Introduction
Middle-range theories play significant roles in the development of nursing. The theories are divided into three main categories namely descriptive, explanatory and predictive theories. While descriptive theories classify a phenomenon, predictive theories forecast precise connections between concepts. On the other hand, explanatory theories identify links between multiple concepts. Examples of Middle-range theories include Peplau’s theory, explanatory theory, and predictive theory, among others. This paper will explore how middle-range theories illuminate health and health care delivery (Murrock & Higgins, 2009).
How middle range theory illuminate concepts in health and health care delivery
Middle-range theories undergo refinement, development, and use in research to help progress clinical practice and nursing science. Firstly, descriptive theories illuminate concepts by naming commonalities observable in discrete events. Secondly, explanatory theories illuminate concepts by explaining how concepts affect or relate to each other. Lastly, predictive theories illuminate concepts by predicting clear-cut connections between concepts. In essence, middle-range theories illuminate concepts by description, explanation, and prediction (Jacelon, Furman, Rea, Macdonald & Donoghue, 2011).
Middle-range theories illuminate concepts by providing correlation statements on nursing concepts. These statements may be neutral, positive, or negative. Therefore, the theories help to clarify the nature of concepts by providing assertions and definitions of nursing concepts. This improves the development of desirable health care delivery practices through nursing means. Essentially, middle-range theory integrates nursing theory and empirical research to come up with a dominant nursing approach. In this regard, nursing practice merges with nursing science to give appropriate health care delivery. In summary, evidence from interactions in nursing settings is utilized to refine concepts on interpersonal skills.
My particular role in developing (or evaluating) middle range theories
My knowledge and experience in nursing were essential in the evaluation of middle-range theories. Principally, compassion for patients helped me to integrate cultural tolerance into nursing practice. This was important in developing Peplau’s theory on interpersonal relations. For instance, I used my experience in patient advocacy to improve my communication skills. Additionally, my position as a leader exposed me to different healthcare stakeholders; this helped to improve my interpersonal skills. Moreover, I utilized evidence-based research and practice to advance health and health care delivery. Essentially, my leadership qualities were important in improving middle-range theories (DeSanto-Madeya & Fawcett, 2009).
Importance of my role in advancing nursing science and improving clinical practice
My role was essential in improving ways of providing the best clinical practices. For instance, I helped promote a healthy relationship between caregivers and patients. Additionally, I helped promote bonding among caregivers. My role was also essential in improving nursing science through the refinement of middle-range theories. This helped to bring out best practices in health and health care delivery. Additionally, I helped to align clinical practice and nursing science to the latest technologies. Notably, my contributions also helped to align current practices in accordance with contemporary nursing. Besides, I also helped develop nursing science and clinical practice by promoting research in health care (Fawcett & Garity, 2009).
Conclusion
Middle-range theories are important in illuminating nursing concepts. This is essential as it ensures that the concepts are updated in accordance with contemporary clinical practices. Additionally, the concepts comply with required caregiving standards. It should be noted that each category of middle-range theories enhances understanding of health and health care concepts. This occurs through description, explanation, and prediction as shown above.
References
DeSanto-Madeya, S., & Fawcett, J. (2009). Toward Understanding and Measuring Adaptation Level in the Context of the Roy Adaptation Model. Nursing Science Quarterly, 22(4), 355–359. Retrieved from the Sage Premier 2010 database.
Fawcett, J. & Garity, J. (2009). Evaluating Research for Evidence-Based Nursing: Evaluation of middle-range theories. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: F. A. Davis. Retrieved from the CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.
Jacelon, C., Furman, E., Rea, A., Macdonald, B., & Donoghue, L. (2011). Creating a professional practice model for postacute care: Adapting the Chronic Care Model for long-term care. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 37(3), 53–60. Retrieved from the CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.
Murrock, C. J., & Higgins, P. A. (2009). The theory of music, mood and movement to improve health outcomes. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65 (10), 2249–2257. Web.