Although many researchers have used the term ‘connectedness’
to describe and/or measure a person’s perception
of having a significant relationship with other people, there
is little consistency across the literature in the definition or
measurement of connectedness. In addition, little research
has been done to clarify the concept of connectedness in
the context of patient–provider relationships. The purpose
of this article is to clarify the concept of connectedness
by evaluating how it has been examined in social
relationships.