Types of Nursing Theories DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories Dickoff and James (1968) described four types of theory: (1) descriptive, (2) explanatory, (3) predictive, and (4) prescriptive.

Types of Nursing Theories DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories Dickoff and James (1968) described four types of theory: (1) descriptive, (2) explanatory, (3) predictive, and (4) prescriptive.

Descriptive theories are the first and most important level of theory development as they determine what will be perceived as the essence of the phenomenon under study. Descriptive theories describe, observe, and name concepts, properties, and dimensions but they don’t explain the interrelationships among concepts or propositions, and they don’t indicate how changes in one concept affect other concepts.

There are two major types of descriptive theories. The first one is Naming Theories which describe the dimensions or characteristics of a phenomenon. The second type of descriptive theories is Classification Theories which describe dimensions or characteristics of a phenomenon that are structurally interrelated and are sometimes referred to as a typologies or taxonomies. Descriptive theories are generated and tested by descriptive or exploratory research.

Explanatory theories are the second level in theory development. They relate concepts to one DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories another and describe and specify some of the associations or interrelations between and among the concept. This type of theories attempt to tell how or why the concepts are related and may deal with causality, correlations, and rules that regulate interactions.

Predictive theories intend to describe precise relationships between concepts and are the third level of theory development. Predictive theories are generated and tested by experimental research and are able to describe future outcomes DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories

Prescriptive theories which are the highest level of theory development prescribe activities necessary to reach defined goals. In nursing, prescriptive theories address nursing therapeutics and predict the consequences of interventions. Prescriptive theories have three basic components: (1) specified goals or outcomes, (2) explicit activities to be taken to meet the goal, and (3) a survey list that articulates the conceptual basis of the theory.

Over the past 50 years, middle-range theories have been developed which are guiding nursing practice (Liehr & Smith, 2017). The push towards evidence-based practice in Magnet Hospitals and DNP programs has brought to light the importance of these theories. In looking at middle-range theories for a chronic illness or congestive heart failure (CHF|), Riegel’s Theory of Self-Care of Chronic illness describes how self-care is performed when someone is healthy and with chronic illness (Riegel et al., 2019).

There are three concepts to Riegel’s theory which include self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management. Those who perform different self-care activities regardless of their health status will have a higher quality of life. For someone which a chronic illness such as CHF, self-care may be able to decrease any exacerbations and treat symptoms appropriately. DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories

This model aids nursing in assisting the patient in understanding that the decisions they make in their care will positively or negatively impact their quality of life. Riegel’s Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness can be a foundation for direct practice improvement for congestive heart failure, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories

In contrast, Jean Watson’s Philosophy and Science of Caring is focused on the care that nursing gives to the patient and how caring interventions can be delivered to the patient through therapeutic communication and human touch (Wei et al., 2019).

Using Watson’s theory in the daily practice of nursing benefits the patient and the nurse through nursing satisfaction, nursing practice, and patient safety. A foundation for a facility that provides quality patient care is an organization that provides a caring environment to colleagues and patients. DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories

The impact on patient safety comes from caring attitudes towards each other, confidence building, and maximizing teamwork and professionalism. As nursing turnover continues to increase, Watson’s Philosophy and Science of Caring needs to be incorporated into nursing programs, preceptor, and mentor programs to ensure that we care for our patients and each other.

References

Liehr, P., & Smith, M. J. (2017). Middle range theories. In J. Fitzpatrick (Ed.), Encyclopedia of nursing research (4th ed.). Springer Publish