Concept Analysis of Caring Thinking in Iranian Nurses: A Hybrid Model

Abstract

Introduction: The concept of caring thinking has been utilized in nursing, and although it has been defined and evaluated using a variety of methods, yet it remains an abstract concept in nursing practice. This paper presents a concept analysis to define and clarify the concept of caring thinking to provide a deeper understanding of how caring thinking can be incorporated into nursing. Therefore, the present study is carried out for the purpose of defining and clarifying its concept in the nursing profession.Methods: This study used a hybrid model of concept analysis comprising three phases, namely a theoretical phase, field work phase, and a final analysis phase. To find relevant literature, electronic search of valid databases was utilized using keywords related to the concept of caring thinking. Field work data were collected over a 10-month time period from 2017 to 2018. In the field work phase, in-depth interviews were performed with 10 nurses and academic nurse. The conventional content analysis was used in two theoretical and field work phases, and the results were combined in the final analysis phase. Results: The 4 main themes extracted included “Correct thinking”, “Responsibility”, “Professional commitment”, and “Ethical thinking” and the final definition of the concept was presented.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that clarifying the concept of Caring thinking leads to better understanding and common perception of this concept and helps nurses to exhibit caring thinking and provide quality care. Caring thinking arranges the systematic approach to and practice of behaviors. Actually, caring thinking is form of thinking contributing to correct thinking. Therefore, the results of this study have implications for nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing research.