Question

There is much confusion on the meaning and interactions of theories, frameworks and models. What do each of these concepts mean and how do they provide a framework for nursing practice?

Answer 1

Theories:-

Definition -

• A theory is a group of related concepts that describe and explain. It’s the most complex and it’s testable. A theory help to predict and examine which factors influence your outcome.

Importance of theory:-

• Theory aims to describe, predict and explain the phenomenon of nursing.
• It should provide the foundations of nursing practice, help to generate further knowledge and indicate in which direction nursing should develop in the future.
• Theory is important because it helps us to decide what we know and what we need to know.
• It helps to distinguish what should form the basis of practice by explicitly describing nursing.
• This can be seen as an attempt by the nursing profession to maintain its professional boundaries.

Frameworks:-

Definition -

• A framework describes but doesn’t explain factors believed to influence an outcome. It provides a big picture overview of various descriptive categories and how they might relate to one another.

Importance of frameworks:-

• Framework helps to situate your topic, the concepts, theories or models involved, and your own ideas, into the existing knowledge of that topic.

• Frameworks are of 2 types : Conceptual framework and theoretical framework. Conceptual frameworks helps to facilitate clinical judgement in nursing practice.

Models:-

Definition -

• A model describes but doesn’t explain. It’s commonly used to describe, or even simplify, the process of translating research into practice.

Importance of models:-

• Models allow the concepts in theory to be successfully applied to nursing practice. They provide an overview of the thinking behind the theory and may demonstrate how theory can be introduced into practice, for example, through specific methods of assessment.