Running head: PAIN CONCEPT ANALYSIS 1
Concept Analysis of Pain
Using the Walker and Avant Method
Morgan Onley, Bre'Yann Ward, Lauren Kemeny & Michelle Dockray
Maryville University
NURS 600
October 4, 2019
, PAIN CONCEPT ANALYSIS 2
Concept Analysis of Pain Using the Walker and Avant Method
Pain management is an essential aspect of healthcare that is often difficult to control.
There are many different types of pain, including chronic, acute, surgical, phantom, etc.
Management of pain depends on the type and severity. Since pain is a real feeling, pain is what
the patient says it is. Pain scale scores reported by the patient help to identify the severity of
their pain and make it easier to treat from a provider’s perspective. While pain can be treated
pharmacologically with various medications, there are other integrative treatment options that
can be used to manage pain. Some of these methods include acupuncture, healing touch,
massage, and aromatherapy. In this assignment, we will be conducting a concept analysis on
pain management therapy and elaborating on the different steps as outlined by the Walker and
Avant method.
The Walker & Avant Method
A concept analysis is a problematic method by which an intangible concept is explored,
made translucent, well-defined, and distinguished from comparable ideas. This process allows a
concept to be used in theory design and communication because it breaks it down and generates
an origin for definitions. The most commonly used method is Walker & Avant’s method. This
tool is used in eight stages: selecting an idea, defining the purpose of study, classifying all uses
of the concept, defining attributes, recognizing a model case, identifying borderline, associated,
contrary, developed, and illegitimate claims, identifying qualifications and consequences and
defining experiential referents. By using this method, we were able to examine and breakdown a
useful definition to use as the basis for education and assessment of pain.
Concept Analysis of Pain
Using the Walker and Avant Method
Morgan Onley, Bre'Yann Ward, Lauren Kemeny & Michelle Dockray
Maryville University
NURS 600
October 4, 2019
, PAIN CONCEPT ANALYSIS 2
Concept Analysis of Pain Using the Walker and Avant Method
Pain management is an essential aspect of healthcare that is often difficult to control.
There are many different types of pain, including chronic, acute, surgical, phantom, etc.
Management of pain depends on the type and severity. Since pain is a real feeling, pain is what
the patient says it is. Pain scale scores reported by the patient help to identify the severity of
their pain and make it easier to treat from a provider’s perspective. While pain can be treated
pharmacologically with various medications, there are other integrative treatment options that
can be used to manage pain. Some of these methods include acupuncture, healing touch,
massage, and aromatherapy. In this assignment, we will be conducting a concept analysis on
pain management therapy and elaborating on the different steps as outlined by the Walker and
Avant method.
The Walker & Avant Method
A concept analysis is a problematic method by which an intangible concept is explored,
made translucent, well-defined, and distinguished from comparable ideas. This process allows a
concept to be used in theory design and communication because it breaks it down and generates
an origin for definitions. The most commonly used method is Walker & Avant’s method. This
tool is used in eight stages: selecting an idea, defining the purpose of study, classifying all uses
of the concept, defining attributes, recognizing a model case, identifying borderline, associated,
contrary, developed, and illegitimate claims, identifying qualifications and consequences and
defining experiential referents. By using this method, we were able to examine and breakdown a
useful definition to use as the basis for education and assessment of pain.
