Current Trends in Nursing Theories

Theory-based nursing interventions in adults with coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the outcomes of theory-based nursing interventions for coronary heart disease management.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed databases were electronically searched from January 2013 to August 2021. The Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement guidelines was followed for this meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials on patients with coronary heart disease, using a theory-based nursing intervention were eligible. Methodological quality was examined by two authors using the Modified Jadad Scale. Based on the heterogeneity test, the results were analyzed using a pool of data with 95% confidence intervals, p-values, and fixed or random-effect models (PROSPERO registration number X).

FINDINGS

A total of 1030 studies were initially retrieved, and 8 randomized controlled trials were eventually included in the meta-analysis after screening. The big majority (81.3%) of participants were males, and the mean age was 54.8 (SD = 8.7) years. This meta-analysis found theory-based nursing interventions had no significant effect on blood lipid profile, blood pressure, and healthy lifestyle. However, these interventions significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, and body mass index and improved the physical and psychological domains of quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence from this meta-analysis reveals that theory-based nursing interventions have a positive effect on fasting blood glucose, body mass index, and quality of life. However, their effects on blood lipid profile, blood pressure, and a healthy lifestyle are inconclusive. The results of this metanalysis are largely based on a few trials and were limited in terms of the number of outcomes. Conducting well-designed randomized controlled trials with adequate power is needed to make a firm conclusion on the influence of theory-based nursing interventions on patient outcomes in the CHD population.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Considering the high mortality and morbidity of coronary heart disease, nurses may play a significant role in coronary heart disease management by providing interventions that are based on a certain theoretical framework. This meta-analysis provides insights into the implementation of theory-based nursing interventions in heart attack survivors or those newly diagnosed with coronary heart disease led by nurses and lasting longer than 6 months in coronary heart disease. In addition, future studies should consider enhancing the content of training programs for a healthy lifestyle within the theory-based nursing interventions and compare the effects of these interventions on acute and chronic coronary syndromes.

Medium reach theory for nursing in cardiovascular rehabilitation

OBJECTIVES

to describe a medium-range nursing theory for the cardiovascular rehabilitation process.

METHODS

theoretical development study, addressing the elaboration of medium-range theory, based on Roy's Adaptation Model, which combined theoretical deduction with induction strategies, based on literature review and concept analysis.

RESULTS

the Medium-Range Theory for Nursing in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation presents eleven concepts and respective definitions, organized in relationships that represent elements, through modeling and image representation. Theoretical assumptions and propositions are presented.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

the theory presented aims to contribute to the description of the cardiovascular rehabilitation process from the perspective of the adaptation of the person, family and groups, as well as to impact the nursing care implemented to patients in the process. The procedures advanced from conceptualization to operationalization, through the production of theoretical propositions that will guide future theoretical testing.

The core of Katie Eriksson's caritative caring theory - a qualitative study from a postdoctoral perspective

BACKGROUND

For about 40 years, Katie Eriksson developed the caritative caring theory at Åbo Akademi University in Finland. However, a description regarding the most substantial concepts and the relationships between these is lacking and thus needs to be explored.

AIMS

The aim of the study was twofold: to explore and describe central concepts in the development of caritative caring theory from a postdoctoral perspective and to uncover and explore the relationships between the concepts.

METHODOLOGY

The design of the study was qualitative with a mixed method approach. The material was collected from a postdoctoral group (n = 38) mainly through electronic questionnaires. The texts were interpreted through manifest and latent content analysis.

FINDINGS

The analyses generated five main categories including subcategories. The main categories were 'Caring' 'Ethos', 'Suffering' 'Health' and 'The human being'. The relation between the main concepts compiled as 'A tentative synthesis of the main concepts and the relationships between them'.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to an understanding of the most fundamental and valuable concepts in the development of caritative theory during its first 40 years according to postdoctoral researchers' perspectives. This study also displays that the concepts ethos and caring have the strongest relationship followed by that between caring and health, indicating the inner core of ethos and love within caring which bears the potential of enhancing the patient's well-being and health.

