Perspectives on health

Area of Science:

• Nursing Theory
• Health Sciences
• Philosophy of Health

Background:

• A panel discussion convened six prominent nurse leaders at the 1989 Discovery International, Inc.'s Nurse Theorist Conference.
• The conference aimed to explore the multifaceted concept of health from various theoretical viewpoints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and discuss diverse perspectives on the meaning of health among leading nursing theorists.
• To facilitate a dialogue on the uniqueness of nursing and nurse-person relationships.

Main Methods:

• A panel discussion format was employed, featuring six distinguished nurse leaders.
• Four key questions were posed to the panel regarding the definition of health, nursing's distinct role, and interpersonal dynamics within nursing.

Main Results:

• The panel engaged in a dialogue, with five participants directly answering posed questions.
• Keynote speaker Afaf Meleis also provided responses, enriching the discussion.

Conclusions:

• The panel discussion highlighted varied interpretations of health within the nursing discipline.
• It underscored the importance of theoretical dialogue in advancing nursing's understanding of health and its practice.