Concept Analysis Definition

A concept analysis is useful in the examination of a specific concept in an effort to identify the concepts structure (Walker & Avant, 2011). The ultimate purpose of a concept analysis is to examine, clarify, and describe a concept with goal to gain understanding and the development of a definition. Concept analysis is an important process in the development of conceptual frameworks and theories utilized in practice and research (McEwen & Wills, 2014). A concept analysis contains several key components which include an aim or purpose of the analysis, defining attributes, model cases, antecedents, consequences and empirical referents.
The aim or purpose of the analysis can be defined simply as the why and how. Questions that the aim or purpose
The presence of empirical referents shows the actual occurrence of the concept (Walker & Avant, 2011). Empirical referents directly relate to the defining attributes, not the concept (Walker & Avant, 2011). They are useful in the development of instruments (Walker & Avant, 2011). Empirical referents are included in a concept analysis to help categorize the identified defining attributes therefore confirming the actual occurrence of the concept (Walker & Avant, 2011). It is important to remember that empirical referents do not measure the concept but are how we recognize the defining attribute (Walker & Avant, 2011). Empirical referents were not specifically addressed or identified by the author. According to Walker and Avant (2011), defining attributes and empirical referents may be one in the same. In relation to the concept of connection, I would conclude that it is possible for defining attributes and empirical referents to be the same. While it would have been helpful for this exercise to have this explicitly stated, the lack of discussion of empirical referents did not impact this concept
The concept of connection is at the heart of these late-in-life transitions. As healthcare providers, it is important for use to establish a connection with our patients based on trust and respect in an effort to ease the stress and anxiety that can be associated with these transitions. Something as simple as maintaining care with a provider in the practice when moving to a skilled nursing facility instead of switching to the house provider can make a difficult transition manageable for patients and their families and reduce the stress associated with this major move. Making connections are important in life and we must value those already made as we guide and navigate life’s challenges and