You Will Begin This Discussion By Identifying A Practice Iss

You Will Begin This Discussion By Identifying A Practice Issue That Wi

You will begin this Discussion by identifying a practice issue that will be your frame of reference as you analyze the theoretical basis of nursing practice. Be aware that your choice can potentially carry through the course, as you will continue to address this issue in the context of other types of theories in Week 3. This practice issue can also be one focus of your Module 3 exploration of evidence-based practice and quality improvement, and your Module 4 investigation of a critical practice question. Consequently, as you prepare for this Discussion, think carefully about your example for connecting middle range nursing theories to patient care. Analyze your nursing practice for issues of particular interest or concern to you or your organization.

Identify one issue as the focus of your application of theory to practice. Review the Week 2 Learning Resources to identify specific middle range theories that may apply to your practice issue. Choose at least two middle range theories that might be most relevant and valuable in addressing your practice issue. Search the Walden Library for scholarly articles that address application of middle range theories to practice issues. Consider how to frame your focus practice issue in terms of the middle range theories that you have selected.

Paper For Above instruction

In any healthcare setting, patient adherence to treatment plans remains a persistent and complex issue that significantly impacts health outcomes and the quality of care provided. This challenge is especially prominent in managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, where patient compliance with medication, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring is crucial. The problem of non-adherence can lead to poor glycemic control, increased hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs (Kim et al., 2018). As a practicing nurse, exploring middle range theories can provide valuable insights into understanding and addressing this issue within the context of patient-centered care.

The theory of Self-Care Deficit, developed by Orem (2001), offers an applicable framework for understanding the dynamics behind patient adherence behavior. Orem’s theory emphasizes the importance of patient independence in managing their health and the role of nursing in supporting individuals in activities they perform on their own behalf. When applied to diabetes management, this theory suggests that nurses should assess patients’ abilities, motivations, and barriers to self-care, and intervene in ways that empower patients to take control of their health (Chinni et al., 2017). For example, patient education programs that enhance knowledge and self-efficacy align with the principles of Orem’s theory and can improve adherence rates.

Complementing this perspective, the theory of Health Belief Model (HBM) by Becker (1974) focuses on patients’ perceptions and attitudes toward their illness and treatment. It posits that health-related behaviors depend largely on whether individuals perceive their susceptibility to the disease, the severity of the condition, perceived benefits of action, and barriers to behavioral change. In applying the HBM to diabetic patients, nurses can tailor interventions that specifically address misconceptions, enhance motivation, and facilitate behavioral change by emphasizing the benefits of adherence and reducing perceived barriers, such as fear or lack of understanding (Janz & Becker, 1984). By integrating Orem’s focus on self-care and the HBM’s emphasis on perceptions, nursing practitioners can develop comprehensive strategies that enhance patient engagement and compliance in chronic disease management.

Extensive scholarly research supports the application of these theories. Chinni et al. (2017) linked Orem’s theory to improved self-care behaviors in diabetic populations through tailored education and support interventions. Similarly, Janz and Becker (1984) validated the effectiveness of the Health Belief Model in predicting health behaviors, including medication adherence. Both theories emphasize the importance of personalized, belief-driven interventions, which are critical in fostering sustainable behavior change. Implementing these middle range theories can guide nurse-led interventions that are more targeted, culturally sensitive, and effective in improving adherence.

Addressing this practice issue through the lens of these theories aligns with the broader goals of patient-centered care and quality improvement in nursing. By understanding and applying these frameworks, nurses can better identify individual patient needs, barriers, and motivators, leading to more effective strategies for improving adherence. Ultimately, integrating theoretical insights into practice enhances the nurse’s ability to deliver holistic, evidence-based care that promotes better health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs.

References

• Becker, M. H. (1974). The Health Belief Model and personal health behavior. Health Education Monographs, 2(4), 324-473.
• Chinni, K. B., Patel, R., & Singh, A. (2017). Application of Orem's Self-Care Theory in diabetes management: A review. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 32(2), 141-147.
• Janz, N. K., & Becker, M. H. (1984). The Health Belief Model: A decade later. Health Education Quarterly, 11(1), 1-47.
• Kim, M. K., Lee, H., & Yoo, H. (2018). Medication adherence in diabetes mellitus: An integrative review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27(1-2), e215-e226.
• Orem, D. E. (2001). Nursing: Concepts of practice. Mosby.