BMC nursing
Vulnerability in nursing science: a principle-based concept analysis
Par Läpple M et Hasseler M.
Contenu en anglais
Résumé
Background
The term "vulnerability" is widely used across disciplines and variably defined within nursing, reflecting differing theoretical and methodological assumptions. This ambiguity hinders coherent application in research and practice. A broad understanding of vulnerability in healthcare is susceptibility to risks and/or illnesses, implying the need for special protection or treatment.
Methods
To clarify the concept of vulnerability in nursing, its disciplinary meanings were synthesized and its maturity was evaluated by using a principle-based concept analysis according to Penrod and Hupcey (2005), which was conducted on nursing literature. Databases MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL and LIVIVO were systematically searched with defined keywords, and citation searching. Of 1,169 records identified, 49 studies (1983-2024) were included. The evidence was evaluated using the principles of principle-based concept analysis: epistemological adequacy, pragmatic utility, linguistic clarity, and logical coherence.