Concept analysis of trust: a coronary care perspective

Patients admitted to the coronary care unit following either myocardial infarction, severe left heart failure or rhythm disturbances frequently have difficulty conceptualizing a 'broken heart'. The aim of this paper is to provide a greater understanding of the term 'trust' in relation to patient care, utilizing the concept analysis framework of Walker & Avant. Trust has been identified as an essential element in the nurse-patient relationship; due to its abstract nature it would appear that we as critical care nurses have been naive and have over-simplified the concept. Indeed, it is suggested that we could learn from our patients, in order to contribute to an effective nurse-patient relationship.