Analysis and Evaluation of Nursing Theories
Environmental theory and Comfort theory are nursing theories from grand theory and middle-range theory respectively. Grand nursing theories are broadest in their scope only presenting general concepts in the field. The theories are not designed for empirical testing although they can provide useful insights in nursing. Middle range theories are relatively narrow in their scope presenting less abstract concepts than grand theories. In chapter 6 and 11, the theories are further dived into human needs theories, unitary theories and interactive theories in grand theories and high middle-range theories, middle middle-range theories and low middle-range theories in the middle-range theory. Comfort theory is a middle middle-range theory by Katharine Kolcaba whereas the Environmental theory is a human needs grand theory by Florence Nightingale.
Similarities
Kolcaba’s Comfort theory is similar to Nightingale’s Environmental theory. According to the conclusions in chapter 6 and 11, Comfort theory recognizes patient’s necessity to have their human basic needs met so as to reduce negative tensions that may slow down the achievement of positive results in the nursing process. The environmental theory, like the comfort theory, recognizes the essence of human needs in health. According to Nightingale, nurses have a role to provide the conditions necessary for nature to restore and preserve human health (Nursing Theory. (n.d.).
Differences
Comfort theory is however different from the environmental theory in that it is an active approach to nursing care hence only seeking to provide comfort to patients after they are ill to help them in the recuperating process. It is concerned with creating a conducive ambience of care that can enhance the patient’s recovery (Ido, n.d) . On the other hand, the Environmental theory is both active and proactive. Nightingale emphasizes the essence of nurses being human needs activists and to also actively participate in community empowerment programs that promotes health. For those humans already requiring health care, nightingale recognizes the part good environmental conditions and satisfaction of the patients’ needs can play in their health outcomes.
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