A concept, according to Merriam Webster, is a notion, a thought, or an idea that is generalized in a way that it helps to explain the world around us or how we experience it. It is usually just a few words, not more than four, from which we can derive meaning, which comes from our own experience and application of previous knowledge. The concept is usually readily measurable and can be inserted into a hypothesis and investigated. How does value-based care impact patients’ experience in healthcare?
This exercise is essential because we are in a course where we are exploring new arrangements in healthcare, like Value-based purchasing, which may not assimilate with your knowledge or experience. The first time I heard of value-based purchasing, I thought it meant a bargain at the clothes store, not a relationship between payers and providers (hospitals) to incentivize quality for Medicare patients.
For this assignment, the focus should be drawn from chapters 3, 4, or 5, any of the videos or readings that were presented. You will select a concept that is unfamiliar to you. You will also select a concept that is NARROW! Your Concept Selection:
So why do this? The assignment challenges you to locate resources, develop and organize evidence, and think critically about an aspect of healthcare delivery. The concept analysis can also help to set the stage for further exploration. The assignment is a measure of your ability to gather information, analyze it, and think critically about the applications and implications for the future of healthcare delivery. You’ll share this with your classmates and, by doing so, have opportunities for feedback and discussions that are relevant to you and the future of healthcare in the US.
Where should I look for information? You can start by looking at dictionaries, the Internet, and Google. Use the library once you get your bearings. Hate searching? Just ask a librarian; they love finding things. Find annotated bibliographies, trade papers, etc.
- Concept Analysis Components:
- Identify the concept (remember must be interesting to you – and narrow)
- Answer what it is, and why is it important
- What is the definition?
- What is the background?
- Why is it important?
- What is the meaning of this concept in healthcare or healthcare delivery organizations?
- What is the meaning to your area of practice (current, or future) in healthcare?
- How do you, or your organization, interact with the concept?
- What do you want to learn by evaluating this concept?
- Identify other terms, references, or domains that encompass and bring definition to the concept (e.g., a table is a flat surface with legs that give it definition). What are the legs (theories, etc.) that support and define your concept?
- What other terms can be used to refer to the concept under review? For example, empathy could also be viewed as caring or sensitivity.
- Define the other terms quickly
- Draw links to the concept under review
- Explain the attributes of the concept
- Look back to the critical parts of the concept that you have already defined
- Are there technical components that became obvious?
- Are there any parts of the definition that can be grouped together? E.g., in most of the care coordination concept analyses, there were different elements of communication in the definition, so communication was clearly one of the attributes.
- Is there a situation you can identify where there are specific attributes that are present that you have not already defined? E.g., in care coordination, you kept coming on data as part of your definitions, but never touched the methods for collecting the data. This is normal, and you may just take one more look at the definitions to be sure you have covered everything, but don’t be afraid to add into your definition.
- Identify and explain the conceptual relatives; what preceded the concept, what is directly related to it.
- What theories, processes, etc are directly related?
- Identify them and explain briefly.
- Identify and explain a model or example of the concept you are evaluating
- If there is some organization or some unit within an organization (your own is okay) where the concept you are focusing on is being modeled?
- Do your best to find models or example of the concept and relate them to your concept
- Explain the impacts of the concept under review
- What is the importance of all that you have uncovered?
- How will it change your practice or healthcare
- What is done differently as a result?
- It is possible that the answer is nothing changed
- Summary
- Explain the concept again
- Explain what you have told your reader (quickly)
- Explain why the concept is important
- Review the relationships you identified
- What are your takeaways after your review?
Planning Table – You can use this table as a possible guide for outlining and developing your paper. You start by filling in information about your selected concept and then expanding.
| Concept Analysis | Example | Your Data |
| 1. Name the concept and define | Empathy | |
| 2. Identify related terms | Sensitivity, awareness… | |
| 3. Attributes of the concept | Communication, patient decision-making, patient experience | |
| 4. Identify a model or example | Teach-back methods in patient-centered care | |
| 5. Impacts | Improved communication and experiences for patients |
Concept Analysis Assignment Requirements
- Approximately 4 pages, and not more than 5 pages in length, not counting title pages or reference section
- APA formatting is required, the question on this please see links to APA support, or use the MCPHS Writing Center
- Proper in-text citations and reference section is required
- You should be using headings to guide the reader example:
Using headings in your paper helps to guide the reader through the paper and demonstrates the importance of information. Headings should be as follows:
Level 1 Centered, bold
Level 2 Left-aligned and Bold
Level 3 indented, bold lowercase heading
