Approaches to concept clarification: issues for consideration

Defining concepts is universally recognised as good practice, whether this be in our academic, professional or personal lives. The need to understand exactly what someone is referring to is an essential part of communication. In healthcare, words and terms can have multiple meanings and assumed understandings. When doing research, it is particularly important to define concepts, in order to ensure understanding of the precise context in which they are used. With this clarity and shared understanding, researchers are able to effectively conduct the research, and subsequently, readers can appropriately interpret and make meaning of the research. Concept analysis is a popular method for achieving clarity in the definition of concepts. The Journal of Advanced Nursing frequently publishes concept analyses, many of which become quite highly cited. In this editorial, we want to consider the different options that exist for defining a concept.