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The evaluation of nursing theory: a method for our madness
1University of Maryland School of Nursing, Department of Material and Clinical Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
International Journal of Nursing Studies
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Nursing theory development requires robust evaluation. This paper defines theory and proposes comprehensive criteria to guide the selection and advancement of nursing science in practice, education, and research.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Science
- Theory Development
- Healthcare Research
Background:
- The nursing profession is actively developing and implementing nursing theory.
- Effective utilization of theory across practice, education, and research necessitates understanding theory description, analysis, and evaluation.
- Cross-cultural evaluation of nursing theory is crucial for advancing the science of nursing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define theory and nursing theory.
- To analyze existing criteria for theory evaluation.
- To propose a comprehensive set of criteria for evaluating nursing theory.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical and historical analysis of theory.
- Examination of criteria for theory evaluation.
- Development of a proposed framework for theory evaluation.
Main Results:
- A clear definition of theory and nursing theory is provided.
- Existing evaluation criteria are analyzed.
- A more comprehensive set of criteria for theory evaluation is proposed.
Conclusions:
- The proposed criteria can inform decisions on selecting nursing theory for practice, education, and research.
- Implementation of these criteria may foster the emergence of new nursing theories.
- Advancing the science of nursing through rigorous theory evaluation is essential.