Evaluating conceptual models for use in critical care nursing practice

Conceptual Models of Nursing in Critical Care

Introduction

Intensive care units are systems organized for the provision of care to patients in critical situations. In general, it is suggested that intensive care consists of a multidisciplinary and interprofessional specialty. Nevertheless, the predominance, relative to the professions that incorporate these units, falls on nurses. A conceptual model of nursing provides a framework for reflection, observation, and interpretation of phenomena and, specifically, it provides guidelines and guidance for aspects of clinical practice.

Objective

To understand the applicability of conceptual models of nursing in intensive care units.

Method

Review of the literature following the Scoping Review protocol of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The research was performed in CINAHL, Cochrane, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies published prior to 2021. Fourteen studies were selected.

Results

There is no conceptual model of nursing universally accepted as ideal for intensive care units. However, there is unanimity in the identification of several benefits associated with the application of a conceptual model of nursing in the care of critically ill patients.

Conclusion

For the selection of a conceptual model of nursing for these contexts, the focus should be on the person and the choice should fall on the model that is most appropriate to the patient, and not on the philosophy that supports the model. Considering the nature of care, the nursing team can select a model or a combination of models.

Teaching and Learning From Case Studies: The Added Value of Using a Nursing Conceptual Model to Construct Cases

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the influence of applying Orem's self-care framework practice methodology on the content and comprehensiveness of a case study about a woman who denied having self-care deficits. The discussion begins with presentation of the case as it might have been found in a classroom or health professions journal and contrasts this with application of Orem's self-care framework practice methodology to illustrate how much more comprehensive the content of the case study is and how well it highlights the role of the primary care nurse practitioner in complex geriatric care. Through application of Orem's practice methodology, the nurse practitioner is better able to address the high-level risk experienced by an older adult with complex comorbidities whose only initial complaint was "imbalance."

A critical analysis of the potential contribution of Orem's (2001) self-care deficit nursing theory to contemporary coronary care nursing practice

BACKGROUND

Over the last three decades, nurse theorists have strongly advocated the use of conceptual models of nursing to guide nursing practice. Within coronary care units, conceptual model-based care has had inconsistent application and is currently challenged by contemporary approaches such as pathways of care.

AIMS

This paper aims to critically analyze the use of Orem's self-care deficit nursing theory as a modus operandi to effectively meet the needs of hospitalized patients in coronary care.

RESULTS

Although complex both in the language and construction, the self-care model , provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to the care of people in coronary care.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper highlights the potential contribution the application of the self-care deficit nursing theory to the coronary care setting from a philosophical and practical perspective. Orem's conceptual model of nursing and current practice in coronary care units share certain similarities that render a useful model for use in practice. However, while it is recommended for consideration for use in both practice and educational settings, further empirical work is required in the area, together with realistic and practical application of the theory to practice in a way that embraces contemporary notions.

King's theory of goal attainment as a framework for managed care implementation in a hospital setting

Implementation of nursing conceptual frameworks and theories in practice settings is essential to foster the growth and advancement of the discipline of nursing. Over the past several decades nurse educators, administrators, and clinicians have often seemed to function in isolation. Educators developed conceptual models and theories, but these frameworks were infrequently applied in practice settings. In addition, administrators used management theories as a framework for nursing practice in institutional settings, while clinicians were left to utilize the medical model and theories from other disciplines as a base to guide practice. This article focuses on how King's theory of goal attainment can serve as a nursing framework for managed care.

Adapting the Neuman systems model for family nursing

Family nursing is in the early stages of development, and there is often difficulty in translating nursing conceptual frameworks into terms that are less abstract and more readily usable in the family practice arena. Yet the conversion of abstract ideas to concrete descriptions is necessary if nursing theory-based practice is to expand. This article describes the client system known as family within the Neuman systems model. Based on clinical data and the experience of nurses using the Neuman model in practice, a description of the family as client is developed. The five variables of Neuman's model are identified and the terms used in describing the family system are clarified. A rationale for the application is also presented.