Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons^™

Caregiving: A Qualitative Concept Analysis , Melinda Hermanns, Beth Mastel-Smith

Melinda Hermanns, PhD, RN, BC, CNE, PN/FCN

A common definition of caregiving does not exist. In an attempt to define the concept of caregiving, the authors used a hybrid qualitative model of concept development to analyze caregiving. The model consists of three phases: (a) theoretical, (b) fieldwork, and (c) analytical. The theoretical phase involves conducting an interdisciplinary literature search, examining existing definitions, and developing a working definition of caregiving. In the fieldwork phase, six participants were interviewed using a structured interview guide. Qualitative data analysis led to the development of two overarching themes: Holistic Care and Someone in Need of Help. Responses from participants were compared to …