Bringing critical realism to nursing practice: Roy Bhaskar's contribution

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Social Science
• Nursing Research
• Healthcare Studies

Background:

• Modern nursing practice involves complex social situations.
• Nurse theorists have shaped the discipline, but other philosophers offer valuable insights.
• Roy Bhaskar's critical realism provides a framework for understanding social phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the contribution of philosopher Roy Bhaskar and critical realism to nursing.
• To demonstrate how critical realism and realist methodology can advance nursing and healthcare knowledge.
• To highlight the philosophical underpinnings of realist research methods in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of Roy Bhaskar's work on critical realism.
• Review of healthcare literature employing realist methodology (realist evaluation, realist synthesis).
• Connecting critical realism principles to nursing and healthcare inquiry.

Main Results:

• Roy Bhaskar's critical realism offers a valuable lens for understanding the interplay of structure and agency in social contexts.
• Critical realism and realist methodology are increasingly used in healthcare research to address complex problems.
• There is a need to better acknowledge and understand the philosophical foundations of realist approaches in nursing.

Conclusions:

• Critical realism philosophy, particularly Bhaskar's work, is highly relevant for advancing nursing and healthcare research.
• Realist methodology, grounded in critical realism, provides a powerful framework for understanding complex social situations in health sciences.
• Integrating philosophical insights enhances the rigor and depth of nursing and healthcare inquiry.