Using the readings from McEwen and Wills (2014) chapter 19: application of theory in nursing research, address the following for your initial discussion post: Be sure to supplement your discussion with personal and professional experiences.Responses need to address all components of the question, demonstrate critical thinking and analysis, and evidence to support the student’s position.Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.
In the field of nursing, theory plays a crucial role in guiding research and practice. According to McEwen and Wills (2014), theory provides a framework for understanding and explaining phenomena, guiding research questions, and determining appropriate interventions. In this discussion, we will explore the application of theory in nursing research, drawing on personal and professional experiences to supplement our analysis.
One aspect of theory application in nursing research is the selection of an appropriate theoretical framework. A theoretical framework serves as a foundation for the research study, providing a lens through which the researcher can view and analyze the phenomenon of interest. It helps researchers organize their thoughts, identify key variables, and establish relationships among these variables (McEwen & Wills, 2014). In my personal experience, when conducting my own research on the experiences of nurses in palliative care, I found Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring to be a relevant and useful framework. This theory emphasizes the importance of the nurse-patient relationship and the provision of holistic care, which aligned with the nature of the topic I was studying.
Another aspect to consider is the role of theory in generating research questions. Theory guides researchers in formulating research questions that are meaningful and relevant within a particular theoretical perspective. For example, if a researcher is interested in studying the effect of nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction, they may draw on a communication theory to frame their research question. By doing so, they ensure that their study addresses an important aspect of nursing practice and aligns with existing knowledge in the field. I have personally experienced this when conducting a study on the impact of patient education on self-care behaviors in diabetes management. I drew on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory to guide the formulation of research questions that focused on the role of self-efficacy and patient empowerment.
Furthermore, theory can inform the design and implementation of research methods and interventions. McEwen and Wills (2014) note that theory helps researchers make decisions about study design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. For instance, if a researcher is using a grounded theory approach, they would select data collection methods that allow for the emergence of new theories and concepts. Similarly, if a researcher is implementing an intervention study, they would draw on theories of behavior change to guide the development and implementation of the intervention. In my professional experience, I have utilized the Health Belief Model when designing an intervention to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors among adolescents. This theoretical framework guided the selection of intervention components, such as educational materials and motivational strategies, to target the specific determinants of behavior change identified by the model.
In conclusion, theory plays a critical role in nursing research by providing a framework for understanding phenomena, guiding research questions, and shaping study design and interventions. Personal and professional experiences have shown me the importance of selecting an appropriate theoretical framework, formulating meaningful research questions, and using theory to inform study design and interventions. By incorporating theory into nursing research, we can enhance the rigor and relevance of our studies, ultimately improving patient care and nursing practice.