CONCEPT ANALYSIS OF FRAGMENTED CARE WITH WALKER AND AVANT MODEL

Care is a complex and subjective concept, and most nursing theorists consider it the most important action of nurses in dealing with patients. However, inaccuracy in providing comprehensive care by the medical staff has caused disintegration of care and thus the concept of fragmented care (FC) is formed. Although this concept is often used by researchers, its dimensions have not been fully identified. The aim of this study was to analyze the concept of FC.

Concept Analysis of FC based on the Walker and Avant's method (2019) was carried out in eight steps by searching and analyzing studies from reliable information databases such as Scopus, Pubmed, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar search engine. We used the keywords: Fragmentation, Fragmented, and Care without time limit until May 2022. Finally, 26 articles related to the concept were analyzed.

FC had different dimensions. Lack of coordination, planning, teamwork, and holistic view were the most important dimensions. This type of care can occur at different relationship levels of nurse-patient, both within and between wards and different medical centers.

The present study identified different dimensions of the concept of FC. Future studies can use the results of this study to develop a scale as well as to design interventions effective in reducing its incidence.