IMOGENE KING's GOAL ATTAINMENT THEORY & TRANSACTIONAL PROCESS

IMOGENE KING’s GOAL ATTAINMENT THEORY & TRANSACTIONAL PROCESS

Introduction to the Theory

• The theory evolved from King’s earlier writings on theory development.

• Initial synthesis of scholarship from nursing and related disciplines in her first book (1971).

• The theory of Goal Attainment was fully articulated in 1980, with refinements in King’s most recent edition (1995).

Philosophical Underpinnings

• Based on the von Bertalanffy General Systems Model, emphasizing the complexity of nursing studied as an organized whole.

Metaparadigm Concepts

Nursing

• A dynamic process of action, reaction, and interaction between nurse and client, focused on shared information about perceptions.

• Goals, problems, and concerns are collaboratively explored.

Health

• Defined as a dynamic life experience involving continuous adjustments to internal and external stressors to maximize daily living.

Person

• Individuals are rational, social beings capable of communication, perception, and decision-making.

• Exhibit characteristics such as the ability to set goals and select means to achieve them.

Environment

• Represents both external and internal interactions.

• Influences can be biological, psychological, physical, social, or spiritual, facilitating communication between the internal and external environments.

Assumptions about Individuals

• Individuals are purposeful, action-oriented, and time-oriented in their behavior.

• They are social and sentient beings.

Goal Attainment Theory

Definition and Core Premise

• Nursing involves a process of action, reaction, and interaction between nurse and client, wherein both share perceptions and collaboratively set goals.

• Nurses’ roles encompass promoting, maintaining, and restoring health; caring for the sick, injured, and dying.

• The essence of the theory is collaboration in defining and achieving common goals.

Interaction Framework

• Two primary systems interact in nursing: the personal and social systems.

• Interaction fosters goal attainment amid ongoing healthcare assessment and participation.

Theoretical Focus

• Effective communication between nurse and patient is vital for goal setting and attainment.

• Goals are defined collectively through transactions and follow several nursing processes.

Nursing Processes in Goal Attainment

Assessment

• Interaction and the exchange of knowledge between nurse and client drive assessment.

• Nurses bring technical skills while clients present personal insights and perceptions.

• Data collection focuses on growth, health status, self-perception, etc.

Nursing Diagnosis

• Based on assessment data, nursing diagnoses identify concerns prompting client requests.

Planning

• Post-diagnosis, interventions and desired outcomes focus on defined goals.

• Planning reflects joint decision-making for achieving goals.

Implementation

• Actions taken to address set goals represent a continuation of the transaction.

Evaluation

• A critical stage involving assessing goal achievement and effectiveness of nursing care; confirms success of the shared process.