Premium
Professional intimacy in nursing practice: A concept analysis
Author(s) -
Antonytheva Sarah,
Oudshoorn Abe,
Garnett Anna
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
nursing forum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.618
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1744-6198
pISSN - 0029-6473
DOI - 10.1111/nuf.12506
Subject(s) - closeness , clarity , reciprocity (cultural anthropology) , perspective (graphical) , psychology , nursing , professional boundaries , social psychology , medicine , computer science , mathematical analysis , biochemistry , chemistry , mathematics , artificial intelligence
Abstract Aim This paper provides a critical analysis of the concept of professional intimacy in nursing practice. Background Professional intimacy is a key attribute to the therapeutic nurse–patient relationship. However, there is a lack of clarity on the concept from a nursing perspective and little research has been done to explore the multiple dimensions of professional intimacy. Because of this, there is tentativeness in enacting and openly discussing this concept. Design The concept analysis approach of Walker and Avant (2011) was used to guide this manuscript. Review Methods The eight steps described by Walker and Avant (2011) were implemented to identify antecedents, defining attributes, empirical referents, and consequences of professional intimacy using the literature published both historically and currently. Results The review identified 11 articles and based on analysis of the included articles, professional intimacy is the therapeutic relationship between a nurse and a patient that fosters closeness, self‐disclosure, reciprocity, and trust at physical, psychological, and/or spiritual levels. Conclusion This concept analysis shows that professional intimacy influences nursing satisfaction and promotes optimal patient outcomes. Nurses need to recognize that professional intimacy does not involve a crossing of professional boundaries and is vital to quality care.