Towards an alternative to Benner's theory of expert intuition in nursing: a discussion paper.
Several authors have highlighted the role of intuition in expertise. In particular, a large amount of data has been collected about intuition in expert nursing, and intuition plays an important role in the influential theory of nursing expertise developed by Benner [1984. From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Addison-Wesley, Menlo Park, CA]. We discuss this theory, and highlight both data that support it and data that challenge it. Based on this assessment, we propose a new theory of nursing expertise and intuition, which emphasizes how perception and conscious problem solving are intimately related. In the discussion, we propose that this theory opens new avenues of enquiry for research into nursing expertise.
Gobet
Fernand
F
School of Social Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK. fernand.gobet@brunel.ac.uk
Chassy
Philippe
P
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001364:Awareness; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003657:Decision Making; D004644:Emotions; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D019545:Intuition; D007600:Judgment; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009736:Nursing Process / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D046709:Pattern Recognition, Physiological; D010465:Perception; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011209:Power, Psychological; D011340:Problem Solving; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D013850:Thinking