Towards an alternative to Benner's theory of expert intuition in nursing: A discussion paper

Abstract

Several authors have highlighted the role of intuition in expertise. In particular, a large amount of data has been collected about intuition in expert nursing, and intuition plays an important role in the influential theory of nursing expertise developed by Benner (1984). We discuss this theory, and highlight both data that support it and data that challenge it. Based on this assessment, we propose a new theory of nursing expertise and intuition, which emphasizes how perception and conscious problem solving are intimately related. In the discussion, we propose that this theory opens new avenues of enquiry for research into nursing expertise. KeywordsCare, decision-making, expertise, intuition, memory, nursing, pattern recognition Expert Intuition in Nursing 3 Towards an alternative to Benner's theory of expert intuition in nursing:A discussion paper What is already known about the topic?• While the role of intuition in nursing has been the topic of considerable debate, studies have established that this is a genuine phenomenon.• Definitions of experts' intuition emphasize five features: rapid perception, lack of awareness of the processes engaged, presence of emotions, holistic understanding of the situation, and overall good quality of the proposed solutions.• The literature often refers to Patricia Benner's theory of nursing expertise, which proposes that the road to expertise encompasses five stages. What this paper adds• A detailed discussion of Benner's theory, which leads to the conclusion that the theory is too simple to account for the complex pattern of phenomena that recent research on expert intuition has uncovered.• A new theory of expert intuition in nursing, which provides mechanisms for explaining how intuitive, perceptual decision making is linked to more analytical problem solving.• The suggestion that standard research on expertise (mostly based on the natural sciences) and that on nursing expertise (often based on phenomenology) should start a constructive dialogue. Expert Intuition in Nursing

Education as an Exit Strategy for Community Mental Health Nurses: A Thematic Analysis of Narratives

“…The dichotomy between academic learning and the practical craft of nursing can be bridged. Recently Gobet and Chassy (2008) offered an alternative approach to understanding the nature of 'intuition' underlying expert practice, emphasizing the link between conscious, knowledge based problem-solving and the kind of expertise that appears intuitive in work settings. Unless we can show the value of this, if learning is left to nurses, nurses will learn to leave nursing.…”

The Mental Model Comparison of Expert and Novice Performance Improvement Practitioners

“…The skill-acquisition theory explains one's path to expertise regardless of domains. The theory enlightened many different domains by providing a framework for preparing domain experts, such as Benner's (1984) influential theory on nursing expertise (Gobet & Chassy, 2008). This is a good example to demonstrate the direct influence of expertise theories on educating or training domain practitioners.…”

Patient safety in acute care: are we going around in circles?

“…To this end all newly qualified nurses were to also receive protected periods of preceptorship from senior nurses (DH 2008). This approach was hoped to assist nurses not only moving themselves along the novice to expert trajectory (Gobet & Chassy 2007), but to facilitate an opportunity to develop skills in managing deteriorating patients in a supported environment (Purling and King 2012).…”