to be addressed. Inappropriate terminology in the nursing practice environment may impact the quality of health care. Objective: The aim of this research is to identify the meaning of transcultural in concepts and theories and its relationship to the practice of the nursing profession. Methods: This paper was designed for Walker and Avant concept analysis. Reputable articles from indexing databases were used for review. “Transcultural” AND “Transcultural Nursing Practice” were the two key concepts used in the literature search. The inclusion criteria for articles to be retrieved were determined by the authors with high rigor. Then, an organizing framework was formulated using Walker and Avant’s conceptual analysis method. Results: Antecedents, attributes, and consequences are inferred from the keywords or sentences in each article. The antecedents in this study include immigrants, acculturation, immigration, emigration, cultural diversity, cultural competence, interpersonal caring, transcultural nursing, and cross-cultural comparisons. The attributes in this study encompass cultural exchange, overcoming obstacles, research development, changes to standards and operating procedures. The consequences of the transcultural concept for nursing practice include its impact on organizations, patients/clients, and nurses. Conclusions: We suggest that healthcare professional thoroughly comprehend transcultural concepts in nursing practice in order to effectively apply transcultural approaches in nursing practice. This is one way to improve the quality of healthcare services.

Diesel Engine Exhaust Exposure in Relation to Lung Cancer in Long-Haul Truck Drivers: An Eight-Step Concept Analysis.

Long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) face a number of occupational hazards. One such hazard is exposure to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). However, this concept has yet to be analyzed. To address this gap, a concept analysis was conducted to explore the effects of DEE in relation to lung cancer. Walker and Avant's eight-step concept analysis method was utilized: concept selection, analysis purpose, concept uses, defining attributes, model case, borderline case, antecedents and consequences, and empirical referents. PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant literature. Diesel engine exhaust was identified as a mixture of gases and particulates that are considered carcinogenic. Defining attributes of DEE for truckers include respiratory effects such as decreased peak flow and increased airway resistance leading to symptoms such as a phlegm-producing cough, eye and throat irritation, exacerbation of asthma symptoms, and allergic responses. The identified level of DEE exposure associated with these attributes is 75 μg EC/m3 for 1 to 2 hours daily or a long-term exposure of 10 μg EC/m3. The conceptual definition of DEE in truckers was illustrated by the attributes, antecedents, consequences, model case, and empirical referents. Lung cancer was identified as a significant consequence of occupational DEE exposure for LHTDs. This analysis highlights the need for future research to develop interventions that will safeguard truckers from the adverse health effects of DEE exposure.

Social Safety for Black Women in Perinatal Health Care: A Concept Analysis

IntroductionNon‐Hispanic Black women and their infants experience the worst pregnancy‐related outcomes in the United States. Social safety is a health‐relevant resource found in environments communicating safety, connectedness, inclusion, and protection. Approaches promoting social safety may be particularly relevant to preventing adverse perinatal health outcomes among Black women. However, there remains a lack of conceptual clarity. The purpose of this concept analysis was to provide a theoretical clarification of the concept social safety for Black women within perinatal health care.MethodsPubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched using Boolean search strategy. Retrieved articles were managed in Zotero. Duplicates were removed, and each article was assessed and categorized by both investigators. Articles reporting Black women's perinatal health care experiences were included. Thematic analysis guided by Rodgers’ evolutionary method identified defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of social safety in perinatal care for Black women.ResultsSocial safety for Black women is defined as the process of feeling understood, respected, cared for, and in control in perinatal health care settings that make space, care for, and recognize strengths, thereby cultivating safety and empowerment.DiscussionSocial safety offers actionable insights for practice and research that have the potential to drive positive change in perinatal care delivery for Black women. Developing interventions and measurements that are valid, reliable, and reflect social safety are essential to promote positive experiences and equity in health care practices and policies.

