Theory development in nursing is characterized by nursing’ unique perspective. It is also provided direction to nursing practice. However, there are many issues in theory development in nursing and one of them is the lack of understanding of the definition and functions of the theory development. To resolve this problem, the concept analysis was promoted by Walker and Avant.
Concept analysis is an important tool for nurses to pilot researches. It is defined as an approach design “to clarify the meanings of terms and to define terms (Concepts) so that writers and readers share a common language” (McEwen & Wills, 2019). Rodgers espoused this concept and mentioned that “concept analysis is necessary because concepts are dynamic, “fuzzy”, and context dependent and possess some pragmatic utility or purpose” (McEwen & Wills, 2019). Thus, concept analysis approach has been used in nursing to develop theories and to refine terminologies utilized in research and practice.
References:
McEwen, M & Wills, E. M. (2019). Theoretical Basis for Nursing. (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
According to Walker and Avant (2011), concept analysis, concept development, concept synthesis, and other terms refer to the rigorous process of bringing clarity to the definition of the concepts used in science. Concept analysis and concept development are the terms used most commonly in nursing and are generally applied to the process of inquiry that examines concepts for their level of development as revealed by their internal structure , use, representativeness, and relationship to other concepts. Therefore, concept analysis and or concept development explores the meaning to promote understanding (McEwen, M. & Wills, E. M., 2019).
Concept analysis can be used to evaluate the level of maturity or development of nursing concepts by:
Identifying gaps in nursing knowledge
Determining the need to refine or clarify a concept when it appears to have multiple meanings.
Evaluating the adequacy of competing concepts in their relation to other phenomena.
Examining the congruence between the definition of the concept and the way it has been operationalized.
Determining the fit between the definition of the concept and its clinical application (Morse et al., 1996; as cited in McEwen, M. & Wills, E. M., 2019).
Both theory and research direct practice and research and theory are derived from practice scenorios. While theory guides research, it is continuously being tested in the research process. The conceptual elements of the theory that guide the research or are being tested by the research are named and defined during concept analysis (McEwen, M. & Wills, E. M., 2019).
Reference:
McEwen, M. & Wills, E. M., (2019). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (5th edition). Wolters Kluwer Health.
Walter, L. O., & Avant, K. (2011). Strategies for theory construction in nursing (5th edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
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