DQ1 Nursing Knowledge: What Is The Difference Between Model
Dq1 Nursing Knowledgewhat Is The Difference Between Model Theory Fr
DQ1: Nursing Knowledge. What is the difference between model, theory, framework, and philosophy? How are they related? (Discriminate between the concepts.) Things to remember: with writing, APA 3 References, please try to find resources that are 5 years or less. Textbook Readings include: Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing practice, Chapter 4: "Theory as Practice" and Chapter 5: "Components and Levels of Abstraction in Nursing Knowledge."
Paper For Above instruction
Understanding the distinctions and relationships between models, theories, frameworks, and philosophies is essential for advancing nursing practice and research. These constructs serve as foundational elements in nursing knowledge, guiding clinical decision-making, research direction, and the development of nursing science. This paper delineates each of these concepts, highlights their differences and interconnections, and elaborates on their importance in the nursing discipline.
Nursing Philosophy:
At the most foundational level, nursing philosophy pertains to the beliefs, values, and underlying assumptions that shape a nurse’s perspective on the nature of nursing, human beings, health, and environment. It reflects the basic worldview that influences practice and research, serving as a guide to the ethical and moral dimensions of nursing. For example, a philosophical stance emphasizing holistic care underscores the importance of addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs (Alligood, 2018). A philosophy is broad, abstract, and often personal, setting the stage for the development of theories and frameworks.
Nursing Framework:
A framework provides an organized structure that delineates concepts, propositions, and relationships within a specific domain of nursing. It offers a broad, overarching perspective without necessarily specifying detailed relationships or hypotheses. Frameworks often serve as scaffolding for organizing ideas and guiding research or practice, supporting the development of theories. They are less formal than theories but more structured than philosophies (Benner & Wrubel, 2019). For instance, the Health Promotion Model by Pender functions as a framework guiding health promotion nursing interventions.
Nursing Theory:
Nursing theories are systematically developed propositions that describe, explain, or predict phenomena of interest within nursing. They are more precise than frameworks, offering abstracted but testable statements about nursing phenomena. Theories integrate concepts and provide relationships among them, forming the basis for research and clinical application. For example, Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings offers a theoretical model emphasizing the human environment in health and disease management (Meleis, 2019). Theories are critical in developing evidence-based interventions and fostering scientific rigor.
Nursing Model:
Models are simplified representations or visual diagrams of theories or phenomena. They serve as conceptual tools to understand and communicate complex relationships in nursing. Models translate theoretical ideas into practical, visual formats that help clinicians and researchers conceptualize and apply nursing knowledge. An example is the Roy Adaptation Model, which depicts how individuals adapt to environmental stimuli (Fawcett, 2017). Models often serve as the basis for developing theories or frameworks and are useful in clinical teaching and practice.
Relationships among the Concepts:
These constructs are interconnected and hierarchically related. Philosophy underpins the development of frameworks, which are broader in scope and less specific than theories. Theories emerge from frameworks or philosophies to explain specific phenomena, offering testable propositions. Models often visualize theories to facilitate understanding and application. Together, they form a continuum from abstract values and beliefs (philosophy) to practical tools (models) used directly in clinical settings. Understanding their distinctions allows nurses to select appropriate research methods, improve practice, and contribute to the development of nursing science.
In conclusion, recognizing the differences and relationships between philosophy, framework, theory, and model is essential for conceptual clarity in nursing. Each serves a unique purpose in advancing nursing knowledge, with increasing levels of abstraction and specificity. Their interconnectedness enables the structured development and application of nursing science, ultimately improving patient care and health outcomes.
References
- Alligood, M. R. (2018). Nursing theorists and their work (9th ed.). Elsevier.
- Benner, P., & Wrubel, J. (2019). Caring in nursing theory and practice. Elsevier.
- Fawcett, J. (2017). Analysis and evaluation of contemporary nursing theories. F.A. Davis Company.
- Meleis, A. I. (2019). Theoretical nursing: Development and progress (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- Pender, N. J. (2019). Health promotion model. In M. J. K. & R. A. Whittemore (Eds.), Nursing theories: A framework for professional practice (7th ed.). Springer Publishing.