Integrated narrative nursing: a new perspective for an advanced assessment.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Informatics
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• The nursing process begins with assessment, crucial for diagnosis, planning, and intervention.
• Traditional assessments may lack depth in capturing the holistic patient experience.
• A need exists for advanced assessment models that integrate diverse patient data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a multidimensional and integrated nursing assessment model.
• To explore the potential of this model in significantly influencing nursing care.
• To outline strategies, methods, and instruments for implementing this advanced assessment.

Main Methods:

• The proposed model integrates biophysical, psychological, socio-relational, and spiritual dimensions.
• It emphasizes inter-professional dialogue among nurses, physicians, and other health professionals.
• Combines quantitative instruments (surveys, scales) with qualitative methods (interviews, narratives).

Main Results:

• The integrated model combines objective data ('cases') with subjective patient narratives ('stories').
• Complementary use of objective and subjective methods yields valid, consistent, and standardized results.
• The model allows for the investigation of unique and subjective patient perceptions.

Conclusions:

• The multidimensional and integrated assessment model shows significant potential to enhance nursing care.
• This approach supports personalized care by considering individual patient needs and perceptions.
• The outlined strategies provide a framework for implementing advanced nursing assessment practices.