Partnership in nursing care: a concept analysis

Objectives: This concept analysis aims to provide a better understanding of the term “partnership” in nursing care. A critical review of empirical studies regarding this area, can lay the groundwork for improving partnership between nurses and clients, as well as per-son-centered nursing care. Methods: A comprehensive literature search used various “partnership”, “nurse” and “clients” search terms to identify relevant studies published from 2007 to 2017. The selected studies had to focus on partnership and nursing care. Walker and Avant’ (2004) framework was used when synthesizing the evidence from empirical studies in the concept analysis. It helps to dis-tinguish confusing or unclear concepts, and to promote critical thinking through analyzing its attributes, operational definitions, antecedents, consequences, and reference. Results: In nursing care, partnership is the relationship based on collaboration among individuals, who place trust and confidence in accountability, and who have capability and empathy. The antecedents are health problems or requirements, willingness to sign up as partners and ongoing commitment; while the consequences were presented as improvement in quality of service, treatment outcomes, clients’ safety and satisfaction, financial benefit as well as time constraints and p rofessiona ls’ emotional burden. The Patient Partnership in Care questionnaire can help assess partnership in nursing care. Conclusion: This concept analysis informs the concept of partnership in nursing care by using Walker and Avant’ (2004) framework. By synthesizi ng the evidence from empirical studies, it provides theoretical and clinical frameworks for nurses to innovate nurse-client relationships - nurses are seen as partners in care instead of experts, which can encourage clients’ self -management and improve person-centered nursing care.