Creating Healing Environments Through the Theory of Caring

Area of Science:

• Nursing Theory
• Healthcare Environments
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Hospitals strive to create healing environments for patients and staff.
• Implementing theoretical frameworks can guide practice and improve outcomes.
• Watson's Theory of Human Caring offers a model for compassionate care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of Watson's Theory of Human Caring and Caritas Processes in a hospital setting.
• To explore the impact of this theory on creating a healing environment.
• To evaluate the outcomes of integrating caring principles into practice.

Main Methods:

• Experiential teaching and learning methods were used to educate staff on Watson's theory.
• Caritas Processes were integrated into care plans and electronic medical records.
• Staff engagement and patient feedback were utilized to assess impact.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of Caritas Processes care plans into the electronic medical record.
• Increased understanding and application of Watson's theory among staff.
• Positive patient feedback and enhanced staff openness to discussing caring, authentic presence, and prayer in clinical narratives.

Conclusions:

• Implementation of Watson's Theory of Human Caring and Caritas Processes can foster a healing environment.
• Theory-guided practice leads to improved patient care and staff well-being.
• Experiential learning is effective for integrating complex nursing theories into practice.