Caregiving: A Qualitative Concept Analysis

Authors

Melinda Hermanns, The University of Texas at Tyler TXFollow
Beth Mastel-Smith, The University of Texas at Tyler TX

Abstract

A common definition of caregiving does not exist. In an attempt to define the concept of caregiving, the authors used a hybrid qualitative model of concept development to analyze caregiving. The model consists of three phases: (a) theoretical, (b) fieldwork, and (c) analytical. The theoretical phase involves conducting an interdisciplinary literature search, examining existing definitions, and developing a working definition of caregiving. In the fieldwork phase, six participants were interviewed using a structured interview guide. Qualitative data analysis led to the development of two overarching themes: Holistic Care and Someone in Need of Help. Responses from participants were compared to the extant literature and a new definition of caregiving was thus formulated.

Keywords

Caregiving, Concept Analysis, Hybrid Model of ConceptDevelopment, Definitions, Qualitative Research

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the funding provided by the Iota Nu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Publication Date

9-17-2012

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2012.1727

Recommended APA Citation

Hermanns, M., & Mastel-Smith, B. (2012). Caregiving: A Qualitative Concept Analysis. The Qualitative Report, 17(38), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2012.1727