Theoretical Approaches to Studying Incivility in Nursing Education

Incivility is a concerning occurrence in nursing education. Examining the concept of incivility is critical to the development of strategies used to prevent and mitigate experiences in nursing education. The purpose of this paper is to examine this concept through theoretical lenses of oppressed group behaviour, attribution theory, and conceptual models of empowerment. A critical social theory perspective is outlined as an additional theoretical approach to studying incivility in nursing education. Examination through various theoretical lenses may help to describe, explain, and predict incivility in nursing education. Theoretical considerations of this concept are limited but may hold the key to comprehensive understanding and advancement of knowledge. The ultimate goal of theoretical and knowledge development of incivility in nursing education is the creation and maintenance of civil educational environments.

Understanding the Diffusion of Theoretical Knowledge in Nursing: A Citation Analysis of Meleis's Transition Theory

Aim

The aim of this study is to examine the structure of the knowledge creation process in nursing science and to investigate the dissemination of theoretical knowledge in other disciplines by analyzing citations and social network data.

Method

This exploratory study evaluated Metadata to find academic publications. Meleis's Transition Theory was selected as a case study. A majority of the publications that represented the transition theory were assigned as the core of the theory. Forward and backward citations were used as agents of knowledge linkage to determine the dissemination of the theory in the field of science. Social network analysis and visualization were used to depict graphical and structural relations of the research front and the knowledge base.

Results

The knowledge base of the Transition Theory was built on 7 different information networks. The most effective and vast information network consisted of Meleis, AI as a researcher and the central information network, which is the journal of Nursing Research. Oncology, geriatrics, public health, and psychology in the areas of information propagation within the field of nursing were considered as research areas where the theoretical framework provided by the theory was rendered functional.

Conclusion

In recent years, the use of theoretical frameworks has become a necessity to assess the changing needs of the study of nursing science. The method used in the study can be effectively used to analyze the conceptual structures in the nursing education and professional application processes and to understand the origins of these theories. Further research can help to structure the use of informational science-based research designs to understand the connections between theory, clinical practice, and the development of educational contents in nursing faculties.

Theory Development Strategies for Middle-Range Theories

The purpose of this article is to present an analysis on the theory development strategies that have been used to develop middle-range theories through an integrated literature review and to provide directions for future theoretical development in nursing. First, theory development strategies that have been suggested and used in nursing are briefly discussed. Second, the methods used for the analysis are described. Then, 4 themes reflecting the theory development strategies that have been used to develop middle-range theories are discussed. Finally, suggestions for future theoretical development in nursing are made on the basis of the findings.

Perspectives on the Unitary Transformative Person-Environment-Health Process for the Knowledge Base of Nursing

Nursing knowledge development continues to face significant challenges, as there is not yet widespread acceptance of the important role of nursing theory in research, education, and professional practice. The purpose of this article is to describe perspectives on person, environment, health from different levels of knowledge development for the discipline of nursing. The authors recommend continued discourse among nurse scholars to advance the discipline of nursing globally.

Nursing Knowledge in the 21st Century: Domain-Derived and Basic Science Practice-Shaped

Some have described that nursing is at a crossroads that necessitates finding ways to balance knowledge development that is philosophical and conceptual/theoretical with the empirical inquiry, particularly of the developing related biologic sciences. This article sets a direction for nursing knowledge development that is domain-driven. The central role of nursing theory in attaining the common goals of nursing is envisioned. Recommendations include that grand theories, middle-range theories, and practice theories in tree-like fashion feed into the common goal of humanization; that all teaching tools in nursing begin with common goals and describe nursing theories as contributing to these goals; that theory-practice alliances are central in filling out the envisioned domain-driven knowledge and integrating this with practice-shaped basic sciences.

CONCEPT ANALYSIS STRATEGIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MIDDLE-RANGE NURSING THEORIES

ABSTRACT Objective: to reflect on strengths and limitations of the concept analysis strategies as resources for the development of middle-range nursing theories. Method: a reflection study of metatheoretical nature. Results: strategies for concept analysis for the development of middle-range nursing theories are presented. The philosophical foundations of concepts and their interface with the analytical procedures were presented. It has been found that Nursing uses three approaches for concept analysis: adapted Wilsonian, evolutionary and pragmatic utility. The concept analysis strategy was illustrated by the Interactive Theory of Breastfeeding. Conclusion: concept analysis strategies have been employed in nursing to develop theories and to refine the concepts and terminologies used in research and practice. Despite their widespread use, there is still great diversity of methods used and some uncertainties that hinder their implementation.

