Elder’s life course theory and person‐centered research: A lens for conducting ethical nursing research and mental health nursing practice with older adults aging with the diagnosis of schizophrenia

Abstract

Introduction Older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia are a vulnerable population owing to the manifestations of their illness, which can include decreased reality orientation, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions. This paper presents ethical principles of vulnerability, veracity, non‐maleficence and autonomy for person‐centered care in mental health nursing research and practice, focused with the lens of Elder's life course theory (LCT). Aim To present Elder's LCT as an ethical lens for person‐centered care as nurses engage with older adults aging with the diagnosis of schizophrenia in clinical practice and/or research. Method Four ethical principles fundamental to nursing research and mental health practice are presented, with Elder's LCT as a theoretical lens for person‐centered care. Results A model for ethical research and mental health practice with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. Discussion Nursing research and mental health nursing practice with an ethical LCT lens for person‐centered can help nurses envision, explore and generate interventions to address the special needs of older adults aging with schizophrenia. Implications for Practice The use of a LCT lens for person‐centered care can encourage nurses in research and mental health practice to seek information collaboratively with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia in a thoughtful, ethical manner, to inform the improvement of their health outcomes and health policy.