Theory-Research-Practice Link: Key to Successful Evidence-Based Nursing - Essay Sample

Introduction

The importance of theory, research, and practice as it relates to evidence-based research in nursing cannot be emphasized enough. Evidence-based research is the basis of quality, cost-effective, and accessible care in nursing practice (Mohammadi, 2016). It is the search for information that uses sound, comprehensive research and applies the findings in making patient care decisions to improve healthcare outcomes.

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To begin with, the one significance of theory, research, and practice concerning evidence-based research is that it provides nurses and researchers with the relevant information upon which they can base their decisions on patient care (Mohammadi, 2016). Nursing theories provide the framework upon which research is conducted while nursing research itself helps in unearthing data and information which provide and form the knowledge base for designing patient care. Also, research findings which are results from both qualitative and quantitative nursing research are important because when properly interpreted and analyzed, they can be effectively translated into actual nursing practice in various settings. Moreover, according to Mohammadi (2016), research, theory, and practice are necessary because they help in the formulation of effective strategies for solving healthcare issues and improving healthcare outcomes for patients. For instance, through theory, research, and practice, nurses can formulate ways of preventing falls among elderly patients in hospital settings. The research enables them to come up with proven and tested interventions for patient fall prevention.

Summary and Application of Nursing Theory

The problem described in the scenario is that of postoperative readmissions with wound infections. Hospital readmissions after discharge have been found to worsen patient outcomes and increase resource utilization and healthcare costs. The application of a theoretical framework such as Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory could help support evidence-based research into this problem in different ways. The main focus of the self-care deficit theory is the active involvement of patients in promoting their health through the concept of self-care. Self-care means the individual patient-initiated and performed activities aimed at improving their well-being, health, and life.

In the scenario provided, the nurse manager and unit-based State Council intend to implement a discharge teaching plan for postoperative patients. This practice is a form of self-care, hence Dorothea Orem's Self-Care Deficit theoretical model is applicable. One of the most important assumptions made in this theory and upon which it is premised is that bein distinct individuals, people ought to be self-reliant and responsible for their care. Moreover, according to Orem's self-care deficit theory, to promote self-care behaviors among patient populations, it is necessary to improve the patients' knowledge and awareness of potential health problems. Hence, the discharge teaching plan for patients would help reduce postoperative readmissions of patients with would infections as patients will be able to adopt self-care.

Additionally, the most recent research studied to support the proposition that patient education on self-care can help reduce postoperative readmissions. For instance, according to a study by Polster (2015), a patient discharge education plan that considers a patient's baseline skills and knowledge, health literacy level, learning style, and a nurse's cultural competence is effective in the prevention of post-operation readmissions. According to this researcher, "identifying a patient's ability to perform self-care will help the nurse prepare the patient for discharge" (Polster, 2015, p.32). Orem's self-care deficit theory is applicable in that those patients who are unable to independently care for themselves have a self-care deficit and hence will require physical therapy and home care services, hence preventing readmissions. The theory would support evidence-based research into the problem of postoperative readmissions by providing a theoretical basis for designing a discharge education or teaching plan that considers all the risk factors and how to incorporate self-care to prevent readmissions caused by infections.

Appropriate Nursing Conceptual Model

A conceptual model in nursing refers to an abstract notion, idea, or theoretical proposition and framework which informs and guides nursing research and practice (Fawcett, 2017). Therefore, a nurse researcher needs to select an appropriate theoretical framework or conceptual model to enable them to place their findings within a scientific context and justify them. The main conceptual models in nursing according to Fawcett (2017) include the transitions framework, Synergy model, Roy's adaptation model, Rojer's science of unitary human beings, Orem's self-care framework, Neuman's systems model, Levin's conservation model, King's conceptual model, and Johnson's behavioral system model.

The nursing conceptual model which would be appropriate for research the problem of post-operative readmissions with wound infections is Johnson's behavioral system model. According to this model developed by Dorothy E. Johnson in 1968, to prevent illnesses, it is necessary to foster effective and efficient behavioral functioning in patients (Fawcett, 2017). Johnson believed that the main threat to human social or physical health is behavior and that since the human body is composed of different systems, nurses should focus on the behavioral system to find solutions to illnesses and infections.

Johnson's system model would be appropriate for research of the problem presented in this scenario because it would inform relevant nursing interventions that target the behavior of patients believed to cause postoperative wounds. For, if an effective discharge teaching plan for patients is to be designed and implemented, nurses will be interested to know which specific patient behaviors contribute to wound infections. The knowledge of the behavioral risk factors for postoperative readmissions due to wound infections will also provide a nurse researcher with the appropriate insight into the best way to model the teaching plan for better health outcomes for patients.

References

Fawcett, J. (2017). Applying conceptual models of nursing: Quality improvement, research, and practice. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

Mohammadi, E. (2016). A reflection on research, theory, evidence-based practice, and qualityimprovement. Evidence-Based Care Journal, 6(1), 79-80.

Polster, D. (2015). Preventing readmissions with discharge education. Nursing Management, 46(10), 30-37.