[Science and nursing science: What links, what issues and what future development for the discipline of nursing?]

This article examines the terms science, discipline and knowledge from the perspective of the use and advancement of knowledge in the discipline of nursing. It views the notion of organized knowledge as the foundation of a science as well as considering the use of scientific methods as imperative in any discipline that aims to contribute to the world of ideas by relying on rationality. This paper aims to trace the link between science and nursing science, to clarify scientific issues for nursing, and to begin thinking about understanding the concept of diversity and the effective contribution of doctoral training in nursing as a guarantee of the future evolution of this discipline.

Progress and Changes in Gerontological Nursing Research in the Midwest: A Review

Gerontological nursing has a rich research history. The current article reports trends in gerontological nursing research found through review of abstracts of presentations at the Midwest Nursing Research Society annual conference at 10-year increments over the 40-year existence of the organization. Researchers studied a wide range of topics, from quality of life to use of technology, with a variety of older adult populations represented. Designs, theoretical frameworks, and other methods mirrored trends in nursing research from 1977 to 2017. Gerontological nursing researchers had a strong and sustained presence in the Midwest, as evidenced by these abstracts. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(5):231-237.].

The Evolution of Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom in Nursing Informatics

The data-information-knowledge-wisdom (DIKW) model has been widely adopted in nursing informatics. In this article, we examine the evolution of DIKW in nursing informatics while incorporating critiques from other disciplines. This includes examination of assumptions of linearity and hierarchy and an exploration of the implicit philosophical grounding of the model. Two guiding questions are considered: (1) Does DIKW serve clinical information systems, nurses, or both? and (2) What level of theory does DIKW occupy? The DIKW model has been valuable in advancing the independent field of nursing informatics. We offer that if the model is to continue to move forward, its role and functions must be explicitly addressed.

The Partnering with Patients Model of Nursing Interventions: A First Step to a Practice Theory

The development of a body of knowledge, gained through research and theory building, is one hallmark of a profession. This paper presents the “Partnering with Patients Model of Nursing Interventions”, providing direction towards how complex nursing interventions can be developed, tested and subsequently adopted into practice. Coalescence of understanding of patient-centred care, the capabilities approach and the concept of complex healthcare interventions led to the development of the model assumptions and concepts. Application of the model to clinical practice is described, including presentation of a case study, and areas for future research including understanding both patients’ and nurses’ perceptions and experiences when the model is in use, and testing the effect of nursing interventions based on the model are recommended.

Translational research: a concept analysis

BACKGROUND/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: Little is known about which approaches facilitate adoption and sustainment of evidence-based practice change in the highly complex care environments that constitute clinical practice today. The purpose of this article was to complete a concept analysis of translational research using a modified Walker and Avant approach. DESIGN/DATA COLLECTION: Using a rigorous and thorough review of the recent health care literature generated by a deep electronic search from 2004-2011, 85 appropriate documents were retrieved. Close reading of the articles by three coresearchers yielded an analysis of the emerging concept of translational research.

DATA ANALYSIS

Using the iterative process described by Walker and Avant, a tentative definition of the concept of translational research, along with antecedents and consequences were identified. Implications for health care professionals in education, practice, and research are offered. Further research is needed to determine the adequacy of the definition, to identify empirical referents, and to guide theory development.

RESULTS

The study resulted in a theoretical definition of the concept of translational research, along with identification of antecedents and consequences and a description of an ideal or model case to illustrate the definition.

IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS

Implications for practice and education include the importance of focusing on translational research approaches that may reduce the research-practice gap in health care, thereby improving patient care delivery. Research is needed to determine the usefulness of the definition in health care clinical practice.

A systematic integrated literature review of systematic integrated literature reviews in nursing

As faculty members, we frequently find that first-year doctoral students in nursing are confused about how to conduct a systematic integrated literature review. This could be due to its vague definition and a lack of recent literature that provides directions for conducting a systematic integrated literature review. This article aims to provide directions for conducting a systematic integrated literature review by identifying the essential components of published literature reviews in nursing. To achieve this goal, the literature was searched by using the keywords nursing, systematic, and review in multiple databases. A total of 267 articles were selected and are included in this systematic integrated literature review. The articles were then sorted by study design and analyzed in six areas of interests. Finally, a practical guideline for conducting systematic integrated literature reviews is proposed based on the analysis of the literature.