Meaning and DEFINITIONS OF
THEORIES
The word theory is derived from Greek word
‘theoria’ meaning a ‘vision’.
A Theory is a conceptual system or frame work
intended for some purpose.
Theories are composed of concepts , models ,
propositions and based on assumptions
Let us see what is concepts , models and
propositions. •
Concepts- are vehicles of thought that involve
images. Concepts are words that describe objects,
properties, or events.
Models - representations of the interaction
among and between the concepts showing
patterns.
•Conceptual model – made up of concepts and
propositions.It shows how various concepts are
interrelated.
• Propositions -statements that explain the
relationship between the concepts.
Process - a series of actions, changes or
functions intended to bring about a desired
result
Let us see what is nursing theory.
DEFINITION
A creative and rigorous structuring of
ideas that projects a tentative, purposeful
and systematic view of a phenomena.
(Chinn & Kramer, 2004)
DEFINITION
Creative –role of human imagination & vision in theory
development. But are rigorous, systematic & disciplined.
Tentative – open to revision, as new evidence emerges.
Phenomena – are the subject matter of a discipline.
Nurses identified it as human beings and their
environment.
Definition :Nursing theory is a conceptualization
of some aspect of nursing communicated for the
purpose of describing ,explaining, predicting
and/or prescribing nursing care.(Meles:2006)
PURPOSE OF THEORIES
Education
Research
Clinical practice
I . EDUCATION
In education the curriculum was organized
around the conceptual frame work and
planned programme objectives, clinical
objectives and course objectives and
descriptions.
II. RESEARCH
To identify meaningful & relevant areas for study
To develop or refine middle range theories linked to research
To interpret research findings
111. Clinical practice
Evidence based practice involve the nursing
theories eg : Orem's self care deficit theory.
Enables nurses to know Why they are doing What
they are doing
Guides nursing practice and generates knowledge.
Importance
IMPORTANCE
1. It provides the foundation of nursing practice.
2. Helps to generate further knowledge & indicates in
which direction nursing should develop in future.
3. It help to distinguish what should form the basis of
practice by explicitly describing nursing.
4. To establish a unique body of knowledge
5. To maintain its professional boundaries.
6. To provide effective high quality nursing care
7. Provides continuity & congruence of care
Common concepts in nursing
theories
Four concepts common in nursing theory that
influence & determine nursing practice are: –
Person (patient), Environment , Health, and
Nursing (goals, roles, functions)
. Of the four concepts, the most important is that
of the person. The focus of nursing, regardless of
definition or theory, is the person.
Types OF THEORIES
Grand nursing theories have the broadest
scope and present general concepts and
propositions.Orem’sSelf Care Deficit theory
Middle-range nursing theories
Middle-range nursing theories are narrower in
scope than grand nursing theories and offer an
effective bridge between grand nursing theories
and nursing practice,eg:Florence Nightingales
theory
Nursing practice Theories
Nursing practice theories provide frameworks
for nursing interventions, and predict outcomes
and the impact of nursing practice.
Nightingale’s Environmental theory, Self care
deficit theory, Faye abdellah’s 21 Nursing
problems theory.
Florence Nightingales’s Environmental Theory •
Defined Nursing: “The act of utilizing the
environment of the patient to assist him in his
recovery.”
• Focuses on changing and manipulating the
environment in order to put the patient in the
best possible conditions for nature to act.
• Identified 5 environmental factors that linked
to health that are fresh air, pure water, efficient
drainage, cleanliness/sanitation and light/direct
sunlight.
Considered a clean, well-ventilated, quiet
environment essential for recovery.
Deficiencies in these 5 factors produce illness or
lack of health, but with a nurturing environment,
the body could repair itself.
In addition to this Nightingale also stressed the
importance ofkeeping the client warm,
maintaining noice free environment, attending
client’s diet in terms of assessing
intake,timeliness of food, and its effect on the
person.
Nightingale set stages for the further
development of the Theories.
Her concepts about ventilation, clealiness,
quietness, diet, and warmth remain integral part
of nursing and health care today.