Views on Nurses' Understanding of a Holistic Approach to Nursing: A Qualitative Review and Thematic Analysis

It is assumed that nursing is performed on a scientific knowledge-based approach toward patients that considers the wellbeing of the whole person. The meaning and understanding are essential
when conceptualizing the idea of caring for the whole person and how this is applied by nurses in
healthcare. However, the meaning and understanding of holism varies widely according to research. The aim of this study was to show how a holistic approach is comprehended in studies about nurses’ views to nursing. The study’s design adopts an inductive interpretive approach. We conducted a qualitative literature review based on empirical, peer-reviewed studies retrieved from CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE and PsycInfo (EbscoHost). In all 126 papers were included for full text review, 17 papers were eligible for thematic analysis representing a variation in views on a holistic approach to nursing. Findings showed three different approaches: ontological-philosophical oriented: partnership/alliance oriented: help and need oriented. Interpreting the findings through the lens of Heidegger’s view on holism - moving from a needs approach to towards a consciousness view, suggests that a deeper ontological awareness is needed to avoid a reductionist understanding of holism related to nursing. A higher degree of complexity in holistic thinking and reflection by visualizing an outcome based on a holistic meaning is suggested.