Essay Sample on Theoretical Approaches to Evaluate Nursing Theory

Theoretical approaches are required to provide better explanations and understandings that can be used to evaluate the nursing theory. The aims of these approaches include describing processes of the translation of process models, explaining the influences that the implementation outcomes have, and creating evaluation frameworks to be used in the nursing theories. Five major approaches are used to evaluate the nursing theory and achieve the three main aims which help different health practitioners to select the relevant theories of nursing they need to use.

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The approaches that can be used to evaluate nursing theories include process models, classic theories, determinant frameworks, evaluation frameworks, and implementation theories. Process models are used mainly in the description of the translating process that helps in the use of various research settings (McEwen & Wills, 2014). These models facilitate the evaluation of the theories by offering guidance in the planning and execution of practice research. The process model approach describes the process needed to guide planning and executing the evaluation process of the nursing theory.

The determinant framework approach specifies the domains of determinants of independent variables that influence the dependent variables of the nursing theory. The determinant frameworks also make different specifications that help to understand the evaluation outcomes of the theories used in nursing (McEwen & Wills, 2014). This approach aims to explain the influences of evaluation outcomes by predicting and interpreting the methods in ways that help nursing individuals to choose which theory to use.

Classic theories are approach types that originate from external fields of the evaluation process and help to implement and understand different aspects for the best nursing theory to use. These theories also help to describe the nursing theory and develop a context that examines related works that give a clear understanding of the components in the nursing theory to be chosen for use (Nilsen, 2015). Assumptions, concepts, and different propositions are used in this approach to describe, predict, and explain the nursing theory to be adopted.

Implementation theories are an approach that explains the evaluation aspects of the nursing theory. This approach analyzes the systematic process used to examine the contents and functions of a theory (Nilsen, 2015). This approach is mainly used to determine whether the nursing theory chosen is useful when chosen by nursing practitioners for use in the administration of health to their patients. This approach also acts as a process of effectively understanding the nursing theory.

An evaluation framework is an approach that focuses on the success of the implementation of the nursing theory chosen. This approach assesses the potential contribution of the nursing theory and discipline knowledge (Smith & Parker, 2015). A critical reflection is done and majors on how a nursing theory can serve its purpose. A decision and action are implemented in the use of the theory, especially to direct the nursing practice and the interventions that can be used to ensure it creates favorable outcomes for the health practitioners using it.

The contrast that exists among these approaches is that they all play a key role in assisting nurses to choose the best nursing theory to use to accomplish their administration of health services to the patients. The approaches are similar because they provide clinicians with more knowledge about the effectiveness of the nursing theory. They also help to clarify forms and structures of a nursing theory being tested, which in turn lead to new formulations and insights that affect the practice of the nurses in a health organization.

References

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2014). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (4th ed., pp. 95-116). Retrieved 11 January 2020, from http://zu.edu.jo/UploadFile/Library/E_Books/Files/LibraryFile_171030_28.pdf

Nilsen, P. (2015). Making Sense of Implementation Theories, Models and Frameworks. Retrieved 11 January 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4406164/pdf/13012_2015_Article_242.pdf

Smith, M. C., & Parker, M. E. (2015). Nursing theories and nursing practice. FA Davis. Retrieved 11 January 2020, from http://docshare03.docshare.tips/files/26827/268274013.pdf