Mary Lou Siefert1. 1. Yale University School of Nursing, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, USA. mlsiefert@ya.yale.edu
Abstract
TOPIC: The concept of comfort, although used frequently and throughout the nursing literature, has not been clearly or consistently defined. PURPOSE: To clarify the meaning of comfort by employing the systematic approach of an evolutionary concept-analysis method. SOURCES: Books, journals, professional organization position statements, electronic searches. CONCLUSIONS: A clear definition and meaning of comfort is needed, and thus the ability to use this concept empirically in order to further nursing knowledge development.
TOPIC: The concept of comfort, although used frequently and throughout the nursing literature, has not been clearly or consistently defined. PURPOSE: To clarify the meaning of comfort by employing the systematic approach of an evolutionary concept-analysis method. SOURCES: Books, journals, professional organization position statements, electronic searches. CONCLUSIONS: A clear definition and meaning of comfort is needed, and thus the ability to use this concept empirically in order to further nursing knowledge development.