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Concept analysis methodology: applications to altered level of consciousness
Journal of Post Anesthesia Nursing
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Concept analysis is crucial for developing nursing instruments. This study applies it to altered level of consciousness (ALC) in postanesthesia patients, proposing criteria for a new nursing diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Medical Instrument Development
Background:
- Concept analysis is foundational for creating reliable instruments in healthcare.
- Altered level of consciousness (ALC) is a critical concept in postanesthesia care.
Observation:
- Existing ALC criteria are designed for neurologically impaired patients, not postanesthesia patients.
- Postanesthesia patients may experience chemically induced ALC requiring specific assessment.
Findings:
- This study outlines the concept analysis process for ALC in postanesthesia patients.
- It proposes developing consensus among PACU nurses on ALC criteria for this population.
Implications:
- Validated ALC criteria can inform the development of a new nursing diagnosis.
- This process can lead to a pencil-and-paper instrument for testing ALC in postanesthesia patients.
- The methodology is applicable to other concepts relevant to PACU nurses.