Concept Analysis of Nursing Judgment in Home Healthcare Nursing Practice by Home Healthcare Nurses in Japan

Abstract

Objective: To obtain a definition of nursing judgment in home healthcare nursing practice as performed by home healthcare nurses in Japan. Methods: A total of 33 literature references published in Japan were assessed. Rodger's method was employed for concept analysis. Results: The following four attributes were extracted: "understanding patients as individuals with their own lifestyles, opinions, and values", "proactive perspective", "discussing care for patients to meet their lifestyle needs", and "careful patient-centered consideration". In addition, 3 antecedents were extracted: "characteristics of nursing in daily life", "intention to exercise professional judgment", and "ability of each nurse". Finally, 2 consequences were extracted: "contents of judgment" and "conduct of appropriate care for patients". Conclusion: Nursing judgment in home healthcare nursing practice by home healthcare nurses in Japan was defined as the process of understanding patients as individuals with their own lifestyles, opinions, and values and discussing the care required to meet their lifestyle needs with the patients as well as the people surrounding them. This process should be performed proactively and should be based on careful patient-centered consideration. Through this process, the patient's condition, care, and involvement are determined, so that appropriate care for each patient can be provided in nursing practice.