ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Mutuality is explored as an interaction style for providers and clients that encourages accountability. SIGNIFICANCE: Accountability by both providers and clients is necessary to manage health care costs and outcomes. ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK: Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis. SCOPE: Literature from 1930 to 1996. Mutuality is compared to autonomy, reciprocity, consumerism, negotiation, participation, collaboration, and paternalism. CONCLUSIONS: Mutuality is shown to balance power and respect, and to promote productive provider-client communication. This interaction style for partnership relationships fosters positive and lasting health care outcomes. IMPLICATIONS: Nurses are challenged to develop the skill of eliciting give and take, and creative, mutual exchanges.
Subject(s)
Cooperative Behavior , Models, Nursing , Nurse-Patient Relations , Patient Participation , Humans , Negotiating , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Reproducibility of Results , Self Disclosure , Social ResponsibilityABSTRACT
A model is explained for assessing the components and potential relationships which should be considered before introduction of a new or updated piece of equipment, improved supplies or a new process in nursing care. Some principles are offered to direct the weighting of various factors involved in selecting and implementing the introduction of new technology. Use of such a model can reduce staff frustration and improve quality of patient care.
