Revisiting the nursing metaparadigm: Acknowledging technology as foundational to progressing nursing knowledge

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Health Informatics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The established nursing metaparadigm (human, health, nursing, environment) guides theory development.
• Nursing science increasingly engages with technology (biotech, mobile health, informatics).
• Technology's role in patient care and nursing knowledge is currently unacknowledged in the metaparadigm.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose the formal inclusion of technology as a distinct domain within the nursing metaparadigm.
• To encourage nurses to critically consider technology's impact on research, practice, and patient care.
• To position nursing as a proactive participant in technological advancements.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the nursing metaparadigm.
• Argumentation for the integration of technology as a core domain.
• Literature review on technology's current and future role in nursing.

Main Results:

• Formalizing technology as a metaparadigm domain enhances nursing science.
• It encourages nurses to be leaders in technology development, not just adopters.
• This inclusion signals nursing's capacity to engage with novel scientific discoveries.

Conclusions:

• Integrating technology into the nursing metaparadigm is essential for advancing patient-centered care.
• This evolution supports nurse-led innovation and knowledge generation in the digital age.
• It ensures nursing remains at the forefront of healthcare advancements through active technological engagement.