Reconceptualizing the nurse-patient relationship.
OBJECTIVE
To review assumptions inherent in the nurse-patient relationship as historically described and practiced, and to propose an alternate framework for nurse-patient interaction that is congruent with current health care environments.


BACKGROUND
The theory of human relatedness and the nurse-patient relationship.


METHODS
Analysis of assumptions inherent in the current theoretical and empirical literature on nurse-patient relationships and evidence from observation of nurses engaged in practice. Proposal and discussion of the theory of human relatedness as an alternative model for conceptualizing nurse-patient relationships.


CONCLUSIONS
The theory of human relatedness framework provides new insights and opportunities for assessment, intervention, and research within the context of nurse-patient relationships.
Hagerty
Bonnie M
BM
2352 NIB, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. bmkh@umich.edu
Patusky
Kathleen L
KL
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D004645:Empathy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009742:Nursing Theory; D009769:Object Attachment; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D012945:Social Values; D013997:Time Factors; D035502:Trust