Vulnerable: A Concept Analysis

TOPIC: In spite of the significance of vulnerable as a phenomenon that affects the human condition, its essence remains complex and elusive. PURPOSE: A conceptual analysis to clarify knowledge of this concept to explore the common and scientific usage. SOURCES OF INFORMATION: A comprehensive and systematic review from bibliographic and abstract databases and online searches. CONCLUSIONS: Findings contributed to the definition of vulnerable as a highly individualized dynamic process of being open to circumstances that positively or negatively influence outcomes, a definition based on a synthesis of knowledge concerning vulnerable, and offers a reconceptualization that expands its use in nursing scientific theory, research, and clinical practice.