Fundamentals of Nursing Models, Theories, and Practice discusses the theory-practice gap in detail in many chapters. As you’ve read throughout the course, there is ongoing discussion about the connection between theory and practice, and the application in day-to-day nursing activities. This assignment is designed to illustrate that although there may be a gap, other factors play an important role in decision-making and each aspect of theory, research, and practice experience are integral to well-rounded patient care.
Read: Fundamentals of Nursing Models, Theories, and Practice and review Figure 1.4 Correlation: education, science and practice. (Included as attachment)
Think of a scenario in which theory, research, and practice interact to create good patient outcomes.
Create a visual representation of the theory-practice relationship or gap by replacing the text in the Theory-Practice Gap Diagram template. (Included as an attachment)
Write a minimum of 525- to 700-word narrative explanation of your visual representation following the diagram.
Include documentation of the practice guideline or standard, and your corresponding research, evidence, or literature example.
Cite your research and practice guidelines in-text and on the references page at the end of the template.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: This assignment focuses on the relationship between theory, research, and practice in nursing and how they can interact to create optimal patient outcomes. It involves creating a visual representation of this relationship and providing a narrative explanation of the chosen scenario.
Answer:
In nursing, theory, research, and practice are interdependent and essential components of providing quality patient care. The scenario in this assignment involves a patient who has undergone surgery and is experiencing postoperative pain. The chosen theory is the gate control theory of pain, which explains how various stimuli can either open or close neural gates, affecting the perception of pain. The practice guideline is the use of pain scales, which assess the severity of pain in patients. Research conducted on pain management strategies for postoperative patients also supports the use of pain scales.
The relationship between theory, research, and practice in this scenario is that they work together to provide optimal pain management for the patient. The gate control theory helps to explain how pain is perceived and how it can be managed through various interventions. Pain scales are based on research that indicates their effectiveness in assessing pain severity, while research on postoperative pain management has identified numerous strategies, including the use of pain scales, to help minimize pain.
However, a potential gap in this scenario is the absence of a standardized pain management protocol. While the use of pain scales is supported by research, they may not be used consistently across healthcare settings. In the absence of a standardized protocol, nurses and other healthcare providers may take different approaches to pain management, resulting in inconsistent care.
To address this gap, the best course of action is to develop and implement a standardized pain management protocol that integrates the gate control theory of pain and the use of pain scales. This protocol should be developed based on current research and evidence-based practices to ensure that it is effective in providing quality patient care.
In conclusion, theory, research, and practice are integral components of nursing that work together to provide quality patient care. In the scenario described above, the gate control theory of pain, the use of pain scales, and research on postoperative pain management all contribute to optimal pain management for the patient. However, the absence of a standardized pain management protocol highlights the need for continued research and the development and implementation of evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.
