[Concept analysis of the nursing profession, published from 1994 to 2008]

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Concept Analysis Methodology

Background:

• Concept analysis is crucial for developing clear and rigorous definitions in nursing.
• Understanding trends in concept analysis aids in comprehending the evolution of the nursing discipline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe concept analyses published between 1994 and 2008.
• To identify emerging tendencies and the expansion of the nursing discipline's domain through concept analysis.

Main Methods:

• A two-stage study involving a systematic literature review and content analysis.
• Searched MedLine, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases for articles on 'concept analysis' and 'nursing' published in English.

Main Results:

• 158 concept analyses were identified, focusing on 129 different concepts.
• 91 (57.6%) concepts related to the nursing profession, and 67 (42.4%) to patients.
• Researchers are defining new concepts and incorporating concepts from other disciplines into nursing.

Conclusions:

• Concept analysis is a dynamic research method in nursing.
• The nursing discipline is expanding its scope by integrating concepts from various fields.
• Monitoring concept analysis trends is vital for understanding nursing's evolution globally.