Reformative concept analysis for applied psychology qualitative research

ABSTRACT Concept analysis is a useful qualitative research method for psychologists aiming to define, clarify or critique concept meaning and use in theory, practice or research. This article explains Reformative Concept Analysis (RCA), a novel method derived from nursing and political science concept analysis approaches, and reformed for applied psychology research. First, the role of concepts as epistemological vessels in psychological theory and practice is described. Some problems with concept use in clinical practice and research are highlighted, to demonstrate why critical analytic methods to improve concept definition and utility are needed. Then, overviews of some existing concept analysis methods are provided, with summaries of their strengths and limitations from an applied psychology perspective. The importance of comparing and combining meaning frameworks constructed from qualitative narratives and literature review is highlighted. Finally, the eight stages of RCA method are set out, along with some ontological, epistemological, design, rigour and presentation considerations.

Spiritual Distress, Hopelessness, and Depression in Palliative Care: Simultaneous Concept Analysis

Spiritual distress, hopelessness, and depression are concepts that are often used in palliative care. A simultaneous concept analysis (SCA) of these concepts is needed to clarify the terminology used in palliative care. Therefore, the aim of this study is to conduct a SCA of spiritual distress, hopelessness, and depression in palliative care. A SCA was performed using the methodology of Haase’s model. A literature search was conducted in March 2020 and updated in April 2022 and April 2024. The search was performed on the following online databases: CINAHL with Full-Text, MEDLINE with Full-Text, MedicLatina, LILACS, SciELO, and PubMed. The search was achieved without restrictions on the date of publication. A total of 84 articles were included in this study. The results highlight that the three concepts are different but also share some overlapping points. Spiritual distress is embedded in the rupture of their spiritual/religious belief systems, a lack of meaning in life, and existential issues. Hopelessness is a sense of giving up and an inability to control and fix the patient’s situation. Finally, depression is a state of sadness with a multi-impaired situation. In conclusion, refining the three concepts in palliative care is essential since it promotes clarification and enhances knowledge development towards intervention.

Psychospiritual care: a concept analysis

Psychospiritual care has taken many forms and approaches. In the clinical setting, the meaning, variations, and inconsistencies in the delivery of psychospiritual and its related terms persist. The purpose of the study is to identify the meaning and attributes of psychospiritual care and enhance collaborative practice by presenting a concept analysis. This review used Walker and Avant's eight-step approach to concept analysis. Psychospiritual is a broad, dynamic, and unique concept that integrates psychological and spiritual methods. In this analysis, the defining attributes of psychospiritual care are intuitive self-awareness, therapeutic use of psychological and spiritual perspective, and cultivation of psychological and spiritual environment. Providing psychospiritual care promotes positive consequences, such as therapeutic effects for patients and promoting psychospiritual awareness among psychospiritual interventionists. A comprehensive definition of psychospiritual care has been developed. The findings contribute to science by creating a platform for developing practice standards, research, and theory. Implementing psychospiritual care may improve overall occupational health and well-being, thereby improving patient care delivery.

Neural networks for intelligent multilevel control of artificial and natural objects based on data fusion: A survey

Today the tasks of complex artificial and natural objects control have come to the fore in the majority of subject domains. The efficiency and effectiveness of solving these tasks directly depends of the efficiency and effectiveness of data fusion (DF). Data fusion methods are designed to integrate data from multiple sources and transform it in order to produce more consistent, accurate, and useful information than that provided by any individual data source. Although DF has been extensively studied for a considerable period of time it is still hardly applicable in practice in the processes of the control of the real world objects with complex structure and behavior as the data produced by the objects is, in the majority of cases, heterogeneous, multimodal, and imperfect, has huge volume. To ensure proper response to the changes in the state and behavior of the controlled objects that can be caused by both internal and external influencing factors the data should be processed with high accuracy and with minimum delays. Despite the importance of the tasks of complex objects control till now there are no researches that clarify to what extent the DF problem has been solved from the perspective of its application in the processes of objects control based on the data received from the objects. In the survey we define the requirements to DF in the interests of the control of complex artificial and natural objects, consider the structure of the multilevel process of intelligent object control, identify the neural networks that can be used in the control process for data fusion. Despite the wide capabilities of the existing NN we reveal that they still do not meet all the requirements to DF for complex objects control. Based on the analysis of NN architectures, we define requirements for advanced NN architectures and discuss future research directions. To facilitate our literature analyses, we also perform conceptual exploration of collected papers with lattices of closed itemsets and implications from Formal Concept Analysis and Data Mining used for knowledge processing in similar large-scale studies.

