The first article was written by Bergström et al. and titled “Comfort theory in practice — Nurse anesthetists’ comfort measures and interventions in a preoperative context.” The study used a qualitative method of research by conducting “semi-structured, clinical observation data collection in the preoperative context and deductive thematic analysis” (Bergström et al., 2018, p.162). The purpose of the study was to examine the applicability of the comfort theory in the perioperative context as well as to assess the nurse anesthetist’s preoperative comfort measurements by using the theory as a rationale for analysis (Bergström et al., 2018). The study attempted to demonstrate how the theory can be used in the context of nurse anesthetists by using a qualitative method of observation. In addition, the purpose of the study allowed researchers to discuss the theory’s relevance in psychospiritual and sociocultural contexts.
The comfort theory served as the foundation of the research, and the authors evaluated its efficacy in determining patients’ requirements. The theory’s concepts of discomfort and relief were used in determining the application and level of nursing care in a stressful environment (Bergström et al., 2018). Furthermore, the theoretical approach to patients’ comfort determined the dimensions of inquiry and nursing interventions available for healthcare professionals (Bergström et al., 2018). The theory was a definitive source for establishing the observation’s sample and an essential framework for the study’s data analysis and assessment.
The researchers utilized observation as a guide for the study. Data was collected by using a nonmasked observation approach in which all patients and nurses were informed that they were being monitored (Bergström et al., 2018). The field notes of the observers contained essential terms and phrases that summarized the basis of the recorded nursing care (Bergström et al., 2018). By employing the method of observation, the authors of the study were able to explore various themes such as effects on patients’ health and well-being, healthcare, and nursing in holistic contexts.
Patients’ health was used as the main criteria for determining whether the theory’s approach to pain relief was effective. The healthcare system was examined from the perspective of various holistic approaches to nursing, such as physical, psychospiritual, environmental, and sociocultural (Bergström et al., 2018). The holistic contexts provided a framework for determining nursing aims and their effects on patients’ health. The primary goals of the therapy were pain relief, lessening anxiety, and mediating a secure environment (Bergström et al., 2018). By observing the patients, the authors discussed the themes of nursing and people’s well-being in the context of the comfort theory’s approaches.
The second paper was written by Egger-Rainer et al. and was titled “Epilepsy monitoring – the patients’ views: A qualitative study based on Kolcaba’s comfort theory.” The purpose of the qualitative study was to investigate patients’ perceptions of personal comfort throughout their treatment in an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) environment (Egger-Rainer et al., 2017). According to the article, Kolcaba’s notion of comfort provided nurses with the opportunity to analyze patients’ requirements holistically and to develop and deliver individualized care to suit those needs (Egger-Rainer et al., 2017). By investigating personal comfort in an EMU, the authors were able to determine the effects of various factors such as light, privacy, and the quality of the facility (Egger-Rainer et al., 2017). The study offered results and discussions of patients’ well-being in a standard epilepsy monitoring environment.
The comfort theory was used as the theoretical foundation of the study. The paper utilized basic concepts of the theory to conduct the research, such as healthcare needs, nursing interventions, intervening variables, patients’ health-seeking behavior, and institutional integrity (Egger-Rainer et al., 2017). All of the concepts were analyzed as a result of enhanced patient comfort and support in an EMU (Egger-Rainer et al., 2017). In addition, the study employed three types of comfort, such as relief, which represents a particular need satisfied; ease, a peaceful and comfortable state; and transcendence, which aims to transport the mental state beyond issues (Egger-Rainer et al., 2017). Furthermore, the study utilized Kolcaba’s definition of comfort as the framework for research and the interviewer’s questions (Egger-Rainer et al., 2017). By considering the basic concepts of the comfort theory, observers were able to evaluate the ability of EMU to satisfy patients’ needs.
Observations were used as the primary guide throughout the study. The primary topics discussed in the paper were health, healthcare facilities, comfort, and anxiety. The health of the patients was explained from the perspective of the comfort theory. The authors examined essential factors of a healthy environment, such as mobility and personal care. Healthcare facilities were assessed by their ability to fulfill patients’ needs and adjust to the theory’s standards of comfort (Egger-Rainer et al., 2017). The researchers explored the value of professional staff and the technical conditions of the epilepsy monitoring facilities (Egger-Rainer et al., 2017). The study included such factors as privacy and light to determine whether patients’ rooms were comfortable (Egger-Rainer et al., 2017). In addition, the study included the influence of anxiety in the treatment process. By exploring the topics of health and comfort, the article provided an analysis of the epilepsy treatment facilities and their conditions.
References
Bergström, A., Håkansson, Å., Stomberg, M. W., & Bjerså, K. (2018). Comfort theory in practice — Nurse anesthetists’ comfort measures and interventions in a preoperative context. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, 33(2), 162-171. Web.
Egger-Rainer, A., Trinka, E., Höfler, J., & Dieplinger, A. M. (2017). Epilepsy monitoring – the patients’ views: A qualitative study based on Kolcaba’s comfort theory. Epilepsy & Behavior, 68, 208-215. Web.