Aesthetic sensitivity in nursing care, definition and characteristics: A grounded theory study

Objective: The research was conducted to describe the actions that make a difference in nursing care on the basis of sensitivity and aesthetics, to create the concept of aesthetic sensitivity and to present a model with related factors. Method: This is a constructivist grounded theory study. The data sources of the study are individual and focus group interviews and memos. Data collection and analysis went hand in hand for the study. The sample of the study is nurses working in a university hospital, who have high sensitivity and awareness, and who perform the practice that is good for the patient out of the routine. Initial coding, focused coding and theoretical coding were followed in the analysis of the data. Results: The study produced six theoretical codes, focused codings and sub-categories related to the theoretical codes, explaining the definition of sensitivity and aesthetics, professional sensitivity, occassion of intention and taking action, and sensitivity behaviors including aesthetics. The conceptual framework of "aesthetic sensitivity" reflects the transition from sensitivity behaviors to the aesthetic dimension; "Desire and effort in the transition from sensitivity to aesthetics" and "Sensitivity behaviors with aesthetic content". It has been determined that, beyond the feeling of conscientiousness and happiness, in the actions that pass from sensitivity to aesthetics, affective memories are formed among the nurse-patient, that the nurses are happy to share these memories, and that they experience a sense of accomplishment due to seeing their professional role in the patient's recovery. Conclusion: The conceptual framework of "Aesthetic sensitivity" and its related factors are explained according to a "Transition from Sensitivity to Aesthetics" model. According to this model, there is an intention and aesthetic area that progresses from the center outward in a golden ratio. Professional sensitivity, empathy, effort to understand people, and people-oriented features are effective on sensitivity behaviors including aesthetics.