Elements of Empiric Versus Aesthetic Critical Appraisal of Nursing Theory, Essay Example

The literature defines empirics as “the science of nursing, which isbased in traditional science with the aim of developing abstract and theoretical explanations” while aesthetics is defined as “the art of nursing, which is about understanding the patient and how to care for him or her as a whole person” (Dale, 2005). Effective nursing combines both science and art to ensure that patients are treated in a manner that is consistent with established knowledge in the field and ethical applications.

Ultimately, the empiric appeal of a selected study is that it builds upon existing knowledge in a manner that furthers the applications of a particular treatment or technique or modifies it in a manner that increases its efficacy. Since prior knowledge of the topic exists, it is more simplistic for a researcher to create extensions to the work that will likely be validated in practice, therefore contributing back to the cycle of evidence. The aesthetic appeal of a selected theory is equally important because the manners in which knowledge is applied to patients will benefit or undermine the treatment process.

Orem’s self-care deficit nursing theory is based on the philosophy that all patients wish to be able to care for themselves. It states that recovery occurs more quickly if they are able to contribute to their improvement. There are a series of self-care requisite and self-care deficits that define their ability to adequately do so. The empiric appeal of this theory is that it was developed based on a wealth of documented observations and simply describes a trend that has occurred in a majority of patient populations. Furthermore, our current understanding of this theory allows researchers to continue to add to our current knowledge, which will enhance the field overall.

Orem’s self-care deficit theory can be applied to a variety of situations. In a recent publication, this theory was used to gain a greater understanding of how this model could be used in the examination of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Ning et al., 2013). Different categories of patients have different needs, so developing new explanations of already existing models helps to demonstrate their empiric value. The aesthetic appeal of this theory is that it takes into consideration the balance that should occur between nursing care and patient recovery. By recognizing that the patient would prefer to achieve recovery on his or her own, the nurse could treat them more effectively by appearing to intervene less. The study conducted by Ning et al. also demonstrated the aesthetic value of nursing (2000). The nature of this study itself attempted to validate the extent that self-care would be able to assist a specific patient population. The conclusion of the study stated that “nursing intervention with Orem self-care theory can improve patients’daily life quality.”

Interestingly, the referenced article demonstrates that aspects of empirical and aesthetic appeal necessary in the nursing profession. Utilizing evidence-based practice and particulardirect interaction with patients will allow nurses to behave ethically and accurately. It is necessary to consider the empiric and aesthetic appeal of a theory in order to completely conceptualize how it could be used in research or practice. Orem’s self-care theory ultimately dictates how much or how little nurses should intervene in the care of their patients in order to ensure maximal improvement.

References

Dale AE. (2005). Evidence-based practice:compatibility with nursing. Art and Science Nursing Knowledge, 19(40): 48-53.

Ning W, Hui W, Dan Z, Saihua S. (2013). Orem Self-care Model on Eldly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Nursing Journal of Chinese People’s Liberation Army. Retrieved from http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-JFHL201303006.htm