Τhe concept of need as a dynamic alternating phenomenon

Defining patients' needs is difficult due to the inherent complexity of the concept of 'need', so it is not surprising that numerous definitions have been proposed. Aim: The aim of the present study was to review the literature about the concept of "needs of patients". The method οf this study included bibliography research from both the review and the research literature, mainly in the Pubmed data base which referred to concept of "needs of patients". Results: According to the literature, the "need" has various concepts that change, reconsider and progress by time. The results of recent studies indicate that each patient as a bio-psychosocial entity besides the biological or physical needs has also social and mental needs. According to Maslow the main needs of patients are biological, the needs of security and protection, needs of understanding and acceptance, needs of self-concept and needs of self-perception. In Nursing as need is defined the condition at which there is impairment or disability of biological or psycho-social individuals' function which as a result Lead to the discrepancy between "what things are and what the individual would like to be". Conclusions : Health-professionals should not ignore needs of patients but on the contrary should integrate satisfaction of needs as a part of therapeutic treatment.

Keywords: Patients needs, social, emotional, physical needs