Support in nursing--an evolutionary concept analysis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Research
• Sociology

Background:

• The concept of support is frequently used in nursing research.
• Support is critically important for family carers of older individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inductively develop a comprehensive definition of support.
• Focus specifically on support within the context of family care for frail elderly individuals.

Main Methods:

• Employed the evolutionary method of concept analysis.
• Utilized data from scientific publications, encyclopedias, and dictionaries.
• Implemented systematic sampling for data representativeness.

Main Results:

• Developed a definition of support for family carers of frail aged persons.
• Support involves tangible provisions (information, education, economic aid, goods, external services) that enhance carer competence.
• Support also includes essential qualities like individualization, adaptability, lastingness, emotional expression, and reciprocal exchange.

Conclusions:

• The proposed definition integrates tangible provisions and personal qualities crucial for effective family caregiving.
• This definition provides a framework for understanding and enhancing support systems for family carers.