Exposed – a semantic concept analysis of its origin, meaning change over time and its relevance for caring science

ABSTRACT

Purpose

A patient is vulnerable and exposed due to illness, relies on and surrender to other people. In caring this means a special dependency. The aim of this study was to describe the origin of the concept ‘exposed’, to elucidate how the definition of this term has changed over time, and to outline its relevance in caring science.

Method

A semantic concept analysis in two phases was conducted.

Results

The findings show that over time, the degree of binding of the following synonyms has become stronger; unprotected/defenseless, naked/bare, pressed/jostled and unsafe/unprotected and can easily be transferred to a clinical nursing context.

Conclusions

This study provides a deeper understanding of the concept 'exposed' semantically. Being exposed is a profound experience for patients who need to be seen as the person they really are. A life-world led care has an existential power that can support professionals, strengthen patients’ health processes, and alleviate the patient’s suffering.

KEYWORDS:

• Caring science
• concept analysis
• exposedness
• nursing care
• suffering by care

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Sofia Almerud Österberg

Sofia AlmerudÖsterberg, PhD, is an associate professor in caring science with focus on intensive care and anesthesiology. Her research interests are primarily in the field of acute care, mainly care in technologically intense environments and the existential dimension of acute and critical illness.

Ulrica Hörberg

Ulrica Hörberg, PhD, is a professor in caring science with focus on psychiatric care. Her research interests are primarily in the field of mental health, psychiatric and forensic psychiatric care as well as caring and learning in educational and health care.

Lise-Lotte Ozolins

Lise-LotteOzolins PhD, is an affiliated researcher and her research explores both caring and learning related to health care contexts.

Carina Werkander Harstäde

Carina Werkander Harstäde, PhD, is an associate professor with focus on palliative care. Her research interests are oncology, palliative care, guilt and shame, dignity care interventions in palliative care, caring science, space and place in health care, e-health, and supervision and education in ambulance service.

Carina Elmqvist

Carina Elmqvist PhD, is a professor in caring science with focus on emergency care and Head of Research in R&D Department, Region Kronoberg as well as Research Manager for the Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University. Her research interests are primarily in the field of emergency care involving life-saving measures and existential responsibility through interprofessional collaboration in favour for patients to be less vulnerable.