Question

Discuss a middle range theory that would provide a framework to address a clinical topic that interests you. Include in your discussion an example of how this theory has been used as a framework in nursing research. Include a scholarly article as a reference to support your example

Answer 1

The nursing theory is the structuring of ideas for the systematic view of an occurrence relevant to nursing. There are different types of nursing theories; nursing practice theories, mid-range nursing theories, and grand nursing theories.

Mid-range nursing theories have a narrow scope than the grand nursing theories. It can offer a better link between the nursing practice and grand nursing theories. The mid-range nursing theories provide proposals and concepts, nursing strategies, and an increasing theory-based approach. The development of the mid-range theory applies an inductive-deductive approach.

The inductive-deductive theory has four phases.

1. Inductive creation of concepts by synthesis
2. Setting up of a model by examining the relationship
3. Verification through the hypothesis
4. Testing the model and presentation of the theory

Examples of most commonly used mid-range nursing theories are Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations, Orlando’s theory on a deliberate nursing process, and Watson’s theory of human caring.

Types of Mid-Range Theories

The three common types of mid-range theories are:

1. The mid-range descriptive theory, also known as taxonomy or typology:

The most basic type. Identifies the commonalities in concerned population or situation. Quantitative or qualitative descriptive research methods are used for formulation and testing. An example is Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations.

2. The mid-range explanatory theories.

These theories identify relations between concepts and it can explain the extent to which a concept is related to the other. For formulation and testing, quantitative correlation research is used. Watson’s theory of human caring and affection is an example of it.

3. The predictive theories.

These move further the descriptive and explanatory theories. It can explain how changes occur in a phenomenon. They are created and tested through experimentation. Orlando’s theory of a deliberative nursing process is the best example of it.

Example for use of midrange theory in nursing practice:

Application of Mid-Range Theory: Theory of Holistic Care

Inductive Phase:

The formulation of concepts in the mid-range theory is selected based on the notion of well-being. The analysis is done to describe the term well-being or holistic care. Application of the mid-range theory in practice can be widely used in evaluating the theory, in nursing education and for health practitioners. It can be used to support the well-being of people. The research on how the environment contributes to the health (holism) of the patient is considered. This theory can be utilized as a guideline to develop the practice by nurses.

Explicit and Implicit Assumptions (Hypothesis):

Hypotheses can be derived that connects to spiritual well-being and quality of life for patients.

The first assumption: there is a relationship between the patient’s faith and his quality of life or well-being.

Second assumption: there is a relationship between the patient’s religious practices and well-being during the illness.

Third assumption: there is a relationship between the patient’s feelings of spiritual fulfilment and the quality of life in his holistic experience.

As a conclusion of assumptions: there is a relationship between holistic care and quality of life or well-being among sick people.

Application in Nursing

The primary purpose is to enable nurses to improve standards of nursing practice. The metaparadigm is used for comparing nursing theorists and, the mid-range theories distinguishes nursing from other health professions. It is found to be helpful in practice and research to nurse researchers. It aids in the understanding of patient’s behaviour, providing interventions, and possible strategies for its effectiveness.

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Example:

L. Shea and N. C. Frisch, “Application of Integral Theory in Holistic Nursing Practice,” 28, no. 6 (2014): 344–352.