Concept analysis reveals the current state of a concept in the scientific literature. Using the principles outlined by Morse and colleagues, gaps in the knowledge base become apparent. This analysis sets the scene for focused techniques that enable the researcher to strategically advance the concept toward maturity; that is, toward a well-defined, clearly delineated theoretical definition that is useful in multiple research contexts, and ultimately in practice. This paper describes qualitative techniques of concept advancement to be used after a concept analysis has been completed. This sequential, logical process of advancement is an analytic data based process that is guided by criteria for decision-making regarding the most appropriate technique for advancement. But, this advancement does little to advance nursing practice, unless the concept can somehow be incorporated into the practice realm. Therefore, a method for developing clinical assessment guides based on more mature concepts is described to integrate this understanding into practice.
Criteria for determining appropriate methods for concept advancement are based on the initial concept analysis. These criteria build upon the overall level of concept maturity, identified gaps in each of the four philosophical principles, the adequacy of the devoted body of literature, and project goals. First, the initial analysis of the concept’s overall maturity is used to holistically to summarize the current state of the concept. This analysis provides a baseline assessment for appropriate advancement techniques. Next, a closer examination of the analytic findings in the epistemological, linguistical, logical, and pragmatical principles is conducted to more specifically identify the extent of deficiencies in each characteristic. This identification of “gaps” in understanding begin to focus the selection of appropriate methods for concept advancement. Then, the adequacy of the literature base is evaluated to determine the appropriateness of the using the literature in subsequent advancement studies. Finally, project goals are re-examined to maintain an incremental, carefully analytic approach to advancing maturity prior to application of the concept in practice.
Through the advancement of the concept using these criteria and related techniques, the concept’s utility in nursing practice is enhanced. But, applying conceptual understanding into practice often poses a formidable task for the researcher. A concept-driven method for the development of clinical assessment guides is presented as an important bridge over the research-practice void. This method interprets the conceptual components as observable behavioral manifestations that cue the nurse to stage/phase specific interventions and evaluation criteria. The derived assessment guide reflects a carefully analyzed, advanced, and data-based concept, and provides a means to examine and develop the repertoire of effective interventions related to the concept.
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