Interdisciplinary Theories and Models Used in Nursing

NURS 8110: Interdisciplinary Theories and Models Used in Nursing essay

Nursing is a dynamic and multifaceted field that requires a broad range of knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide high-quality care to patients. Nurses are responsible for assessing patients’ health needs, developing and implementing care plans, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. To do this effectively, nurses rely on a variety of interdisciplinary theories and models that provide a framework for understanding and addressing the complex health needs of patients. In this article, we will explore some of the most influential interdisciplinary theories and models used in nursing and discuss how they contribute to the practice of nursing.

The Biopsychosocial Model

The biopsychosocial model is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding health and illness that acknowledges the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors. This model emphasizes the importance of considering the whole person when assessing and treating health problems, rather than focusing solely on the biological or medical aspects of an illness.

According to the biopsychosocial model, an individual’s physical health is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices. In addition, psychological and social factors, such as stress, relationships, and social support, can also have a significant impact on an individual’s health. For example, chronic stress can lead to physical health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, while social support can help to protect against the negative effects of stress and improve overall health outcomes.

Nurses use the biopsychosocial model to assess patients’ health needs and develop care plans that address the physical, psychological, and social factors that may be contributing to the patient’s illness. For example, a nurse may work with a patient to develop a care plan that includes both medical treatment and stress management techniques to address the physical and psychological factors that are contributing to the patient’s health problem.

The Health Belief Model

The health belief model is a psychological theory that explains how individuals decide whether or not to engage in health-promoting behaviors. According to this model, individuals are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors if they believe that they are at risk of developing a health problem and if they believe that the benefits of engaging in the behavior outweigh the costs.

The health belief model suggests that individuals’ perceptions of their risk of developing a health problem, as well as their perceptions of the severity of the problem, are important factors in determining their willingness to engage in health-promoting behaviors. For example, an individual who perceives that they are at high risk of developing a particular health problem may be more likely to engage in behaviors that can reduce their risk, such as exercising regularly or quitting smoking.

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Nurses use the health belief model to understand why some patients may be resistant to engaging in health-promoting behaviors and to develop strategies to encourage patients to adopt these behaviors. For example, a nurse may work with a patient to develop a plan to help the patient quit smoking by addressing the patient’s perceived barriers to quitting, such as the cost of nicotine replacement therapy or the fear of withdrawal symptoms.

The Self-Care Deficit Theory

The self-care deficit theory is a nursing theory that explains how individuals may develop a deficit in their ability to perform self-care activities due to physical, psychological, or social factors. According to this theory, individuals have a basic human need to maintain their health and well-being through self-care activities, such as bathing, dressing, and managing medications. However, individuals may experience a deficit in their ability to perform these activities due to a variety of factors, including physical or cognitive impairments, limited access to resources, or a lack of knowledge or skills.

When individuals experience a deficit in their ability to perform self-care activities, they may become dependent on others for help with these activities. This dependency can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and a loss of autonomy and control. In order to address this deficit, nurses may work with patients to develop a plan of care that includes strategies to help patients regain their ability to perform self-care activities. This may include providing education and training, assisting patients with certain self-care activities, or coordinating with other healthcare professionals to provide additional support.

The self-care deficit theory is an important framework for understanding the complex needs of patients and for developing strategies to help patients regain their independence and self-care abilities. By addressing the physical, psychological, and social factors that contribute to a patient’s self-care deficit, nurses can help patients achieve better health outcomes and improve their overall quality of life.