The Role Of Models And Theories In Evidence-Based Practice

The Role of Models and Theories in Evidence-Based Practice and Research

Researchers often develop new theories or build on existing ones to explain observations and phenomena within their fields. Conceptual frameworks and models serve as vital tools that enable researchers to describe, understand, and analyze various events and processes. The importance of models and theories in research cannot be overstated, as they provide a structured approach to exploring complex questions and phenomena. They help synthesize existing knowledge, formulate hypotheses, and guide the development of research methodologies, ultimately facilitating evidence-based practice (Finn, 2011).

Theories and models play a crucial role in shaping research questions, aligning them with established frameworks to ensure coherence and relevancy. Aligning research questions with existing theories or models enhances the validity and applicability of research findings and assists in the interpretation of results. As Polit and Beck (2017) highlight, theory-driven research offers clarity and direction, allowing researchers to focus their investigations on specific, theory-based constructs. Moreover, theories and models underpin research design decisions, guiding the selection of methods, data collection techniques, and analysis strategies.

One prominent example of a theory used extensively in nursing research is Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. This theory emphasizes the importance of caring relationships between nurses and patients and offers a holistic view of health that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual elements. Ozan and Okumuş (2017) evaluated the effectiveness of nursing care based on Watson’s theory, demonstrating how this model provides an effective framework for interventions aimed at reducing anxiety and distress among patients with infertility. Watson’s theory guides nursing strategies to promote positive coping mechanisms, decrease distress, and improve patient outcomes, highlighting its practical relevance in clinical settings.

In practice, models and theories serve as blueprints that structure research investigations, as well as guiding clinical interventions. For instance, in the psychiatric unit where I work, a pertinent research question could explore the “Effects of nursing care on distress, anxiety, and coping when psychiatric treatment fails.” Using Watson’s theory of human caring as a foundation, such research could investigate how caring practices influence the psychological well-being of patients undergoing unsuccessful treatments. This application underscores the value of theory-based research in informing evidence-based nursing practices and improving patient outcomes.

Ultimately, the integration of models and theories into nursing research enriches understanding, fosters critical thinking, and enhances the development of effective interventions. They serve as essential tools that link empirical evidence to clinical practice, ensuring that patient care is grounded in scientific knowledge and tailored to individual needs. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the continued application of robust models and theories will remain vital to advancing nursing science and delivering high-quality, evidence-based care (Cantrell, 2011; Finn, 2011).

Paper For Above instruction

Researchers play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge within their fields by developing new theories or expanding existing ones. Theoretical frameworks and models serve as foundational tools that help articulate, describe, and investigate the complex phenomena observed in healthcare and other disciplines. Utilizing models and theories facilitates a structured understanding of events, guiding researchers in formulating hypotheses, designing studies, and interpreting data. Their relevance extends across all stages of research, ensuring that investigations are coherent, targeted, and conducive to evidence-based practice (Finn, 2011).

Central to the research process is the alignment of research questions with existing underlying theories or models. This alignment ensures the robustness of the inquiry and enhances the applicability of findings. For example, theories provide a lens through which phenomena can be examined, offering insights into causal relationships and potential interventions. As Polit and Beck (2017) state, theory-based research promotes clarity and rigor, making it easier to evaluate results within a meaningful conceptual framework. Additionally, the choice of a specific theory influences research design, including data collection methods, statistical analysis, and interpretation of findings, thus emphasizing the importance of careful selection in the research process.

In nursing research, Watson’s Theory of Human Caring exemplifies how a robust model can inform practical interventions and improve patient outcomes. This theory centers on the humanistic aspects of nursing care, emphasizing the establishment of caring relationships that promote health and healing beyond merely treating clinical symptoms. Ozan and Okumuş (2017) demonstrated that nursing care grounded in Watson’s theory effectively reduces anxiety and distress among infertile women, illustrating how theoretical models can be operationalized into meaningful clinical practices. When applied, such models provide a framework for nurses to implement interventions that foster emotional well-being, resilience, and positive coping strategies.

Applying this understanding to the psychiatric setting, I am interested in investigating the “Effects of nursing care on distress, anxiety, and coping when psychiatric treatment fails.” Here, Watson’s Theory of Human Caring offers a valuable foundation to examine how caring practices influence psychological outcomes in patients facing treatment setbacks. This research could explore whether implementing caring interventions based on the theory alleviates distress and enhances coping, thereby informing evidence-based nursing strategies in mental health care.

The significance of models and theories lies not only in guiding research but also in translating evidence into clinical practice. They enable nurses and healthcare providers to develop targeted, effective interventions that are rooted in scientific understanding. In psychiatric and general nursing, integrating theoretical frameworks enhances the quality of care, promotes patient-centered approaches, and accelerates the translation of research findings into everyday practice (Cantrell, 2011). As healthcare continues to evolve, the importance of applying and refining these conceptual tools becomes increasingly evident to meet complex patient needs and improve health outcomes.

References

• Cantrell, M. A. (2011). Demystifying the research process: Understanding a descriptive comparative research design. Pediatric Nursing, 37(4), 188–189.
• Finn, P. (2011). Critical thinking: Knowledge and skills for evidence-based practice. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 42(1), 69–72.
• Ozan, Y. D., & Okumuş, H. (2017). Effects of nursing care based on Watson’s theory of human caring on anxiety, distress, and coping, when infertility treatment fails: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Caring Sciences, 6(2), 95.
• Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer, Philadelphia, PA.
• Watson, J. (2008). Nursing: The philosophy and science of caring. University Press of Colorado.
• McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing (4th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Alp, E., & Yilmaz, Z. (2018). The impact of caring models on patient outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(1-2), 98–109.
• Leininger, M., & McFarland, M. R. (2006). Culture care diversity and universality: A theory of nursing. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Corser, R., & Fairweather-Schmidt, A. (2018). The application of Watson’s Theory of Human Caring in mental health nursing. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 32(2), 330–335.
• Wilkes, L., & Dunphy, E. (2017). Models and theories in nursing: A review. Nursing Forum, 52(4), 474–481.