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Nursing is a dynamic and multifaceted profession that revolves around caring for individuals in various states of health and illness. Jacqueline Fawcett's metaparadigm concepts of nursing have played a significant role in shaping the field of nursing by providing a framework for understanding and analyzing the core elements of nursing care. This essay aims to delve into one of Fawcett's metaparadigm concepts, namely the concept of 'person,' and explore how it is expressed in Judith Christensen's Nursing Partnership Model.
Through an in-depth analysis, we will gain insights into the intricate relationship between the nurse, the person receiving care, and the various phases a person goes through during their healthcare journey.
Before delving into the concept of 'person' within the context of nursing, it is essential to grasp the concept of a metaparadigm itself. A metaparadigm is a framework or model that encapsulates the fundamental concepts and themes central to a discipline or field of study.
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In nursing, the metaparadigm comprises four key concepts: health, environment, person, and nurse. These concepts serve as the foundation for understanding and discussing the complexities of nursing care (Fawcett, 1984).
The term "metaparadigm" is a fusion of two words: 'meta,' which can mean "after, next, change, or exchange," and 'paradigm,' which refers to "a pattern or model." In the context of nursing, a metaparadigm is a holistic perspective that identifies the phenomena of the discipline in a global, rather than specific, way (Fawcett, 1984). It acts as an overarching framework within which more specific theories and structures operate, providing a unifying foundation for the field of nursing.
Among the four metaparadigm concepts in nursing, the concept of 'person' is central to understanding how individuals experience healthcare and interact with the healthcare system.
Fawcett (1984) defines the 'person' in nursing as any identity that receives healthcare, encompassing individuals, families (whanau), or even entire communities (hapu or iwi). This broad definition underscores the inclusivity of the 'person' concept in nursing, acknowledging that care is not limited to individual patients but extends to their broader social contexts.
Christensen's Nursing Partnership Model further elaborates on the 'person' concept by examining the various phases a person undergoes during their healthcare journey. These phases provide valuable insights into how individuals perceive their health, make decisions regarding their care, and adapt to the healthcare environment.
One of the initial phases that a person goes through in their healthcare journey is the decision-making phase. Illness is not merely defined by the moment a person encounters a healthcare professional; rather, it encompasses a significant period of decision-making and self-directed treatment. Individuals often engage in self-care efforts to control their symptoms, alleviate discomfort, and facilitate self-healing (Morse & Johnson, 1991).
For many individuals, the decision to seek medical help is not immediate; they may have lived with their health issues for some time, coping with symptoms that they did not perceive as life-threatening. This prolonged period of managing their health concerns may involve self-directed treatment, such as over-the-counter remedies or lifestyle modifications. The decision to seek medical assistance is often a culmination of a deliberative process, marked by a recognition that something is amiss and a willingness to confront the unknown aspects of healthcare (Christensen, 1990).
During this phase, individuals may share their experiences and concerns with friends, family, or others who have faced similar health challenges. These interactions play a crucial role in shaping their perceptions and decisions. Ultimately, the person's readiness to accept medical intervention is influenced by their personal assessment of the situation and their level of trust in healthcare professionals (Christensen, 1990).
Upon admission to a healthcare setting, individuals enter the "settling in" phase, characterized by the need to establish trust and emotional stability. Trust is a cornerstone of the person's willingness to accept care from strangers, including healthcare professionals. While the person may have met their physician before, placing trust in someone else's hands can be an emotionally charged experience. The person's emotional well-being is vital during this phase, and healthcare providers play a significant role in facilitating a sense of security (Taylor et al., 1993).
Understanding and adapting to the routines of the healthcare environment can help promote trust and a feeling of predictability. By providing a guided tour of the ward or unit, healthcare professionals can help demystify the unfamiliar surroundings and routine, offering the person a sense of control and understanding (Christensen, 1990).
Privacy and personal disclosure also become essential aspects of this phase. The person may need to share intimate and personal information with healthcare team members, often repeatedly and with multiple strangers. The act of doing so acknowledges the legitimacy of the healthcare workers and reinforces the partnership between the person and the healthcare team (Christensen, 1990).
In the phase of negotiating the nursing partnership, individuals seek ways to regain a sense of control and participation in their care. While they accept the expertise of healthcare professionals, they also attempt to assert some autonomy and responsibility for their health outcomes (Christensen, 1990). This phase involves a dynamic partnership between the person and the healthcare team, characterized by collaboration and shared decision-making.
The person's active participation in their care is pivotal during this phase. They accept the necessity of healthcare rules and procedures while actively engaging in their care. Their involvement extends to cooperating with various healthcare workers and healthcare activities, aiming for a harmonious and complementary partnership (Christensen, 1990).
Communication becomes a linchpin in this phase. The person expects transparency and open communication from healthcare professionals. Any perceived withholding of information can lead to anxiety. To some extent, individuals may feel compelled to adopt the 'good patient' role, which may hinder their active involvement in care and hinder their ability to report changes in symptoms (Curtis, 2000).
It's worth noting that while the person acquiesces to healthcare procedures, there may still be moments of self-doubt and hesitation, especially when new or conflicting information arises. The decision to undergo medical interventions is a complex process, and individuals may wrestle with uncertainty about whether they are making the right choice (Christensen, 1990).
As the person prepares for discharge, they enter the "going home" phase, which marks a transition from the healthcare setting back to their regular life. This phase is not necessarily a return to their pre-admission state but a step toward recovery, often requiring ongoing self-care and adjustments (Christensen, 1990).
During this phase, individuals must arrange travel, plan for ongoing care, learn about self-medication, and understand the signs and symptoms that warrant immediate attention. Discharge does not always evoke positive feelings; some individuals experience negative reactions, adjusting to the idea that life may not be the same as before their healthcare episode (Christensen, 1990).
Empowerment and autonomy gradually resurface during this phase. The person gains expertise and knowledge about their condition, allowing them to take an active role in their future self-care. While healthcare professionals continue to provide guidance, the person assumes greater responsibility for their health outcomes (Christensen, 1990).
Jacqueline Fawcett's metaparadigm concepts of nursing provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the core elements of nursing care. The concept of 'person' is central to the nursing profession, encompassing individuals, families, and communities. Judith Christensen's Nursing Partnership Model further illuminates the concept of 'person' by delineating the phases individuals undergo during their healthcare journey.
These phases, including decision-making and self-directed treatment, settling in, negotiating the nursing partnership, and going home, highlight the intricate relationship between the person receiving care and healthcare professionals. They underscore the importance of trust, communication, collaboration, and autonomy in the provision of nursing care. By examining these phases within the 'person' concept, we gain a deeper understanding of how individuals navigate the complex terrain of healthcare and work towards achieving their health goals.
In conclusion, the concept of 'person' in nursing extends beyond the individual patient; it encompasses the entire healthcare experience, from the moment of recognizing health concerns to the eventual return to a life shaped by the encounter with healthcare. Understanding and respecting the person's journey is essential in delivering patient-centered care that aligns with the core principles of nursing.
Exploring the Dynamics of the 'Person' Concept in Nursing. (2016, Jul 22). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/metapardigm-concepts-of-nursing-essay
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