Theoretical Foundation of Nursing Module 1

Theory

An organized system of accepted knowledge that is intended to explain a set of facts, events, or phenomena

Concept

It is considered as the major component of theory

Definition

These are statements that provide various descriptions to reduce the vagueness of a term

Purpose

It answers the question “why is the theory formulated”

Person, health, environment, nursing

4 Major concepts of nursing theory

Systematic, Tentative in nature, Comprehensive

Characteristic of a good theory

Concepts

Considered as the first knowledge structure level

Context, content, process

Components in analyzing nursing theory

True

TRUE OR FALSE

The definitions differ according to the theorist’s experience

Abstract Concept

__________ concepts are types of concepts that are independent of a specific time or place.

Concrete Concept

__________are types of concepts that are observable by the senses.

Strength, will, knowledge

The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health, its recovery that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary 1. _________, 2. ________ or 3. _________, and to do this in such a way as to help him gain ____________ as rapidly as possible.

Nursing theory

The general purpose of _____________________primarily is to ensure adequate and quality nursing delivery and to clarify and improve the status of Nursing as a profession.

Middle range thoeries

_________________ theories address more concrete and more narrowly defined phenomena or has more concrete and narrower focus.

Grand theories

______________ theories are broad in scope and composed of concepts representing global and extremely complex phenomena.

Building blocks

Concepts are the ___________________ of a theory and they are the mental images resulting from one’s experiences and perceptions.

Patterns or models

Nursing paradigms are _____________ or _________ used to show a clear relationship among the existing theoretical works in nursing.

Tentative and simple

Theories should be _____________ but generally broad in nature.

Metaparadigm

__________ is defined as the core content of a discipline, stated in the most global or abstract of terms.

Theory

an organized system of accepted knowledge that is composed of concepts, propositions, definitions and assumptions that is intended to explain a set of fact, event or phenomena

Concept

An idea or complex mental image of a phenomenon; the basic ingredient of a theory

Conceptual model

a group of concepts that are associated because of their relevance to a common theme; it broadly explains phenomena of interests, expresses assumptions, and reflects a philosophical stance

Hypothesis

a testable relationship statement

Nursing

is “a dynamic discipline. It is an art and a science of caring for individuals, families, groups and communities geared toward promotion and restoration of health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering and assisting clients to face death with dignity and peace. It is focused on assisting the client as he or she responds to health-illness situations, utilizing the nursing process and guided by ethico-legal moral principles.” (Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing – ADPCN)

Phenomenon

• A subject matter of discipline.

• Any observable facts or events, which can be sets of empeiical data or experiences

Research

is the application of systematic, scientific methods to study phenomena and generate knowledge

Science

• The process of observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena; an activity that combines theory (knowledge) and research (advancement of knowledge)

• A body of testable knowledge consisting of facts or truths systematically arranged

Concepts

Are the elements used to generate theories; it is an abstract notion; a vehicle of thought that involves images; they are composed of words that describe a phenomenon (any objects, properties, or events).

Proposition

(also called principles) are theoretical statements that specify the proposed relationships of the concepts of a theory. It helps to explain the relationship between and among the different concepts in a theory.

Proposition statements

are the chains that link the building blocks to build a theory.

Definitions

are composed of various descriptions which convey a general meaning and reduce the vagueness in understanding a set of concepts

Theoretical Definition

• refers to the accepted meaning of the term already used

• comparable to a definition from a literature such as a dictionary, encyclopedia, and journals

Assumptions

are statements that the theorist or researcher holds as truth and excludes from measurement and testing.

Systematic Logical Coherent

Characteristics of a theory:

- There must be orderly reasoning and no contradictions between and among the concepts. - - - There must be proper sequencing of ideas and propositions or theoretical assertions.

Creatively structured

Characteristics of a theory:

Concepts are the building blocks of a theory, and they are the mental images resulting from one’s experiences and perceptions. Therefore, when these concepts are interrelated, they create ways of looking at a particular phenomenon, event or object.

Tentative, simple, generally broad in nature

A theory can change over time, implying that it is evolving and dynamic.

A theory is open to revision as new evidence emerges.

As further research and studies are done and as they are enriched by practice, theory can change. However, there are also theories that remain valid in spite of time.

Nursing theory

is also the term given to the body of knowledge that is used to support nursing practice.

Describing

A phenomena

Explaining

relationships between a phenomena

Predicting

Consequences of a nursing action

Prescribing

Nursing Care

Context

Resembles the environment to which nursing act takes place

Content

Subject of the theory

Process

method by which a nurse acts in using nursing theory

1. Theory guides and improves nursing practice

2. Theory guides research

3. Theory contributes to the development of the discipline’s body of knowledge.

4. Theory enhances communication

Purpose of a nursing theory

Clarity, simplicity, generality, emperical precision, derivable consequences

Analysis of nursing theory (CSGEPD)

Verbal models

are worded statements, a form closely related to knowledge development.

Schematic models

explain an idea by using schema, symbols or physical visualization.

Person

Recipient of nursing care

Environment

The external and internal surroundings of life that influence or affect the person or client

Health

The holistic level of wellness that the person experiences. It is a dynamic state of well-being occurring on a continuum where the person functions at an optimum level.

Nursing

It is an art and science of caring for individuals, families, groups and communities geared toward promotion of health, prevention of illness, alleviation of suffering and assisting clients to face death with dignity and peace.

Philosophy

The second knowledge structure level that:

✓ specifies the definitions of the metaparadigm concepts in each of the conceptual models of nursing.

✓ they are works that specify philosophical approaches to nursing