ONLINE LEARNING ACTIVITY 3-1: ARTICLE, A PRACTICE THEORY APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING THE INTERDEPENDENCY OF NURSING PRACTICE AND THE ENVIRONMENT To learn more about the relationship between nursing and environments of care, to read the following article: Bender, M. (2015). A practice theory approach to understanding the interdependency of nursing practice and the environment: Implications for nurse-led care delivery models. 96-109. Consider how the concepts in this article shed light on the responsibilities of nurses when caring for older adults in different health care settings.
Title: A Practice Theory Approach to Understanding the Interdependency of Nursing Practice and the Environment: Implications for Nurse-led Care Delivery Models
Introduction:
The relationship between nursing practice and the environment in which it takes place is a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery. Bender’s (2015) article explores this interdependency using a practice theory approach. This approach provides valuable insight into the responsibilities of nurses when caring for older adults in various healthcare settings. This article aims to examine the key concepts discussed and their implications for nurse-led care delivery models.
Key Concepts:
1. Practice Theory: Bender (2015) highlights the importance of practice theory in understanding the interdependence between nursing practice and the environment. Practice theory focuses on the social and cultural aspects of nursing practice and how they shape the interaction between nurses, patients, and the environment. By adopting a practice theory approach, nurses can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and dynamics of their practice and its relationship with the environment.
2. Environmental Determinants: The article emphasizes that nurses need to recognize the influence of environmental determinants on nursing practice. These determinants include physical, social, policy, and organizational factors that can impact the care provided to older adults. Understanding how these environmental determinants shape nursing practice is essential for nurses to adapt and deliver optimal care in different healthcare settings.
3. Coherence: Coherence is a key concept discussed in the article, referring to the alignment and integration of different elements within nursing practice. It involves the harmonious blend of nursing knowledge, skills, and values with the specific environmental demands. Nurses need to ensure that their practice is coherent with the environment to enhance the quality of care provided to older adults. This includes adapting to the unique characteristics and requirements of different healthcare settings.
Implications for Nurse-led Care Delivery Models:
1. Person-Centered Care: The practice theory approach encourages nurses to adopt a person-centered care approach. This approach recognizes the individual needs and preferences of older adults, considering their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Nurses need to engage in collaborative decision-making, respect autonomy, and promote self-management. By incorporating person-centered care into nurse-led care delivery models, older adults can have a more active role in their care, leading to improved outcomes and satisfaction.
2. Environmental Assessment: The article emphasizes the importance of conducting comprehensive environmental assessments. Nurses should consider the physical aspects of the environment, such as lighting, noise levels, and safety, in order to create a conducive and safe care environment for older adults. Additionally, nurses should also assess the social and cultural aspects of the environment, ensuring that it is supportive and respectful of older adults’ beliefs, values, and preferences.
3. Collaboration and Advocacy: Nurses need to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, older adults, and their families to advocate for appropriate environmental modifications. By actively participating in interprofessional teams, nurses can advocate for changes that optimize the care environment for older adults. This may involve advocating for improvements in physical spaces, policies, or organizational practices to enhance the quality and safety of care.
Conclusion:
Bender’s (2015) article highlights the interdependency between nursing practice and the environment while utilizing a practice theory approach. By understanding the key concepts discussed, nurses can better recognize their responsibilities when caring for older adults in different healthcare settings. By incorporating person-centered care, conducting environmental assessments, and advocating for change, nurses can enhance the quality of care provided to older adults, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes. Future research should continue to explore and refine the practice theory approach to better align nursing practice with the ever-changing healthcare environments.