Support in nursing—An evolutionary concept analysis

Background This research into the concept of support was undertaken because of the recurrent use of the concept in nursing research and especially because of the vital importance of support to family carers of older persons. Aim To inductively develop a definition of support, specifically in the context of family care of frail aged persons. Method The study followed the evolutionary method of concept analysis. The study was based on data from scientific publications, encyclopaedias and dictionaries. In order to secure a representative sample, highly systematic means of sampling were used. Results Working with the data underpinning this study, it was possible to put forward a definition of support for family carers who care for a frail aged person at home. The two major dimensions, as described under attributes, were merged into the following definition: “Support entails the provision of general tangibles such as information, education, economic aid, goods and external services. They are prerequisites for facilitating the family carers’ competence or capacity in care. Moreover it entails necessary qualities such as individualization, adaptability, lastingness, room for verbalizing emotions as well as an idea of reciprocal symmetrical exchange between involved parties.