A concept analysis of energy - Its meaning in the lives of three individuals with chronic illness

Energy is an essential concept in nursing which seems to be a key concept in the daily life of three individuals with chronic illness. Much has been done within the natural sciences to investigate and explain the concept, but studies on the meaning of energy and how it is experienced are difficult to find. A review of the existing literature reflects that energy has been an important term for nursing theorists, both in empirical studies and in nursing theories. In this study the principles of the hybrid model developed by Schwartz-Barcot & Kim of concept development were used to examine: (a) how the concept has been outlined in the literature within different disciplines, (b) how energy is experienced in the daily lives of three individuals with chronic illness, and finally, (c) the existing literature compared and contrasted with the empirical findings. The experience of having energy was very important for all three individuals. Energy was a familiar term which each individual linked most directly with his or her feeling states and the ability to perform daily activities. It demanded attention every day. Energy was defined as the individual's potential to perform physical and mental activity. The study indicates that this concept has potential for theory development and for clinical practice.