The Concept of Information Needs in the Context of Children’s Nursing

Harley, Sarah (2009) The Concept of Information Needs in the Context of Children’s Nursing. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Aim: To examine the concept of information needs in the context of children’s nursing so as to bring the concept closer to its use in research and practice.

Methods: A critical review using elements of concept analysis methodology to evaluate literature. Through identification of key associated concepts, a model was developed to represent the interactions involved in children’s information needs, recognition of these needs and effective information provision to meet them.

Key words: Child* (or adolescent or young person or teenager), information needs, information, patient education and concept.

Findings: Key elements of the concept ‘information needs’ were identified and used to develop a model to represent the interactions involved. The key elements identified are: a trigger leading to information needs; a resulting deficit in knowledge; information needed as a coping mechanism and for decision making, informed consent, participation, partnership, adherence and compliance with treatment; information seeking behaviour; communication within a tripartite relationship of child, parent and health professional in which information needs are recognised and met; the need for information to be developmentally appropriate and engaging; and new information needs developing from more in-depth knowledge.

The use of the model to identify barriers to identifying and meeting the information needs of children. Key barriers identified were: the health professional not recognising the child’s information needs; information not being developmentally appropriate or engaging, information provision being inadequate in content; lack of signposting to sources of information; parents withholding information and too much information being given, which overwhelms the child.

Abstract continued

Implications: Through examining the key elements and interactions involved in information needs, the concept is clarified allowing further research to be developed. Health professionals are encouraged to use the model to reflect on their own practice and ways in which they can minimise the barriers and therefore ameliorate information provision to children.

Item Type: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User: EP, Services
Date Deposited: 02 Sep 2009 11:03
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2018 19:29
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/22792

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