Mutuality in nurse-caregiver relationships in pediatric nursing: A concept analysis.

PROBLEM: Mutuality is often used in literature in the context of family-centered care and therapeutic relationship building. A therapeutic relationship is necessary to deliver family-centered care, strengthen family health and function, increase patient and family satisfaction, reduce anxiety, and empower decision-makers. Despite mutuality being such an important concept, it is not well defined in the literature.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The Walker and Avant method for concept analysis was used. The databases Medline, PSYCHInfo, CINHAL and Nursing & Allied Health were searched for texts in English from 1997 to 2021 using specific search terms.

SAMPLE: Of the 248 results, 191 articles were screened and 48 met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS: Mutuality was found to be a process of dynamic reciprocity whereby the partners contribute uniquely to their shared goals, values, or purposes.

CONCLUSION: Mutuality is an important aspect of family-centered care and is used throughout nursing and advanced nursing practice.

IMPLICATIONS: The concept of mutuality should be incorporated into family-centered care policies, as without it, family-centered care cannot be established. Further research should be done to develop methods or educational techniques to establish and maintain mutuality in advanced nursing practice.