Emergency psychiatric nursing: A concept analysis

Background: Individuals with Mental Disorders (ODGJ) are at risk of relapse, leading to emergencies. Untreated psychiatric emergencies can result in disability or even death. Emergency psychiatric care, if not promptly addressed, poses a crucial and complex topic. The aim of this research is to define and clarify these essential concepts, integrating them into mental health nursing care. Methods: Literature search employed keywords such as "emergency" AND "psychiatric" AND "nursing" in English databases (including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL) without time restrictions. After extracting concept definitions and identifying characteristic features, psychiatric emergency nursing care was defined. Subsequently, case samples, antecedents, consequences, and empirical concept references were determined. Results: After reviewing four articles, psychiatric emergency nursing care was defined with the following attributes: "adequate response to psychiatric patients," "prompt care for patients with mental health issues should be simple and fast," and "stigma associated with those facing mental health problems." Conclusion: Mental health nursing care can utilize these findings for interventions, evaluating psychiatric emergency nursing care, and training high-quality nurses.

Nurses' media competency: A concept analysis

ObjectivesTo analyze and define the concept of nurses' media competency. DesignConcept analysis. Data sourcesWe conducted a literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and RISS International, as well as a hand-search, for relevant articles published between January 1990 and April 2023. A total of 57 articles related to nurses' media competency, published in English or Korean, were included in this study. Review methodsWe used Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis to identify the defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of the concept. ResultsThe seven defining attributes of nurses' media competency were networking with members of the media, selecting the appropriate media platform, considering that the target audience is the public, creating one's own media products, delivering intended messages through the media, monitoring and responding to the media, and maintaining professional dignity. Antecedents of the concept included cultivation of desirable nursing professionalism, critical evaluation of policies and issues, recognition of media influence, establishment of education and guidelines for media use, and having facilities and availability of technologies for media use. Consequences of the concept were improved influence of individual nurses, enhanced public awareness of the nursing profession, stronger networks and collaboration among professionals, and contributions to the promotion of public health. ConclusionsThis concept analysis presents a theoretical definition of nurses' media competency that can provide guidance on how to educate nurses to develop media competency and how to measure nurses' media competency.

The coronavirus disease 2019 infodemic: a concept analysis.

This study aimed to analyze the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infodemic phenomenon in the medical field, providing essential data to help healthcare professionals understand it. This study utilized a hybrid model for concept analysis. In the theoretical phase (first phase), a literature review was conducted using ScienceDirect, PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, DBpia, RISS, and KISS. Semi-structured interviews, involving eight physicians and six nurses, were used in the fieldwork phase (second phase). In the final analysis phase (third phase), the results of the preceding phases were combined. Based on the findings of these phases, the COVID-19 infodemic can be defined as "the phenomenon of information flood, reproduction, dissemination, and asymmetry, which occurred during the pandemic through social networks among the public lacking essential knowledge of infectious disease, and is associated with negative and positive effects." Our findings can help the Ministry of Health and Welfare and healthcare professionals to understand the phenomenon of the infodemic and prepare necessary strategies and education programs for the public. Therefore, the provision of basic data is important for developing influential roles for healthcare professionals during infectious disease outbreaks.

