Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
The utility of human sciences in nursing inquiry
1McMaster University, Hamilton ON, Canada. prattm@mcmaster.ca
Nurse Researcher
|June 6, 2012
Summary
Human sciences offer valuable insights into patient experiences for novice nurse researchers. Despite limitations, this humanistic approach provides a crucial framework for nursing research and practice.
Area of Science:
- Nursing research
- Qualitative inquiry
- Humanistic philosophy
Background:
- Nursing knowledge development is predominantly influenced by positivist and post-positivist paradigms.
- There is a need to integrate human sciences and humanistic philosophy in nursing.
- Human sciences emphasize understanding subjective human experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of human sciences for novice nurse researchers.
- To demonstrate the application of humanistic perspectives in understanding patient experiences.
- To underscore the importance of human sciences in nursing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of discussion papers on human sciences, phenomenology, and qualitative research.
- Accessed databases: Cinahl and Medline.
- Focused on seminal works in phenomenology, particularly Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology.
Main Results:
- Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology offers a framework for nursing research and practice.
- Van Manen's work illustrates the value and potential biases of humanistic approaches in nursing inquiry.
- Human sciences provide a vital perspective for exploring lived experiences in nursing.
Conclusions:
- Human sciences offer a valuable, albeit sometimes biased, framework for nursing research and practice.
- Novice nurse researchers should explore humanistic inquiry for a deeper understanding of patient experiences.
- Understanding the philosophical and methodological underpinnings of humanistic approaches is crucial for researchers.
Related Concept Videos
01:18The Scientific Method in Nursing Process
The scientific method provides the foundation for any research. It is the most reliable and objective of all forms of gaining knowledge and guides in applying research-based evidence in practice and conducting future research.
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be safely...
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be safely...
01:13Patient-centered Care
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
01:24Critical Thinking I
Critical thinking helps decision-making and allows nurses to recognize barriers to success and find solutions to possible issues. It helps to brainstorm and implement ideas to achieve goals. Critical thinking helps acknowledge and state workflow inefficiencies while improving management techniques. Nurses understand the value of critical thinking and look for fellow nurses with critical thinking skills to upgrade their professional standards. Critical thinking can advance a nurse's career with...
01:30Current Trends in Nursing II
Trends in nursing are multifactorial and associated with changes in society, within the nursing profession, and in other professions. Notably, telehealth and remote nursing contribute to successful healthcare delivery for numerous patients and help reduce stress for nurses due to nursing shortages. Nurses can reach patients, monitor their conditions, and interact with them using computers, audio, visual accessories, and telephones—for example, remote patient monitoring systems. Likewise,...
01:30Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
Theories play an essential role in organizing patient care. Theories refer to a proposed or followed belief, policy, or procedure that is the basis for action. Nursing theories are knowledge-based concepts that guide nurses' actions, influence nursing education and practice, and allow nurses to care for their patients.
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
01:29Professional Values
Nurses are responsible for caring for patients during birth, death, illness, and healing. Professional values guide the decisions and actions that nurses make in their careers. If nurses know the decisions and actions to take, providing patients with exceptional care is possible.
The values that are the foundation of the nursing profession are altruism, autonomy, human dignity, and social justice.
First, altruism refers to the concern for the welfare and well-being of others without personal...
The values that are the foundation of the nursing profession are altruism, autonomy, human dignity, and social justice.
First, altruism refers to the concern for the welfare and well-being of others without personal...