Adult social care nursing: A hybrid concept analysis

TL;DR

This paper defines adult social care nursing, highlighting its role in managing complex health and social care needs through person-centered approaches.

Contribution

The study provides an initial definition of adult social care nursing and identifies its key attributes and role in integrated care.

Findings

Adult social care nursing involves managing complex health and social care needs with registered nurses.

Key attributes include autonomy, professional skill development, and empowering patient participation in care.

The concept supports nurses as dynamic change agents in diverse care settings.

Abstract

The concept of adult social care nursing is poorly articulated in the literature. This study explores and defines adult social care nursing by examining its antecedents, attributes, and consequences. By clarifying this concept, the research aims to enhance understanding among policymakers, educators, service providers, and the public, fostering greater recognition of social care nurses' roles, workplaces, and contributions.

A qualitative hybrid concept analysis model was used. This approach combined theoretical examination with empirical inquiry to develop a comprehensive understanding of the concept. The study was structured in four phases: concept identification, literature review, empirical data collection, and integrative analysis.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using CINHAL, Medline, APA PsycInfo, Wiley Online, OVID, and The King’s Fund library. Grey literature was explored through the Department of Health and Social Care’s adult social care collection, expert consultation, and reference handpicking.

Nineteen participants took part via four focus groups, two 2:1 interviews, and one 1:1 interview. Eighteen participants were registered nurses, and one participant was a registered social worker with experience of working with nurses.

Using a hybrid concept analysis approach, the study progressed through multiple phases. A preliminary exploration (Phase 1) provided an initial conceptual framework, which was refined through a literature review (Phase 2). Empirical fieldwork (Phase 3) involved focus groups and interviews, thematic content analysis was utilised to identify key attributes, followed by integrative analysis to synthesise findings and refine the conceptual model. The study was not registered in a trial registry given it is a qualitative study.

This study identified that adult social care nursing is present when people have a combination of health and social care needs that require registered nurses’ care. Attributes include a career of choice, independent and autonomous nursing, with professional and business skill development including advanced practice. This supports social care nurses in their goal to be dynamic change agents who empower people to be active participants in their own care, with improved quality of life, being able to live well with their health needs in a social context.

This paper proposes an initial definition of nursing within adult social care, which serves as a foundation for further discussion and development. It highlights nurses' vital role, diverse skill set, and equal partnership in the social care landscape, reinforcing their significant contributions to integrated, person-centred care across diverse settings.

Defining adult social care nursing: A dynamic field where registered nurses manage complex needs, and drive person-centred, evidence-based care across diverse settings.

Figures