Acquired Capability for Suicide: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis

While virtually all suicide attempters experience ideations, not all who think about suicide will attempt or die by suicide. The ideation-to-action framework has led to new theories distinguishing suicide ideators from suicide attempters. The framework suggests that suicide progresses on a spectrum of thoughts and behaviors with different identifiers and explanations. The concept of acquired capability for suicide (ACS), conceptualized by the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide, is the first to explain the movement from ideation to action. This concept analysis of ACS is timely and relevant for greater clarification of the role ACS has in the movement from ideation to action. Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis method is used. The six-step evolutionary method highlights the concept’s attributes, antecedents, and consequences and provides a basis for further inquiry and development rather than a final definition.

Concept analysis of self-neglect in the elderly: a hybrid model.

Clarifying the concept of elder self-neglect. Researchers investigated the concept of elder self-neglect using a hybrid approach, including theoretical, fieldwork, and final analysis phases. After an extensive review of related literature to define the concept of self-neglect and describe its characteristics, the fieldwork phase was carried out to illustrate its empirical features. Accordingly, it led to the extraction of the elder self-neglect attributes from the first two phases. Elder self-neglect includes "subjective and objective high-risk behaviors pertinent to physical and spiritual health as well as restricted social interactions, disregarding the living environment, and a lack of compliance to personal hygiene routines that the elderly demonstrate deliberately or unintentionally. Various factors can contribute to such behaviors, including individual features, poor physical performance, elderly-oriented psychological disorders, financial challenges, detrimental stressors, unsuccessful social interactions, inaccessible supportive resources, inadequate educational resources, and inappropriate cultural norms. Consequently, such behaviors result in impaired physical and psychological health status, higher risk of misbehavior, poor quality of life, extra caregiving-treatment burden, and affected mental security in society." Given that elder self-neglect is considered a relatively unknown concept in Iran, the study findings can pave the way for future extensive research in the Iranian context by clarifying the concept. It can play a significant role in developing related tools to design more efficient interventions and improve the quality of nursing care services. The elder self-neglect concept can lead to numerous health-related disorders among the elderly in society. Nurses cannot deal with an unknown phenomenon without exploring and identifying its exact meaning. It is, therefore, imperative to illustrate the different dimensions of this concept to help create a deep understanding among the nurses and perform timely diagnosis and interventional procedures.

Anxiety among colorectal cancer patient: A concept analysis

Background: Despite the prevalence of anxiety among individuals with colorectal cancer, there is a lack of clarity regarding the definition of anxiety in this population. Moreover, research on the impact of care interventions on anxiety in colorectal cancer patients is limited. Objective: This concept analysis aimed to clarify the concept of anxiety among colorectal cancer patients. Methods: The concept analysis was conducted following the Walker and Avant methodology. The utilization of the concept was investigated across three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar), resulting in the identification of 12 relevant studies for in-depth analysis. Results: The identified attributes of anxiety in colorectal cancer include distress related to body image changes, uncertainty during social role reintegration, and fear of disease recurrence or mortality. Genetic factors, psychological elements, and stressful life events were recognized as antecedents of this anxiety. Additionally, the consequences of anxiety exhibited both positive and negative impacts on colorectal cancer patients. Conclusion: The findings of this concept analysis enhance the understanding of the concept of anxiety among colorectal cancer patients. This has the potential to improve the quality of care for colorectal cancer patients.

Development of an infection control competency scale for clinical nurses: an instrument design study.

