Mutuality in nurse-caregiver relationships in pediatric nursing: A concept analysis

Mutuality is often used in literature in the context of family-centered care and therapeutic relationship building. A therapeutic relationship is necessary to deliver family-centered care, strengthen family health and function, increase patient and family satisfaction, reduce anxiety, and empower decision-makers. Despite mutuality being such an important concept, it is not well defined in the literature.

The Walker and Avant method for concept analysis was used. The databases Medline, PSYCHInfo, CINHAL and Nursing & Allied Health were searched for texts in English from 1997 to 2021 using specific search terms.

Of the 248 results, 191 articles were screened and 48 met inclusion criteria.

Mutuality was found to be a process of dynamic reciprocity whereby the partners contribute uniquely to their shared goals, values, or purposes.

Mutuality is an important aspect of family-centered care and is used throughout nursing and advanced nursing practice.

The concept of mutuality should be incorporated into family-centered care policies, as without it, family-centered care cannot be established. Further research should be done to develop methods or educational techniques to establish and maintain mutuality in advanced nursing practice.