Person-centredness in gerontological nursing: an overview of the literature.
Person-centred practice is a recurring theme in gerontological nursing literature. While there are many descriptive accounts of attempts at developing person-centred practice, in reality, there are few studies that identify the benefits of this way of working. Thus far, systematic research into person-centred nursing practice is poorly developed. This paper aims to explore the concept of person-centredness and person-centred practice in order to add clarity to discussions about the term in the context of gerontological nursing. This literature-based exploration discusses the meaning of the word 'person' and the way this word is translated into person-centred practice. It is argued that there are four concepts underpinning person-centred nursing: (i). being in relation; (ii). being in a social world; (iii). being in place and (iv). being with self. The articulation of these concepts through existing models of person-centred practice in nursing raises the recurring themes of knowing the person, the centrality of values, biography, relationships, seeing beyond the immediate needs and authenticity. There is a need for further research and development work in gerontological nursing to distinguish between person-centred practice and good quality care for older people.
McCormack
Brendan
B
University of Ulster and Director of Nursing Research and Practice Development, Royal Hospitals Trust, Belfast, UK. brendan.mccormack@royalhospitals.n-i.nhs.uk
D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D028723:Personhood; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration