‘Holism’ in the discourse of nursing

Abstract

Holism is a turbid, amorphic term, of Quixotic character, the meaning of which alters according to the context in which it is located. Coming to grips with holism has been likened to trying to hold ice, because it disappears in the attempt. This paper assesses the variety of meanings attached to the term, and the extent to which the distinctive features of holism have melted away in the hands of nursing.