In this module’s introduction, the following assertation is made: “Therefore, nurses in all settings need to strive to learn about existing or emerging mid-range theories, or seek to develop and describe theories that will explain phenomena they observe in practice?” APA, 150 words or more, two or more references. Given the demands, we all face in our practices, how can we tangibly “seek to develop and describe theories that will explain phenomena they observe in practice?”
Introduction
Nursing practice is a dynamic and complex field that constantly seeks to improve patient outcomes and the overall quality of care. To achieve this, nurses must engage in continuous learning and seek to understand the phenomena they observe in practice. One way to do this is by developing and describing theories that can provide explanations and guide nursing practice. This process of theory development plays a crucial role in advancing nursing knowledge and enhancing the effectiveness of nursing interventions.
The term “theory” refers to a set of concepts, definitions, relationships, and assumptions that explain a specific phenomenon or aspect of reality. Nurses rely on theories to guide their decision-making, understand patient experiences, and develop interventions that promote positive health outcomes. While grand theories, such as the Humanistic Nursing Theory proposed by Patricia Benner, provide a broad framework for understanding nursing practice, mid-range theories offer more specific explanations for phenomena observed in practice.
Mid-range theories are narrower in scope and focus on specific areas of nursing practice. They are derived from various sources, including research findings, literature reviews, and clinical observations. These theories serve as a bridge between grand theories and concrete nursing interventions, providing a foundation for research and practice development.
In light of the complexity and diversity of nursing practice, nurses in all settings should strive to learn and understand existing or emerging mid-range theories. This enables them to make informed decisions, implement evidence-based interventions, and contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge. However, in some cases, the existing theories may not fully explain the phenomena observed in practice. In such situations, nurses need to take an active role in theory development to address the gaps and expand nursing knowledge.
Developing and describing theories that explain phenomena observed in practice requires a systematic and rigorous approach. It involves a series of steps, including identifying a phenomenon of interest, conducting a thorough literature review, critically analyzing existing theories, and generating new concepts or relationships. This process requires nurses to engage in research, collaborate with colleagues, and continuously refine their understanding of the phenomenon under investigation.
One tangible way for nurses to seek theory development is through research. Research studies provide an opportunity to explore and describe phenomena in more depth. By conducting qualitative or quantitative studies, nurses can collect data, analyze patterns, and derive theoretical explanations from their findings. These research endeavors contribute to the expansion of nursing knowledge and the development of mid-range theories that are grounded in empirical evidence.
Furthermore, nurses can actively engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to develop theories. Other disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, and biology, provide valuable insights that can help explain the complex interactions between individuals, health, and the healthcare system. By combining nursing expertise with knowledge from other disciplines, nurses can develop theories that encompass a broader perspective and enhance the understanding of phenomena observed in practice.
In conclusion, the development and description of theories are essential for nurses to explain the phenomena they observe in practice. Through the utilization and understanding of existing mid-range theories, nurses can make evidence-based decisions and interventions. However, when existing theories fall short in explaining these phenomena, nurses must take an active role in theory development. By engaging in research and interdisciplinary collaboration, nurses can expand nursing knowledge and contribute to the advancement of the profession. Developing theories that accurately describe nursing phenomena is a critical step towards improving patient outcomes and promoting quality care in diverse healthcare settings.
References:
1. Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley.
2. Morse, J. M., & Field, P. A. (1996). Qualitative research methods for health professionals. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.