Physiological stability: a concept analysis.

AIM

To present a concept analysis of physiological stability.

BACKGROUND

Physiological stability is an ubiquitous concept in the literature. However, no operational definition of this concept seems to be clearly established even though a literature review demonstrates multiple uses of the concept. Thus, a concept analysis is required to clarify the concept of physiological stability and identify its theoretical bases.

DESIGN

Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis.

DATA SOURCES

The databases consulted to perform the literature review of concept of physiological stability were: CINAHL, Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, Eric and EMB Reviews. Articles were included when the keywords physiological and stability were present in the title or abstract in articles published between 2000-2012, available electronically or in paper at the libraries.

REVIEW METHOD

This concept analysis was performed using the 8-step method proposed by Walker and Avant.

RESULTS

Identification of the attributes, antecedents and consequences of physiological stability led to an operational definition of the concept of physiological stability as a dynamic state of a living organism characterized by the maintenance of one or more physiological parameters within value ranges that vary only slightly in the presence of disruptive elements. It is an adaptive response reflecting the physiological balance of the living organism.

CONCLUSION

This analysis contributes to the advancement of knowledge of the concept of physiological stability by proposing an operational definition derived from theoretical foundations. This concept is important within nursing because it helps to define the effectiveness of nursing interventions and attests to clients' well-being.