An Analysis and Evaluation of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model for Antiretroviral Therapy

We use Fawcett and DeSanto-Madeya's framework to critique Fisher and Fisher's information-motivation-behavioral skills model and determine its usefulness and applicability for nursing. Our analysis and evaluation show that the model is a parsimonious and useful situation-specific theory for guiding nursing research and practice because it shows good fit with the nursing context, has social and theoretical significance, and exhibits empirical and pragmatic adequacy. More consistency in using terms referring to each concept would help to improve the model's internal consistency. The model's testability could also be improved by measuring health outcomes (eg, viral load or CD4 count) in future research.

Theory Analysis: The Health Promotion Model and Motivation in Physical Activity

Background: The health promotion model (HPM) depicts numerous factors impacting health-promoting behavior. Variables of the HPM including experiences, self-efficacy, and the influences affecting health choices portray a comprehensive picture of a person's values and barriers to health behavior change. Perceived harm of inaction is weighed against the perceived benefits of action within the HPM. Physical inactivity is a worldwide concern with deleterious consequences. Strategies are needed to increase physical activity participation to mitigate the impacts. The HPM has not been previously analyzed in the context of adult physical activity. Purpose: Analyze the HPM, apply it to the concept of adult motivation for physical activity, display the utility of theory application in practice, and demonstrate the vital role of nursing in connecting theory to practice. Methods: Theory analysis was conducted using Walker and Avant's method with a focus on motivation for physical activity among adults. Evaluation of the origins, meaning, logical adequacy, usefulness, generalizability, parsimony, and testability of the HPM adds depth to understanding the theory and its application in clinical practice. Results: The HPM is logical, generalizable, and has been broadly applied and tested. Adaptations were made to the HPM to reflect updated knowledge and for application to adult motivation for physical activity. Implications for practice and future research: Thorough evaluation of the HPM facilitates application to clinical practice to impact physical activity health behavior change. Examining motivation for physical activity through the lens of the HPM can guide nursing engagement and interventions to enhance behavior changes.

Theory analysis of social justice in nursing: Applications to obstetric violence research

The dual purpose of this article is to present a formal theory analysis combined with recommendations for the use of social justice in nursing as a framework for the study of obstetric violence in US hospitals. A theory analysis of emancipatory nursing praxis as a middle-range theory of social justice in nursing was conducted using the strategy by Walker and Avant. The theory of social justice in nursing was determined to be logical, useful, and generalizable. The soundness and usability of the theory support the recommendations made for it to be applied to the study of obstetric violence, plus quality and outcome problems in maternity care that have been resistant to sustained progress and may benefit from a new paradigm for continued study. The alignment for obstetric violence to be studied with a social justice framework is linked to the theory's origins in critical social theory and the evolving concept of obstetric violence as a sex-specific form of violence against women that is a violation of human rights. The postmodern expansion of the body of work based on critical theory provides examples from emancipatory and feminist researchers for recognizing how the study of obstetric violence is compatible with a theoretical framework for social justice in nursing. The suitability of this framework to guide the further research needed to better understand, identify, and minimize harms from the occurrence of obstetric violence is argued. In addition, "The Code" for the American Nurses Association (ANA) is cited as a professional reference that outlines nurses' responsibilities for practice based on ethics, human rights, and social justice that are antithetical to the occurrence of obstetric violence.

A model for systems-level influences on toddler immunization completion

Toddler immunization completion rates vary across populations in the United States, and this variation may be contributing to the national rise in vaccine preventable diseases. Yet existing theoretical scholarship for improving toddler immunization uptake is largely focused on the individual level, neglecting the multiple system-level environments that should be considered. Population characteristics are distinct from the sum of individual characteristics. Thus, a reformulation of the ecological systems theory is proposed to provide theoretical direction and guide future population health research regarding system-level influences on vaccine coverage.

Analysis and evaluation of the moral distress theory

Moral distress is a pervasive problem in nursing resulting in a detriment to patient care, providers, and organizations. Over a decade ago, the moral distress theory (MDT) was proposed and utilized in multiple research studies. This middle range theory explains and predicts the distress that occurs in a nurse because of moral conflict. The research findings born from this theory have been substantial. Since inception of this theory, moral distress has been extensively examined which has further elaborated its understanding. This paper provides an analysis and evaluation of the MDT according to applicable guidelines. Current understanding of the phenomenon indicates that a new theory may be warranted to better predict, treat, and manage moral distress.

Theory analysis of the Dental Hygiene Human Needs Conceptual Model

PURPOSE

Theories provide a structural knowing about concept relationships, practice intricacies, and intuitions and thus shape the distinct body of the profession. Capturing ways of knowing and being is essential to any professions' practice, education and research. This process defines the phenomenon of the profession - its existence or experience. Theory evaluation is a systematic criterion-based assessment of a specific theory. This study presents a theory analysis of the Dental Hygiene Human Needs Conceptual Model (DH HNCM).

METHODS

Using the Walker and Avant Theory Analysis, a seven-step process, the DH HNCM, was analysed and evaluated for its meaningfulness and contribution to dental hygiene. The steps include the following: (i) investigate the origins; (ii) examine relationships of the theory's concepts; (iii) assess the logic of the theory's structure; (iv) consider the usefulness to practice; (v) judge the generalizability; (vi) evaluate the parsimony; and (vii) appraise the testability of the theory.

FINDINGS

Human needs theory in nursing and Maslow's Hierarchy of Need Theory prompted this theory's development. The DH HNCM depicts four concepts based on the paradigm concepts of the profession: client, health/oral health, environment and dental hygiene actions, and includes validated eleven human needs that evolved overtime to eight. It is logical, simplistic, allows scientific predictions and testing, and provides a unique lens for the dental hygiene practitioner. With this model, dental hygienists have entered practice, knowing they enable clients to meet their human needs.

CONCLUSION

For the DH HNCM, theory analysis affirmed that the model is reasonable and insightful and adds to the dental hygiene professions' epistemology and ontology.