An analysis of the concept "quality" as it relates to contemporary nursing care.

This analysis explores the applications and interpretations of the extensively used, but seldom defined, concept of "quality" as it relates to contemporary nursing care. This study employed an inductive approach to describe and explain the use and meaning of the concept; data generated from the literature were also analysed to identify the predominant attributes or characteristics of the concept quality associated with health care. The analysis yielded data from which modes of conceiving, describing and explaining the concept "quality nursing care" could be induced and grounded theory could be generated. Quality emerged as a complex, multi-dimensional concept requiring further analysis and clarification. Unaware of, or undeterred by the conceptual confusion, quality care continues to be assured, controlled, evaluated and managed in the Health Service today.