DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories and describe how one of these middle range theories could serve as a foundation for direct practice improvement. Provide examples and literature support. Explain how these theories guide nursing practice and how nursing practice and theories guide research
Types of Nursing Theories DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
Dickoff and James (1968) described four types of theory: (1) descriptive, (2) explanatory, (3) predictive, and (4) prescriptive.
Descriptive theories are the first and most important level of theory development as they determine what will be perceived as the essence of the phenomenon under study. Descriptive theories describe, observe, and name concepts, properties, and dimensions but they don’t explain the interrelationships among concepts or propositions, and they don’t indicate how changes in one concept affect other concepts.
There are two major types of descriptive theories. The first one is Naming Theories which describe the dimensions or characteristics of a phenomenon. The second type of descriptive theories is Classification Theories which describe dimensions or characteristics of a phenomenon that are structurally interrelated and are sometimes referred to as a typologies or taxonomies. Descriptive theories are generated and tested by descriptive or exploratory research.
Explanatory theories are the second level in theory development. They relate concepts to one DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories

DNP 815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
another and describe and specify some of the associations or interrelations between and among the concept. This type of theories attempt to tell how or why the concepts are related and may deal with causality, correlations, and rules that regulate interactions.
Predictive theories intend to describe precise relationships between concepts and are the third level of theory development. Predictive theories are generated and tested by experimental research and are able to describe future outcomes DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
Prescriptive theories which are the highest level of theory development prescribe activities necessary to reach defined goals. In nursing, prescriptive theories address nursing therapeutics and predict the consequences of interventions. Prescriptive theories have three basic components: (1) specified goals or outcomes, (2) explicit activities to be taken to meet the goal, and (3) a survey list that articulates the conceptual basis of the theory.
Over the past 50 years, middle-range theories have been developed which are guiding nursing practice (Liehr & Smith, 2017). The push towards evidence-based practice in Magnet Hospitals and DNP programs has brought to light the importance of these theories. In looking at middle-range theories for a chronic illness or congestive heart failure (CHF|), Riegel’s Theory of Self-Care of Chronic illness describes how self-care is performed when someone is healthy and with chronic illness (Riegel et al., 2019).
There are three concepts to Riegel’s theory which include self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management. Those who perform different self-care activities regardless of their health status will have a higher quality of life. For someone which a chronic illness such as CHF, self-care may be able to decrease any exacerbations and treat symptoms appropriately. DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
This model aids nursing in assisting the patient in understanding that the decisions they make in their care will positively or negatively impact their quality of life. Riegel’s Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness can be a foundation for direct practice improvement for congestive heart failure, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
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In contrast, Jean Watson’s Philosophy and Science of Caring is focused on the care that nursing gives to the patient and how caring interventions can be delivered to the patient through therapeutic communication and human touch (Wei et al., 2019).
Using Watson’s theory in the daily practice of nursing benefits the patient and the nurse through nursing satisfaction, nursing practice, and patient safety. A foundation for a facility that provides quality patient care is an organization that provides a caring environment to colleagues and patients. DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
The impact on patient safety comes from caring attitudes towards each other, confidence building, and maximizing teamwork and professionalism. As nursing turnover continues to increase, Watson’s Philosophy and Science of Caring needs to be incorporated into nursing programs, preceptor, and mentor programs to ensure that we care for our patients and each other.
References
Liehr, P., & Smith, M. J. (2017). Middle range theories. In J. Fitzpatrick (Ed.), Encyclopedia of nursing research (4th ed.). Springer Publishing Company. Credo Reference: https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/spennurres/middle_range_theories/0?institutionId=5865
Riegel, B., Jaarsma, T., Lee, C. & Strömberg, A. (2019). Integrating Symptoms Into the Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness. Advances in Nursing Science, 42 (3), 206-215. DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theorieshttps://oce-ovid-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/article/00012272-201907000-00006/HTML
Wei, H., Fazzone, P. A., Sitzman, K., & Hardin, S. R. (2019). The Current Intervention Studies Based on Watson’s Theory of Human Caring: A Systematic Review. International Journal for Human Caring, 23(1), 4–22. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.20467/1091-5710.23.1.4
Nursing was first introduced to theories in the 1970s. During this era, they were primarily based on the definition of nursing practice. Scholars later noticed that the gran theories lacked proposition, specificity, and empirical testing when applied directly to patient care (Im, 2018). In the 1800s, middle-range theories began (Im, 2018). They were developed based on theoretic induction and deduction on literature and research (Im, 2018). Middle theories provide and explanation of relationships and predictions (Im, 2018).
