Application of Theory to Practice

Importance and influence of theory

A nursing theory is a group of related nursing concepts that propose actions to guide nursing practice. It is developed from valid data and scientific evidence that is used to create frameworks that offer different approaches and strategies for patient care. The classification of nursing theories identifies four types depending on the generalizability of the principles that the theory presents. The first type are metatheories that use abstract concepts to identify specific phenomenon within the profession with a focus on methodological and philosophical issues targeted at theory and knowledge development. For instance, Theory of Theories by Dickoff and James (McKenna, Pajnkihar & Murphy, 2015).  Application of Theory to Practice Discussion Paper  The second type are grand theory that offer a conceptual framework that identifies the key principles and concepts of the nursing discipline. They lack operational definitions can be used in a variety of populations and settings. Examples of grand theories include Rogers Theory and Orem’s Theory. The third type are middle range theories that are more precise in analyzing particular situations with limited numbers of variables. They target specific concepts and phenomena, such as stress and pain, with limited scope while being general enough to encourage research. Examples of middle range theories are Chronic illness trajectory framework presented by Strauss, and Benner’s model of skill acquisition in nursing. The final type are practice theories that explore a particular situation found in nursing practice with a focus on addressing explicit goals and details on how they would be achieved (McEwen & Wills, 2019).

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How theory leads to development of significant research questions

Research applies deductive approaches in which researchers make use of theory to guide the design aspects and results interpretations. As the research proceeds to test the theory, confidence would be developed that some aspects of the theory are true. These are important for developing the initial research question and determining whether or not it has been answered at the research conclusion. To be more precise, theory offers significant guidelines by pointing to research areas that are most likely to be fruitful, that is, questions about the likely meaningful relationships between the variables. If the theory is not used to develop the research questions with the variables not showing a relationship, then the research would turn sterile irrespective of how careful the ensuing observations and inferences (Gray, Grove & Sutherland, 2017). Applying theory in research narrows down the range of issues that the research can study while providing the researcher(s) with a definite direction and viewpoint that helps with inquiring into the relationships between the selected variables from a nearly immeasurable assortment of variables. In fact, a theory can only be considered productive if it is able to generate questions by providing new perspectives, fruitful hypotheses and potential problems. Also, a theory can provide research leads into other phenomenon that may be explained or understood in general terms within the theory (Butts & Rich, 2018).

Application of theory in evidence-based practice

Theory plays a critical role in evidence-based practice (EBP) by presenting general principles that would inform wide application of the EBP. In fact, theory serves two main functions. Firstly, it sheds light into the nature of the problem being addressed by the EBP and helps to identify the range of factors that can be modified to achieve the desired outcomes. Secondly, it informed efforts to develop and implement the intervention strategies. By applying an appropriate theory, the EBP is able to rationally appraise the problem and possible solutions so that the interventions are able to address the appropriate/right variables (helping to focus on the target), and tackling the combination of variables required to achieve the desired effect (Master, 2015).

References

Butts, J., & Rich, K. (Eds.) (2018). Philosophies and Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice (3^rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.

Gray, J., Grove, S., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8^th ed.). Saunders Elsevier.

Masters, K. (2015). Nursing Theories: A Framework for Professional Practice (2^nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. (2019). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (5^th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

McKenna, H., Pajnkihar, M., & Murphy, F. (2015). Fundamentals of Nursing Models, Theories and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.  Application of Theory to Practice Discussion Paper