Nurses work in close proximity to patients, and as such, they can have a direct impact on the control of infections; thus, it is important for nurses to be competent in infection control. However, the scales used to measure infection control performance in nurses are not suitable for measuring infection control competencies that reflect nurses' expertise, clinical environment, and work. Thus, this study aimed to develop a valid and reliable measure to assess infection control competency of clinical nurses. A concept analysis, using a hybrid model, was performed on the infection control competency of clinical nurses to confirm the components and develop 67 initial items. Ten experts evaluated the content validity of these items, and a Korean language expert and a Doctor of Nursing reviewed the questions to consolidate them into 59 items. Subsequently, 267 nurses working at a certified tertiary hospital in D City were surveyed to confirm the validity and reliability of the scale. As a result of the study, the final scale comprising seven factors and 33 questions was derived, and the cumulative explanatory power of these factors was 60.8%. To verify convergent and discriminant validity, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, and the average variance extraction index, composite reliability values, and confidence interval of the correlation coefficient between factors were confirmed. Convergent and discriminant validities were verified by comparison with standard values. The Cronbach's α for the entire scale in this study was 0.93. Consequently, the validity and reliability of the clinical nurses' infection control competency measurement scale were verified. The validity and reliability of the infection control competency measurement scale for clinical nurses (ICCS-CN) developed in this study was verified, and the scale can be effectively used to measure the infection control competency of clinical nurses. Measuring the infection control competency of clinical nurses will help reduce the harm caused by infection and ensure patient safety by decreasing infection rates in medical institutions.

Effective patient-provider communication in healthcare genetics: a concept analysis

Effective patient-provider communication in healthcare genetics: a concept analysis

Facilitating Holistic Nursing Through the Development of Mindfulness: A Model for Student Nurses.

Holistic nursing should be a goal for all nurses. Patients that receive holistic nursing feel acknowledged, valued, and appreciated. Caring for patients holistically requires student nurses to possess and display attributes of mindfulness and Ubuntu. Student nurses therefore need to be supported and taught how to provide caring holistically to patients while being aware, being present, and conscious in the caring moment. The purpose of this article was to describe the model developed as a frame of reference to facilitate holistic nursing through developing mindfulness and Ubuntu. A theory generative, exploratory, and contextual research design was followed. A diagrammatic structure was constructed after the concept analysis was conducted. The model consisted of three phases with an outcome of a student nurse who is caring holistically and mindfully. The model provides a framework of reference to facilitate holistic nursing through the development of mindfulness. This study adds a model of mindfulness and a lens of looking at mindfulness through an African philosophy of Ubuntu.

Nurse decision making in the emergency room: a concept analysis review

The development of decision-making models for emergencies is critical because emergencies can occur anytime and anywhere. This is because this situation requires quick and appropriate action. The purpose of this concept analysis is to analyze and clarify the concept of decision makers in the scope of emergencies and develop an operational definition of the concepts of decision makers, attributes, antecedents, and consequences. The method used is the concept analysis approach of Walker and Avant. The results of the analysis show that the attributes of the concept of decision-making include the process of managing resources to ensure effectiveness and security. This management process uses appropriate and effective procedures in accordance with standards, and the values that exist in society refer to human needs to achieve common goals. Antecedents for decision-making include used cases and technology. The consequences of decision-making include positive impacts such as readiness, experience, responsibility, and action according to emergency procedures. This analysis helps nurses understand concepts and make action decisions in the emergency room. It is recommended that nurses be aware of the characteristics of the situation and the technology used as a guide in performing such actions. More research is needed to analyze the needs needed in the decision-making of nurses' activities in the emergency room.

Perceived Ageism in Health Care: A Hybrid Concept Analysis.

Identifying perceived ageism is a critical step in eliminating ageism. This hybrid concept analysis aims to describe the concept of perceived ageism in health care. In the theoretical phase, a scoping review was conducted. In the field phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine community-dwelling older adults. In the final analytical phase, results from the theoretical phase were integrated with those from the fieldwork phase. The perceived ageism in health care includes four dimensions: self-internalization (self-denial, a sense of unease, and passivity of behavior in seeking health care), interpersonal interaction (perceived negative perceptions, neglected attitudes, and unfair care behaviors), organization system (perceived strangeness caused by unfamiliar technology, unsupportive environment, and inadequate resources), and procedure policy (perceived uniformity of healthcare process and lack of targeted practice policies). Research related to this concept has contributed to developing measurement tools for assessing perceived ageism in healthcare practice and subsequent research.