Parker And Smit Comparison Of Nursing Theories

The professional discipline of nursing focuses on the knowledge gained from theories, concepts, research, and practice. The study of theory is important because it improves nursing practice that results in improved patient care (Parker and Smith, 2010).The central concepts of nursing, or nursing phenomena of interest, include person, environment, health, and nursing. The body of nursing knowledge increases when nursing uses theory to guide research and exploration. (Moore, 1990). Because discipline theories develop from conceptual models, an understanding of the terms is vital to the advancement of knowledge and nursing practice.

Definitions

Theory

Theory is a general term used to describe ideas and to organize structures. A theory represents patterns of thinking that guide the daily activities of nurses. Parker and

Smith (2010) define theory as a set of organized ideas presented in a coherent order that is used to explain, describe, interpret, and predict. Theories are organizing structures that assist nurses in understanding what they know and deciding what they need to know. Fawcett (1995) states that theories are “relatively specific and concrete concepts and proposition.” All theories can be divided into four groups including grand, middle range, descriptive, and prescriptive. Nursing theory began with Florence Nightingale’s Legacy of Caring, and it has continued to evolve to present day. Some of the most well-known theorists include Patricia Benner, Virginia Henderson, Dorothy Johnson, Dorothea Orem, and Jean Watson. The basic components in all theories are definitions, concepts, assumptions, and phenomenon. Theories not only guide research, but they also reflect understanding, show relationships, provide explanations, and predict phenomenon. Nurses use theory in daily practice to analyze patient data, provide effective patient care, and evaluate outcomes. The study of theory is important because it provides directions for conducting a study and drives the improvement of nursing practice.
Conceptual Model
Conceptual models impact nursing practice by setting standards, by changing understanding, by proposing delivery methods, and by providing frameworks for patient care. Fawcett (1992) defines conceptual model as “a set of abstract and general concepts” as well as propositions that provide generalities about the concepts. The content of a conceptual model can be seen in the ways theorists present their philosophies of nursing. Parker and Smith (2010) note that conceptual models, or grand theories, consider the phenomena of concern “such as persons as adaptive systems, self-care deficit, unitary human beings, human becoming, or health as expanding consciousness.” A conceptual model sets standards for practice and identifies clinical problems. In addition, a model determines a nursing process and technologies to use. Furthermore, they guide the practice of nursing services and provide a basis of clinical information systems (Fawcett, 1992).Some of the conceptual models that have led to nursing theories include Orem, Rogers, Roy, and King (Moore, 1990). Conceptual models impact nursing practice because they provide knowledge thereby causing conceptual models and nursing practice to have a reciprocal relationship.
Comparison and Contrast
Theories and conceptual models are connected because both are part of the structure of knowledge and education in the discipline of nursing.

Parker and Smith (2010) note that these ideas are interrelated and they influence the development of each. Both use a set of statements to express ideas and show relationships between concepts. They are used in research to articulate ideas and direct delivery of nursing. Fawcett (1995) states that theories grow out of conceptual models.

Although theories and conceptual models have some similarities, there are more differences between them. Conceptual models present abstract and general concepts and propositions while theories are the building blocks for daily nursing practice. Multiple theories can and have been developed from the same conceptual model. In general, conceptual models are broader in scope and more loosely structured than theories. Parker and Smith (2010) explain that different frameworks are used for analyzing and evaluating each. There is also a difference in the amount of proof. Models are not proven or tested; however, theories are tested yet still open to

investigation.
In conclusion, nursing is a dynamic discipline that is always changing. Not only do nurses need to understand theory and conceptual model, but they must also be open to them. To improve the discipline, nurses must use research to challenge and corroborate them (Moore, 1990). Nursing education provides an environment for the study of theories and conceptual models. As the discipline of nursing continues to move forward, nurses must use critical thinking skills as they study, research, utilize, and develop theories and conceptual models.