RESPONSE DISCUSSION

Application of Theory to Practice

Nursing theory is integral in research to help guide, add complexity, and distinguish the workings of nursing in a way that is more powerful and meaningful then just the task of caring (McEwen & Wills, 2018). O’Connell (2009) explains why theory is important in research and explains that it is helps to either test the theory itself or to use it as a guide in the approach to finding answers. Using these concepts in conducting research leads to a systematic approach and the “use of a theory in nursing leads to coordinated and less fragmented care” (McEwen & Wills, 2018, p. 25).

The scholarly research article by Manley, Jackson, and McKenzie (2019) demonstrates the use of a mixed methodology approach using both a realist evaluation and a practice methodology with a focus on the theory of culture change. The focus of the study was to understand how a culture of safety in the workplace is related to developing a positive person-centered work environment (Manley et al., 2019). Given the choice to use the practice theory method one tends to gain a more focused direction whereas the use of a middle-ranged theory may produce a wider view of a phenomena (McEwen & Wills, 2018). The approach in the article identified was that of an explanatory or factor-relating approach including an evaluation of interrelationships specifically related to safety culture, development of said culture, organizational support, and transformational leadership (Manley et al., 2019).

As a leader of a specialty unit the use of practice theory research is most often used to guide care. The focus and narrow scope of these types of studies are often specific to limited patient types like the field obstetrical nursing (McEwen & Wills, 2018). If I were to expand my scope of view out to my organization I could conclude, based on the achievement of a Magnet designation three times in the last ten years, the use of a broader macrotheory approach helped us define our nursing scope of practice and care model (Philosphy and Values | Mid Coast Hospital Nursing | Maine's Only Magnet Community Hospital, n.d.). This use of a grand theory is often a way to add a thoughtful approach to guiding a philosophy or general overview of our nursing framework (McEwen & Wills, 2018) and as Kolcuba, Tilton, and Drouin (2006) outline theories often “guide in developing and achieving leadership, practice, or research goals” (p. 538).

References

Kolcaba, K., Tilton, C., & Drouin, C. (2006). Comfort theory: A unifying framework to enhance the practice environment. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(11), 538–544. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005110-200611000-00010

Manley, K., Jackson, C., & McKenzie, C. (2019). Microsystems culture change: A refined theory for developing person-centred, safe and effective workplaces based on strategies that embed a safety culture. International Practice Development Journal, 9(2), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.19043/ipdj.92.004

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2018). Theoretical basis for nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.

O’Connell, K. A. (2009). Theories used in nursing research on smoking cessation. Annual Review of Nursing Research, 27(1), 33–62. https://doi.org/10.1891/0739-6686.27.33

Philosphy and values | mid coast hospital nursing | maine's only magnet community hospital. (n.d.). Mid Coast Health. Retrieved September 8, 2020, from https://www.midcoasthealth.com/nursing/philosophy-values/