Exploring the concept of “caring cultures”: A critical examination of the conceptual, methodological and validity issues with the “caring cultures” construct
2017
Aims and objectives: To critically examine the conceptual, methodological and 5 6
validity issues with the “caring cultures” construct.
Background: Post the Francis Report, “caring cultures” and alternative terminology
such as “culture/s of care/caring/compassionate care” have gained prominence in
the literature, especially within a UK policy context. However, in order to understand
the value these “caring cultures” hold in terms of clinical practice, the concept
itself first needs to be understood.
Design: A discussion and critical examination of the concept of “caring cultures”
and associated terminology.
Methods: Grey literature, database, library and reference list searches were conducted.
Discussion: It is implied that “caring cultures” influence patient care. However, evi- 7
dence which verifies this assertion is limited. In this article, the concept of “caring
cultures” is deconstructed and its validity explored. An alternative to “caring cultures”
is proposed in terms of research, whereby the concept of culture is instead
explored in detail, on a microsystem level, using appropriate methodology.
Conclusion: The concept of “caring cultures”, although attractive in terms of its
apparent simplicity, is not considered the most useful nor appropriate phrases in
terms of advancing research. Instead, research which examines the established concept
of “culture” in relation to outcomes such as patient care, doing so with an
appropriate methodology, is viewed as a more suitable alternative.
Relevance to clinical practice: Clarifying concepts and terminology relating to “caring
cultures” is essential for research to progress and the impact of culture on clinical
practice to be better understood.
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