Concept analysis: malpractice and modern-day nursing practice.
OBJECTIVE
The concept of malpractice can mean different things depending upon the context in which the term is used. This can lead to confusion about the standard of care required for nurses engaged in modern-day nursing practice.


OBJECTIVE
This paper examines the attributes and characteristics of the concept of malpractice using Walker and Avant's (2005) eight-step methodology.


METHODS
CINAHL, PubMed, and PsychINFO.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to malpractice liability is an unfortunate consequence of modern-day nursing practice. An understanding of malpractice will assist nurses in identifying situations that may expose them to legal liability and hopefully lead to improved patient care.
Weld
Konstantine Keian
KK
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA. keian.weld@hhs.gov
Garmon Bibb
Sandra C
SC
D004282:Documentation / Q000592:standards; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008008:Licensure, Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D016294:Models, Nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009736:Nursing Process / Q000458:organization & administration; D009737:Nursing Records / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D012107:Research Design; D012308:Risk Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States