Introduction
Knowing more about patients lets nurses understand what approach would work better in each particular case. Comfort theory developed by Katharine Kolcaba and the quality caring model the author of which is Joanne Duffy present significant ideas in the sphere of patient care. Having been created by professionals with rich experience, they help healthcare professionals to improve the quality of care and treatment provided. The purpose of this paper is to give a reflection on the above works.
Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory
The theory developed by Katharine Kolcaba centers around comfort as the main source for patients’ well-being and health. Her expertise in different areas of nursing practice which include working in operating rooms and taking care of dementia patients both at home and in hospitals gave the professor the above ideas. Based on the observations she has made while being a practicing healthcare worker and the theory by Watson, Kolcaba has taken patients’ comfort as the main theoretical aspect of care (Estridge et al., 2018). Although this approach was new, the nursing theorist has managed to find reliable ways of measuring how comfortable one is (Estridge et al., 2018). Thus, it might be stated that Kolcaba’s discovery is essential for nursing practice.
Treatment of diseases often includes patients’ discomfort that arises at several levels. The theory described solves this problem by suggesting a scheme that consists of 4 parts which are psycho-spiritual, environmental, social, and physical comfort (Estridge et al., 2018). By providing patients with conditions in which they can feel comfortable in all the areas is seen by Kolcaba as one of the most significant tasks of a nurse.
Furthermore, decreasing tension induces health-seeking behaviors and practices; hence, less stressful patients might contribute to the process of treatment which results in their getting well sooner (Estridge et al., 2018). Kolcaba’s theory presents thoughts and ideas of great significance; that is why it has become so popular and widely used. In my opinion, the above approach was revolutionary and allowed improving the quality of nursing greatly.
Duffy’s Quality Caring Model
The model developed by Joanne Duffy also explores caring attitudes towards patients; according to this approach, the participants of treatment are medical staff, patients, and their relatives. Duffy sees a direct connection between nursing of high quality and positive health outcomes for patients (Duffy, 2018). Furthermore, she claims that a caring attitude towards people staying in hospitals practiced by nurses is the most important factor for the therapeutic process (Duffy, 2018). Therefore, both Duffy and Kolcaba emphasize the importance of the caring approach implantation at healthcare institutions.
Another significant issue is medical professionals’ developing a partnership with patients which helps to manage their health individually. This aspect is closely connected to creating such an environment that would be comfortable for patients and positively affect their psychological state (Duffy & Lee, 2018). Actions for providing the appropriate atmosphere should be taken by nurses before starting treatment (Duffy & Lee, 2018). Thanks to this, procedures will be more beneficial, and patients will feel better soon.
The described model is useful; the implementation of the scheme might have a positive influence on the outcomes of the treatment. Moreover, not only the short-term but also the long-term effects of this approach can be beneficial. If mutual relationships are developed between ill people and nurses and patients get involved in the process of treatment, they will become more attentive to their health in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is significant to press the point that both comfort theory developed by Katharine Kolcaba and the quality caring model the author of which is Joanne Duffy explore care towards patients and their comfort. Indeed, people who feel comfortable and see that healthcare professionals treat them individually might get well sooner. The implementation of both theories can greatly enhance the quality of treatment provided in hospitals.
References
Duffy, J. R. (2018). Quality caring in nursing and health systems: Implications for clinicians, educators, and leaders. Springer Publishing Company.
Duffy, S., & Lee, T. H. (2018). In-person health care as option B. N Engl J Med, 378(2), 104-106.
Estridge, K. M., Morris, D. L., Kolcaba, K., & Winkelman, C. (2018). Comfort and fluid retention in adult patients receiving hemodialysis. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 45(1).