Analyze and evaluate a middle range theory. You will select a middle range theory and identify application of nursing theories into clinical practice.
Content Requirements:
Components of the theory
Discuss the major concepts of the theory
Philosophical basis or worldview change, advancing health
Structural aspects of the theory
Discuss the framework of the theory.
Identify an area of your practice where this theory could be applicable
What question does the theory help to answer?
Describe the area of interest in relationship to the theory/theoretical model.
Is it appropriate for the practice setting and is it applicable?
Discuss the strength and weakness of the theory. If there is weakness, discuss what makes it difficult to be used in practice.
Use of theory in clinical practice.
Performing a literature review is essential to completing this section. If there is no literature available about the application of this theory in practice, address reason(s) why based on your findings.
Evaluation of theory
Is this theory used to understand and apply into practice?
What difficulties did you encounter or would anticipate encountering in using this theory?
What would make this theory more usable or applicable to practice?
Middle range theory
Full Answer Section
- Residual Stimuli:Remaining internal and external factors that have a cumulative effect on adaptation. (e.g., past experiences, financial situation)
- Adaptation Level:The range within which a person can function with minimal stress. This level can fluctuate over time.
- Modes of Adaptation:The mechanisms individuals use to cope with stimuli. Roy identifies four modes: physiological, self-concept, role function, and interdependence.
- Area of Practice: Post-surgical care
- Question Addressed: How well is a patient adapting to the physiological and psychological demands of surgery?
- Area of Interest: Pain management, emotional well-being, self-care activities
- Appropriateness: This theory is appropriate for understanding a patient's response to surgery, considering factors like pain (focal stimuli), coping mechanisms (modes of adaptation), and social support (contextual stimuli).
- Strengths: Provides a holistic view of patient adaptation, emphasizes individual experiences, and guides comprehensive assessment.
- Weaknesses: The four modes of adaptation might be too broad for specific situations. The theory is less specific about interventions for promoting adaptation.
- Use in Practice: Roy's model is used in various clinical settings but may require further development for specific interventions.
- Difficulties: The broad nature of the modes of adaptation and the lack of specific intervention strategies can be limitations.
- Improving Usability: Developing more concrete tools to assess the modes of adaptation and linking them to specific interventions could enhance usability.
Sample Answer
Analysis and Evaluation of Roy's Adaptation Model
Selected Theory: Roy's Adaptation Model
Components of the Theory:
Roy's Adaptation Model focuses on the individual's response to stimuli (focal, contextual, and residual) and their adaptation level. The major concepts include:
- Focal Stimuli: Internal or external stressors that disrupt a person's physiological or psychological equilibrium. (e.g., illness, surgery)
- Contextual Stimuli: Internal and external factors that influence a person's ability to cope with focal stimuli. (e.g., social support, coping mechanisms)