The relationship between research and the nursing process in clinical practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Systems Theory
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The nursing process, derived from general systems theory (GST), became central to North American nursing.
• Initial UK adoption of the nursing process was unsuccessful due to a coercive implementation strategy.
• Lack of education on its foundations led to its perception as an academic mandate rather than practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development and challenges of the nursing process.
• To examine the theoretical underpinnings of the nursing process in practice and research.
• To explore recent efforts in modernizing nursing theory through diagnosis research.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of nursing process adoption and implementation.
• Analysis of theoretical frameworks, including general systems theory.
• Examination of contemporary research on nursing diagnosis.

Main Results:

• The nursing process's theoretical basis is crucial for its role in nursing research, education, and practice.
• Early UK implementation failed to integrate the nursing process effectively into care delivery.
• Research into nursing diagnosis is key to revitalizing and modernizing the nursing process.

Conclusions:

• Effective implementation of the nursing process requires understanding its theoretical and philosophical basis.
• The nursing process remains a vital component of professional nursing roles.
• Ongoing research, particularly in nursing diagnosis, is essential for its continued relevance and advancement.