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.