How should the assignment be structured?
It should include an introduction, a main body, and a conclusion. The introduction should explain the focus of the essay and essentially set the scene for the reader. You could include an explanation of the areas you will discuss and establish the importance of behavioural science to patient care.
The main body is where you will include a detailed discussion of the main points you are making in the essay. This could include examples from research and theory that support the concept of behavioural science contributing to patient care. Approach this as if you are trying to explain to the reader how behavioural science contributes to patient centred care.
The conclusion should summarise your essay. You should not introduce any major new areas of discussion, but you can emphasise the importance of the topic for future nursing care.
The introduction and conclusion should be relatively brief. A few hundred words maximum but can be less than this.
You should write in the third person style throughout and use paragraphs to enable your work to flow clearly.
What does the question mean and what should be included in the essay?
Essentially the question aims to explore the contribution that behavioural science makes to patient centred nursing care. To fully answer the question, you need to explain what behavioural science is, what patient centered nursing care is and establish links between the two.
The question has been written to enable you to have some flexibility in how you approach the assignment. Clearly this is a large topic, and 2000 words can only include a certain amount of information. Therefore, you can focus your essay on aspects of behavioural science that interest you.
You do not have to include everything. Examples of topics you could focus on in include stress, support with chronic illness, pain management, health beliefs and behaviours and adherence to advice and treatment. These are just examples and there are more additional aspects you can focus on. It is acceptable to focus on one topic or more. The aim is to avoid writing a little bit about everything and not including enough detail. The reason I have set the essay like this is to give you some control over the approach you take. You are welcome to confirm with me which aspects you are including to make sure you are on the right lines.
Explain the ideas and concepts you include and emphasise the connection to patient care. You can include theories, models, assessment tools and examples from theory and research.
What about referencing?
Referencing should follow the Harvard system guidance that you have been given. There is no set number of references you need but the more you support your work the more academic and professional it will be. For all the points you include you must reference using a mix of good quality books, articles, and electronic sources. The references should be presented as a list at the end of the essay and references cited throughout the writing.
Referencing is a set of rules you can apply so be consistent and pay attention to detail. Correct and thorough referencing make a positive difference to the quality of your writing and the marks you can achieve.
Some references that are still currently used commonly in psychology are older. If you cite an older reference also include a more modern reference to demonstrate continued relevance.
In general, what will a good answer be like?
Your answer should address the question clearly, should flow logically and follow the recommended structure. Referencing should be thorough and correct. The writing should be in the third person and contain no spelling or syntax errors. Proofreading your work and reading it aloud can help with this. If it is not flowing when you read it, you may want to edit your work further.
The content should be relevant, interesting, and focused on the question.
