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Module 1 Discussion

Alexis Jackson

St. Thomas University

Nur-501-AP2

Dr. Tina Roberts

Theory, practice, and research are all connected in the field of nursing. The interrelationships between these subjects are complex and various.

Theory can be defined as a set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of events or situations by

specifying relations among variables, in order to explain and predict the events or situations (Butts & Rich, 2015). Theories can be divided into

different categories and include Common Sense Theories, Health Behavioral Theories, and Scientific Theories. Although they are different, they

mostly have the same goal in mind. In contrast, practice as a verb is an “action term” that can be defined as the ability to perform or execute a task.

Although theory and practice have different meanings, they are often concurrent. Theory should be viewed as a type of practice precisely because

theorizing involves the action of asking questions, seeking the most meaningful answers, and building a narrative or logical structure for the questions

and the answers (Butts & Rich, 2015).

To further elaborate, research is the process of studying, testing, and observing for the sake of becoming more aware and knowledgeable on a

particular subject. Research is very significant for all health care practitioners and is frequently focused on these major areas of evidence or knowledge

including: (a) feasibility—whether an activity or intervention is physically, culturally, or financially practical or possible within a given context; (b)

appropriateness—how an activity or intervention relates, culturally or ethnically, to the context within which care is given; (c) meaningfulness—how

an activity or intervention relates to the personal experience, opinions, values, thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations of patients or clients and (d)

effectiveness—the relationship between an intervention and clinical or health outcomes (Baker & Young, 2016). Research is significant and plays a

major role as it supports the structure and acts as a backbone for theory. Meaning that research can further allude to the creation of theories. Research

can be the scientific information or evidence that supports and contributes to different theories. Theories can emerge from research and then form into

a clinical practice (Baker & Young, 2016).

With clinical practice constantly evolving and improving, research and theory is what allocates those new improvements. The goal of clinical

practice is always directed at what is the best for the patient. In nursing, theories are focused on knowing how to achieve positive patient outcomes

(Butts & Rich, 2015). In contrast, when there are negative patient outcomes or sentinel events clinical practices should be studied or researched in

order to understand root cause analysis. Those theories that were linked to those negative patient outcomes can be rebutted which can lead to the

formation of new theories. These cycles and relationships are endless and continuous and can happen inversely as well. In addition, research can

examine outcomes under different conditions; at different stages of onset of illness or recovery; and with different ages, therapeutic orientations, and

intervention types, which enables the health care practitioners to assess the best course of intervention or clinical practice for their patient (Baker &

Young, 2016).

References

Baker, F. & Young, L (2016). The Relationship Between Research and Practice, 1, 26-34. https://https://doi: core.ac.uk/download/pdf/211519052.pdf

Butts, J. & Rich, K. (2015). Philosophies and Theories for Advanced Nursing Practice (3rd ed.). Jones and Bartlett Learning. ISBN: 9781284112245