Findings. The person-centred nursing framework comprises four constructs –
prerequisites, which focus on the attributes of the nurse; the care environment,
which focuses on the context in which care is delivered; person-centred processes,
which focus on delivering care through a range of activities; and expected outcomes,
which are the results of effective person-centred nursing. The relationship between
the constructs suggests that, to deliver person-centred outcomes, account must be
taken of the prerequisites and the care environment that are necessary for providing
effective care through the care processes.
Conclusion. The framework described here has been tested in a development and
research project in an acute hospital setting. Whilst there is an increasing empirical
base for person-centred nursing, as yet little research has been undertaken to
determine its outcomes for patients and nurses. The framework developed can be
described as a mid-range theory. Further testing of the framework through empirical
research is required to establish its utility for nursing practice and research