Its purpose is to narrow the nursing focus with outcomes (Im, 2018). Thus, providing a high problem specification. On the contrary, this can also cause it to fail tests easily. It may also require more significant amounts of observation to increase knowledge. There are most often a limited number of variables. They are also valuable as they allow the opportunity to connect with gran theories and current practice. In nursing practice, theory guides research questions, and research assists in generating theories.
One middle-range theory chosen for the project is Kolcabas Comfort theory. It focuses on relief, ease, and transcendence (Barreto et al., 2022). The elements involved are physical, psychospiritual, environmental, and sociocultural (Barreto et al., 2022). As previously mentioned in week one’s discussion, this theory is often used in acute and or palliative settings. However, this theory could serve as the foundation for the project as it will allow patients to identify comfort measures in a medical emergency with Five Wishes. The application is outcome-oriented, specific to provide comfort, can be applied to the intervention, and is readily available.
Another example is the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms. It was first developed in 1995 (Lima et al., 2019). It is based on identifying nonpharmacological ways to manage symptoms. The three major related parts are physiologic, psychologic, and situational factors (Lima Gomes et al., 2019). As symptoms are subjective, they are described by timing, intensity, distress, and quality with a multidimensional approach (Lima Gomes et al., 2019). This directly influences the patient’s performance (Lima Gomes et al., 2019).
Its end goal provides a clear and measurable outcome when applied to assess before and after the intervention. This holistic approach can be used in multiple areas of practice and populations. It can be used to describe, explain, and predict in the clinical setting. This theory is ready for application, just like the Kolcabas theory, and shares the common goal of middle-range theories.DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
References: DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
Barreto Cardoso, R., Pereira Caldas, C., Gomes Brandão, M. A., Alfradique de Souza, P., & Ferreira Santana, R. (2022). Healthy aging promotion model referenced in Nola Pender’s theory. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 75(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2020-0373
Im, E.-O. (2018). Theory development strategies for middle-range theories. Advances in Nursing Science, 41(3), 275–292. https://doi.org/10.1097/ANS.0000000000000215
Lima Gomes, G. L., Rodrigues Lopes de Oliveira, F. M., Fernandes Barbosa, K. T., Torres de Medeiros, A. C., Melo Fernandes, M. das G., & Lima da Nóbrega, M. M. (2019). Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms: critical analysis. Texto & Contexto Enfermagem, 28, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-265X-TCE-2017-0222
Over the past 50 years, middle-range theories have been developed which are guiding nursing practice (Liehr & Smith, 2017). The push towards evidence-based practice in Magnet Hospitals and DNP programs has brought to light the importance of these theories. In looking at middle-range theories for a chronic illness or congestive heart failure (CHF|), Riegel’s Theory of Self-Care of Chronic illness describes how self-care is performed when someone is healthy and with chronic illness (Riegel et al., 2019).
There are three concepts to Riegel’s theory which include self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring, and self-care management. Those who perform different self-care activities regardless of their health status will have a higher quality of life. DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
For someone which a chronic illness such as CHF, self-care may be able to decrease any exacerbations and treat symptoms appropriately. This model aids nursing in assisting the patient in understanding that the decisions they make in their care will positively or negatively impact their quality of life. Riegel’s Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness can be a foundation for direct practice improvement for congestive heart failure, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
In contrast, Jean Watson’s Philosophy and Science of Caring is focused on the care that nursing gives to the patient and how caring interventions can be delivered to the patient through therapeutic communication and human touch (Wei et al., 2019). Using Watson’s theory in the daily practice of nursing benefits the patient and the nurse through nursing satisfaction, nursing practice, and patient safety.
A foundation for a facility that provides quality patient care is an organization that provides a caring environment to colleagues and patients. The impact on patient safety comes from caring attitudes towards each other, confidence building, and maximizing teamwork and professionalism. As nursing turnover continues to increase, Watson’s Philosophy and Science of Caring needs to be incorporated into nursing programs, preceptor, and mentor programs to ensure that we care for our patients and each other.
References DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theories
Liehr, P., & Smith, M. J. (2017). Middle range theories. In J. Fitzpatrick (Ed.), Encyclopedia of nursing research (4th ed.). Springer Publishing Company. Credo Reference: https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/spennurres/middle_range_theories/0?institutionId=5865
Riegel, B., Jaarsma, T., Lee, C. & Strömberg, A. (2019). Integrating Symptoms Into the Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness. Advances in Nursing Science, 42 (3), 206-215. https://oce-ovid-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/article/00012272-201907000-00006/HTML
Wei, H., Fazzone, P. A., Sitzman, K., & Hardin, S. R. (2019). The Current Intervention Studies Based on Watson’s Theory of Human Caring: A Systematic Review. International Journal for Human Caring, 23(1), 4–22. DNP-815A Topic 3 DQ 1 Compare and contrast a minimum of two middle range theorieshttps://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.20467/1091-5710.23.1.4