Discuss the role of behavioural science in the delivery of patient centred nursing care.
What does the question mean and what should be included in the essay?
Essentially the question aims to explore the contribution that behavioural science makes to patient
centred nursing care. To fully answer the question, you need to explain what behavioural science is,
what patient centered nursing care is and establish links between the two.
The question has been written to enable you to have some flexibility in how you approach the
assignment. Clearly this is a large topic, and 2000 words can only include a certain amount of
information. Therefore, you can focus your essay on aspects of behavioural science that interest
you.
You do not have to include everything. Examples of topics you could focus on in include stress,
support with chronic illness, pain management, health beliefs and behaviours and adherence to
advice and treatment. These are just examples and there are more additional aspects you can focus
on. It is acceptable to focus on one topic or more. The aim is to avoid writing a little bit about
everything and not including enough detail. The reason I have set the essay like this is to give you
some control over the approach you take. You are welcome to confirm with me which aspects you
are including to make sure you are on the right lines.
Explain the ideas and concepts you include and emphasise the connection to patient care. You can
include theories, models, assessment tools and examples from theory and research.
