Applying Middle Range Theories to Practice

Applying Middle Range Theories to Practice

Last week you began exploring literature in support of specific practice problem. One step in the analysis of literature is examining the theoretical framework that guided the study. Middle range theories are frequently used to guide nursing research and it is likely that some of the articles you reviewed used a middle range theory. This week, you will examine how middle range theories bring to light concepts in health care and the DNP-prepared nurse’s role in developing and refining middle range theories for advancing nursing science and improving practice.

To prepare:

• Reflect on the information presented in this week’s Learning Resources, focusing on the development and use of middle range theories in nursing practice and research.
• Search the Walden Library and other scholarly databases looking for examples of the development, analysis, or use of middle range theories in clinical practice.
• Determine current trends in the development and use of middle range theories in nursing practice and research.
• Consider how the development of new middle range theories advances nursing as a science.

By Tuesday 7/11/17, post 550 words essay in APA format with 3 references from the list below, that include the level one headings as numbered below:

post a cohesive response that addresses the following:

1)       How does middle range theory illuminate concepts in health and health care delivery?

2)       What do you see as your particular role in developing (or evaluating) middle range theories?

3)       Why might that be important to advancing nursing science and improving clinical practice?

Required Readings

McEwin, M., & Wills, E.M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing. (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.

• Chapter 10, "Introduction to Middle Range Nursing Theories"

 Chapter 10 begins the exploration of middle range theories and discusses their development, refinement, and use in research.

• Chapter 11, "Overview of Selected Middle Range Nursing Theories"

 Chapter 11 continues the examination of middle range theories and provides an in depth examination of a select set of theories.

Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

• Chapter 6, "Objectives, Questions, Variables, and Hypotheses"

 Chapter 6 guides nurses through the process of identifying research objectives, developing research questions, and creating research hypotheses.

Fawcett, J., & Garity, J. (2009). Chapter 6: Evaluation of middle-range theories. Evaluating Research for Evidence-Based Nursing. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: F. A. Davis.

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 This book chapter evaluates the use and significance of middle-range theories in nursing research and clinical practice.

DeSanto-Madeya, S., & Fawcett, J. (2009). Toward Understanding and Measuring Adaptation Level in the Context of the Roy Adaptation Model. Nursing Science Quarterly, 22(4), 355–359.

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 This article describes how the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) is used to guide nursing practice, research, and education in many different countries.

Jacelon, C., Furman, E., Rea, A., Macdonald, B., & Donoghue, L. (2011). Creating a professional practice model for postacute care: Adapting the Chronic Care Model for long-term care. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 37(3), 53–60.

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 This article addresses the need to redesign health care delivery to better meet the needs of individuals with chronic illness and health problems.

Murrock, C. J., & Higgins, P. A. (2009). The theory of music, mood and movement to improve health outcomes. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65 (10), 2249–2257. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05108.x

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 This article discusses the development of a middle-range nursing theory on the effects of music on physical activity and improved health outcomes.

Optional Resources

McCurry, M., Revell, S., & Roy, S. (2010). Knowledge for the good of the individual and society: Linking philosophy, disciplinary goals, theory, and practice. Nursing Philosophy, 11(1), 42–52.

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.