Parallel Itineraries: A Situation-Specific Theory for Community Care of People with Dependency-Related Skin Injuries

Dependency-related skin injuries (DRSIs) are prevalent in community care and substantially impair quality of life. This study develops a situation-specific nursing theory to guide community practice. Using Im's integrative method, we triangulated a pilot interview, a scoping review, focus groups with primary/community nurses, and in-depth patient interviews. An integrative process yielded Parallel Itineraries, a theory that integrates 4 core concepts-community care, healing progression, dependency status, and individual experience-and advances propositions linking them. The theory delineates nursing's distinctive contribution and prioritizes early prevention at the onset of dependency, etiologic management, case coordination, shared decision-making, and continuity of care in the community.