Related Experiment Videos
Theoretical thinking in nursing: problems and prospects
Recent Advances in Nursing
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Nursing theories require clearer identification of core concepts and further development to become robust scientific frameworks. Scholars should collaborate to integrate existing work into comprehensive nursing theories for better practice and research.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Science
- Philosophy of Science
- Praxiology
Background:
- Current theoretical work in nursing often lacks identifiable major threads.
- Grand nursing theories and conceptual frameworks require further specification to be considered true theories.
- There is a need for a global approach to evaluate theoretical thinking in nursing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a framework for evaluating theoretical thinking in nursing.
- To identify pathways for developing nursing theories and conceptual frameworks.
- To stimulate debate on the role and development of prescriptive theories in nursing science and practice.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the current status of theoretical work in nursing.
- Examination of criteria for developing nursing theories and paradigms.
- Discussion of the implications of prescriptive theories for nursing science and practice.
Main Results:
- Major theoretical threads in nursing are often difficult to identify.
- Nursing frameworks can be developed into paradigms or bona-fide theories.
- Integrative nursing theories can be formulated by combining work from similar traditions.
- The role and impact of prescriptive theories in nursing require more rigorous debate.
Conclusions:
- Nursing theories need clearer articulation of assumptions and development strategies.
- Collaboration among scholars is essential for creating integrative nursing theories.
- Critical discussion on prescriptive theories is necessary for advancing nursing science and practice.