Help-Seeking Behavior in Nursing: A Conceptual Framework for Enhancing Patient Support and Professional Collaboration

Abstract

Help-seeking behavior is a multifaceted concept that plays a significant role in nursing practice, patient care, and health outcomes. This concept analysis aims to clarify the meaning, defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of help-seeking behavior using Walker and Avant’s eight-step method. Help-seeking behavior refers to recognizing a problem, deciding to seek help, and taking action to obtain support or care. It involves personal willingness, availability of support sources, and interpersonal communication. This analysis draws on evidence from 28 relevant studies, examining help-seeking in physical and mental health, cultural and social contexts, and emerging digital health platforms. Key defining attributes include recognition of a problem, willingness to seek help, access to resources, and interpersonal interaction. Antecedents are categorized into individual (e.g., mental health literacy, self-efficacy), interpersonal (e.g., social support, stigma), and contextual (e.g., cultural beliefs, healthcare access) factors. Consequences can be both positive (e.g., improved outcomes, patient satisfaction, better nurse performance) and negative (e.g., stigma, financial burden). Empirical referents include measures such as frequency of help-seeking, satisfaction levels, and the type and timing of support. Constructed model, borderline, and contrary cases help clarify the application of this concept in real-life settings. Understanding help-seeking behavior allows nurses to better support patients and each other, ultimately enhancing care quality, reducing complications, and promoting timely interventions. This concept analysis provides a framework for nursing practice, education and research to normalize and facilitate effective help-seeking behavior in various healthcare environments.