title: Vulnerable: a concept analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In spite of the significance of vulnerable as a phenomenon that affects the human condition, its essence remains complex and elusive.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A conceptual analysis to clarify knowledge of this concept to explore the common and scientific usage.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comprehensive and systematic review from bibliographic and abstract databases and online searches.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings contributed to the definition of vulnerable as a highly individualized dynamic process of being open to circumstances that positively or negatively influence outcomes, a definition based on a synthesis of knowledge concerning vulnerable, and offers a reconceptualization that expands its use in nursing scientific theory, research, and clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: High-Risk Infant Follow Clinic, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Nursing, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA. ipurdy@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Isabell B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Purdy
mesh_terms: D003210:Concept Formation; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D019359:Knowledge; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018570:Risk Assessment; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D035862:Vulnerable Populations