The process of nursing is to be founded on relevant theories, models, and suggestions. Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort and Duffy’s Quality-Caring Model might be perceived as such. A plethora of scholars and recognized healthcare institutions state that these two are proper and relevant concepts to implement in practice. This paper aims to discuss the model and the theory to prove their undoubtful appropriacy.
Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort might be considered as a significant approach to nursing. Katharine Kolcaba provided it, based on several essentials of various disciplines – starting from psychology and ending with English. She claims that comfort is to be perceived as a coherent and harmonized nursing art. It is assumed that this comfort is a foundation for a vital connection between a nurse and a patient.
The theory implies that comfort exists in three kinds – relief, ease, and transcendence. “If specific comfort needs of a patient are met, the patient experiences comfort in the sense of relief” (“Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort,” n.d., para. 3) A good example here is when patients who get painkillers obtain relief comfort. Then, ease is to address comfort in a condition of contentment – when, for instance, the anxiety of a patient is being calmed. Transcendence takes place when patients can “rise above their challenges” (“Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort,” n.d., para. 3). The latter state might be the primary one that a nurse should aspire to.
It should be mentioned that this theory also implies that a patient may be an individual, family, institution, or community that requires healthcare. Kolcaba percepts nursing as the process of evaluation of the comfort needs of patients. The main outcome is to be consistent care plans, as well as assessing their comfort after these plans are implemented. A nurse should analyze the mentioned needs and develop appropriate measures; moreover, reassessment of comfort is to be conducted continuously.
Duffy’s Quality-Caring Model emphasizes the value of nursing. It directs the practice and gives a foundation for results assessment and research. Duffy (2005) suggests that “the evidence-based practice environment” of modern healthcare systems is considerably intersected with the essential processes that a nurse should conduct (p. 4). The maintenance of significant attitudes, values, and behaviors is dominating in nursing, as well as creating two crucial relationships.
The relationship between a patient and a nurse is the main one. It includes all the interactivities and interventions that nurses implement and for which they are responsible. Then, a collaborative relationship consists of activities that a nurse divvies with his or her colleagues within the healthcare collective. These two relationships form the core of the nursing process and should be professional, persistent, and high-quality.
As mentioned above, the model considers these relationships as the essence of the nursing process. The latter is an evolving and developmental procedure that aspires to realize the particular perceptions and needs of a patient. Due to such an approach, nurses tend to interact productively, as well as figure out the preferences of patients. The primary outcome is that an individual is satisfied and demonstrates a willingness to cooperate and follow the best practices.
To conclude, Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort and Duffy’s Quality-Caring Model was discussed. Both concepts tend to be well-developed, evidence-based, and appropriate to utilize in practice. Their relevance is proved through the fact that they may be a foundation for patient-centered care. Thus, one could combine their principles and provisions and get a flexible and proper care plan. It should be emphasized that these concepts are to be considered while providing healthcare services.
References
Duffy, J. R. (2005). In my opinion: Implementing the Quality-Caring Model in acute care. JONA: Journal of Nursing Administration, 35(1), 4–6.
Kolcaba’s Theoty of Comfort. (n.d.). 2020, Web.