Application of Concept Analysis to Clinical Practice: Developmental Care for Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
In utilizing the structural framework of concept analysis, the objective is to assess the need for developmental care for preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Walker and Avant (2005) explain concept analysis as a technique used to label phenomena in nursing, allowing for the development of various possibilities within the concept of interest. To increase the understanding of concept analysis and the procedural steps involved in its application, an overview will be provided of article, The Art of Developmental Care in the NICU: A Concept Analysis. In addition, an illustration will display how the concept is applicable in the NICU nurse’s daily practice. Upon completion, the reader will be able to identify the concept analysis process and the need for developmental care in the NICU.
Description of Method
There is an eight step process to Walker and Avant’s concept analysis which necessitates: selecting a concept, determining the aim or purpose of the analysis, identifying all uses of the concept that can be discovered, determining the defining attributes, identifying the model case, identifying additional cases (borderline, related, contrary, invented, and illegitimate), identifying antecedents and consequences, and defining empirical referents (Walker & Avant, 2005). The article did not use the complete concept analysis method, omitting additional cases and defining empirical referents. Using this modified version, the authors were still able to define and determine the applicable functions of developmental care.
Steps in Process and Results
Choosing a concept of curiosity and significance to the author, furthering research or theoretical development, is the initial step in beginning the analysis procedure (Walker & Avant, 2005). The authors of The Art of Developmental Care in the NICU: A Concept...