Knowing the patient: A process of recognition

The purpose of this study was to explore how professional nurses recognize patterns of patient interaction with the environment. It is postulated that through pattern recognition professional nurses can help interventions toward patient's well-being and health promotion. A qualitative research design employing the method of grounded theory analysis was utilized. The pattern of patient interactions with the environment was Knowing the Patient, a process of recognition that includes Initiating Contact, Gathering Information, Working with the Information, Acting on the Information, and Pattern Recognition. Two psychosocial conditions that appear to influence this process are time with the patient, and nurse's sense of obligation. The results of the study suggest that recognition of patients' patterns facilitate the planning and implementations of nursing actions which effectively promote patient well-being, and health.