Person‐centredness in gerontological nursing: an overview of the literature

Person‐centred practice is a recurring theme in gerontological nursing literature. While there are many descriptive accounts of attempts at developing person‐centred practice, in reality, there are few studies that identify the benefits of this way of working. Thus far, systematic research into person‐centred nursing practice is poorly developed. This paper aims to explore the concept of person‐centredness and person‐centred practice in order to add clarity to discussions about the term in the context of gerontological nursing. This literature‐based exploration discusses the meaning of the word ‘person’ and the way this word is translated into person‐centred practice. It is argued that there are four concepts underpinning person‐centred nursing: (i) being in relation; (ii) being in a social world; (iii) being in place and (iv) being with self. The articulation of these concepts through existing models of person‐centred practice in nursing raises the recurring themes of knowing the person, the centrality of values, biography, relationships, seeing beyond the immediate needs and authenticity. There is a need for further research and development work in gerontological nursing to distinguish between person‐centred practice and good quality care for older people.