Introduction
In modern nursing care, some theories and concepts are fundamental to health care research. They contribute to a deeper understanding of complex issues and promote evidence-based practice. One such theory that remains in use by many researchers and scientists is Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory. It underscores the importance of the environment in patient care. Based on its core concepts, researchers improve the understanding of the health care environment and enrich human knowledge in this area. For a concrete example, it is worth investigating in more detail how exactly Nightingale’s concepts can influence the COVID-19 pandemic and health care institutions.
The Influence of Theory on Contemporary Infection Control
Florence Nightingale’s work was fundamental to nursing practice. Her concepts initiated reforms that are still used today as infection control practices (Gilbert, 2020). The background of the study, which will serve as a basis for reflection, is Florence Nightingale’s influence on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Breigeiron et al. (2021), the authors conducted a reflective study over 3 months through a narrative overview of the topic and debates. The writers found that the fight against the virus contained several vital aspects that coincided with Nightingale’s theory. They demonstrate that her installations became fundamental to the concept of hygiene in health care. Overlaying the contemporary elements of the theory over the pandemic period, the researchers identified many overlapping components, including aerosol distribution and the use of face masks.
A narrative review of Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory, past, present, and future, proved a practical research approach. According to Breigeiron et al. (2021), various components, including cleanliness, psychological well-being, job structuring, physical separation, education, occupation, ingenuity, and numerous other significant factors, were used for comparison. Such an extensive review helped the authors to reach a clear conclusion.
According to Breigeiron et al. (2021), “…nursing has already learned a lot from Florence Nightingale’s journey and that all her teachings are fundamental to coping with COVID-19” (p. 5). Overall, the conclusion from this study is a reasonable inference. Florence Nightingale is considered one of the founders of the nursing profession, laying many of its foundations (Hegge, 2013). The study of the main concepts of her theory during the pandemic provides proof of their universality and practicality; they continue to inform the modern field of health care effectively.
The Enduring Influence of Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory
The purpose of another study that will serve as a basis for reviewing the usefulness of Florence Nightingale’s concepts is to examine nursing research. It examines it in the context of environmental impact and applies the background to the impact of nurses on creating a safe environment for patients (Zborowsky, 2014). The method of this study was descriptive statistics for many sources related to this field.
Nightingale’s environmental theory remains relevant in selecting research variables for bedside studies even today. Sound and noise are among the undesirable aspects for patients (Alligood, 2022). Specifically, the authors of this paper are interested in aspects related to the anthropogenic or created environment, which in this paper is called the “designed environment”. According to Zborowsky (2014), in her 1860 work, Nightingale listed the following aspects:
• Noise
• Light
• Air
• Ventilation
• Cleanliness
• Diversity
This article uses current investigation findings to analyze numerous variables of interest to researchers in current scientific nursing publications. To better understand the context of this study, the article provides a brief overview of nurses’ roles in health care planning and relevant literature. The authors have made a valuable contribution by reviewing many articles on creating a patient-centered environment. However, Florence Nightingale’s theory needed greater attention for its practicality and relevance to medical personnel. The study highlighted its most important aspects, which help nurses in their care.
Conclusion
In the case of concussion, the background from the two articles under study enabled a broader examination of the effectiveness and usefulness of Florence Nightingale’s theory. In modern health care, many studies use concepts and reforms grounded in this theory. It makes it possible to understand the fundamental aspects on which the environment in medical institutions should be built.
Using Florence Nightingale’s theory as a framework, it was possible to effectively consider the application of these principles in practice in the modern world. When considering the pandemic through the prism of past concepts, their frequent use remains evident. Nightingale is the founder of simple hygiene rules and of caring for patients’ well-being by creating a calm environment. In their research across many sources, the authors of the second article singled it out as one of the best in their field. Thanks to this theory, the field of health care received practical guidance that helped doctors care for patients.
References
Alligood, M. R. (2022). Nursing theorists and their work e-book. (10th ed.). Elsevier.
Breigeiron, M. K., Vaccari, A., & Ribeiro, S. P. (2021). Florence Nightingale: Legacy, present and perspectives in COVID-19 pandemic times. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 74(1).
Gilbert, H. A. (2020). Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory and its influence on contemporary infection control. Collegian, 27(6), 626-633.
Hegge, M. (2013). Nightingale’s Environmental Theory. Nursing Science Quarterly, 26(3), 211-219.
Zborowsky, T. (2014). The legacy of Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory: Nursing research focusing on the impact of healthcare environments. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 7(4), 19–34.