Introduction
Theory analysis is an excellent way to identify the structural and practical characteristics that make the theory effective and worth integrating or, otherwise, unfit for a specific medical purpose. The theory that will be examined in this paper is the Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM). The analysis is based on the evaluation criteria developed by Barnum. Barnum’s approach is based on the examination of internal and external criticism (McEwen & Wills, 2019). Internal criticism covers the theory’s clarity, consistency, adequacy, logical development, and levels of development. In terms of external criticism, this area is designed for examining how the HPM relates to areas outside medicine, its utility, significance, discrimination, scope, and complexity (Khoshnood et al., 2018). Thus, the purpose of this paper is to conduct an analysis of the Health Promotion Model using Barnum’s evaluation criteria.
Theory Description
Pender’s Health Promotion Theory suggests that one’s ability to have a positive health dynamic is based on individual characteristics such as behavior and personal factors (including psychological, biological, social, and cultural). This correlates with the Christian idea that one’s joyful heart is medicine, while a broken spirit is physically destructive (Proverbs 17:22, King James Bible). The commitment to a plan of action is influenced by perceived limitations, benefits, interpersonal relationships, and other circumstances that ultimately affect one’s health-promoting behavior.
Internal Criticism
Barnum’s approach, as exemplified prior, makes a distinction between internal and external criticism. The internal criticism analyses factors examine the model itself without covering its implementation in certain areas of life (McEwen & Wills, 2019). The model suggests identifying characteristics such as clarity, consistency, adequacy, logical development, and level of theory development.
Clarity
HPM clearly states that the idea of health promotion is multidimensional, and all the levels that impact one adherence to a health plan are interconnected based on their relationship and the overall outcome. Jalili Bahabadi et al. (2020) have found that social interactions and perceived barriers and opportunities are directly linked to health promotion for pregnant women. Thus, the clarity of the theory is exemplified through the multidimensional approach and broad spectrum of the linked systems that impact one’s well-being.
Consistency
HPM is consistent with the general notion of healthy societies being facilitators of healthy individuals. Based on the model exemplified prior, an individual’s well-being is both subjective and objective since the measures and the adherence to health behaviors depend on multiple factors. HPM illustrates that perceived benefits and limitations, as well as interactions with the environment, have a vital role (Habibzadeh et al., 2021). Such an approach is consistent since the model does not illustrate a one-dimensional image of a patient complying with relevant health advice but rather identifies additional concepts that may facilitate or compromise the efforts.
Adequacy
Both empirical and pragmatic uses of the theory exemplify its adequacy. On the one hand, studies have shown the HPM to be effective in improving the health of patients through minimizations of factors that facilitate negative adherence and maximization of those contributing to health promotion. For example, a study examining patients who have been advised to exercise based on their heart conditions has shown that applying the model is effective in maintaining healthy behavior (KarataĹź & Polat, 2021). On the other hand, the pragmatic benefits are evident as the concepts can be applied in singular patients as well as implemented on societal levels.
Logical Development
Logical development implied the need for the HPM to be developed based on general health concerns, societal problems related to well-being, and other similar aspects. The theory is applicable due to the consideration of levels that are and will remain essential, such as socio-cultural aspects of one’s life, environment, and subjectivity. Thus, the logical development of Pender’s Health Promotion Model is exemplified through the recent healthcare shift towards the consideration of a person’s individual preferences, characteristics, and external environments.
Level of Theory Development
As a predictive theory, HPM is based on the notion that health outcomes can be measured and altered through interventions. Moreover, the example mentioned prior has illustrated that such an approach can and has been used in practice (KarataĹź & Polat, 2021). Since the model has been applied in studies and integrated into nursing practice, it can be noted that the level of development is adequate. It is suggested by the literature on the subject and the research highlighting the beneficial results observed as a result of the model being utilized in nursing settings.
External Environment
Based on the criteria chosen for the theory analysis, the external environment illustrates how HPM can be applied and whether it may impact multiple areas and positively influence people from a broader perspective. Thus, reality convergence, utility, significance, discrimination, scope, and complexity will be discussed. These criteria are designed for the determination of the practical principles of the Pender’s Health Promotion Model and its use under the condition of real environments instead of theoretical prepositions.
Reality Convergence
The basic principle of the theory, which is the multidimensional influence of external and internal factors on health promotion, is applied in multiple areas of life. Thus, as one’s proneness to engaging in illegal activity may be influenced by poverty, community, and family circumstances, one’s adherence to health plans and recommendations may be affected by the person’s belief in the benefits or negative aspects of the program. The reality convergence is illustrated by the complex approach to health as a system rather than a singularity, which is a relevant outlook on all social, economic, and cultural processes.
Utility
The theory itself does not clearly define the essential role of nursing in health outcomes. However, since nurses are directly linked to patient well-being, the model’s complexity implies that the responsibilities are not merely limited to procedures and treatments but also the consideration of individual characteristics that may or may not impact outcomes. From this perspective, the utility is illustrated through the multidimensional objectives that are to be considered when it comes to nursing in relation to well-being improvement.
Significance
Several factors exemplify the significance of the Health Promotion Model. First, the outcomes can be predicted by examining the patient’s characteristics in regards to the concepts identified in the model. Moreover, outcomes may be maximized if certain factors that facilitate negative dynamics are combated and those predicting the needed results are emphasized (Khoshnood et al., 2018). The broad spectrum that the model addresses, from individual cases to regulatory implementation of state levels, also illustrate the significance of the approach.
Discrimination
As mentioned prior, HPM can be applied in multiple areas in which health initiatives are implemented. An example is a study conducted by Khodaveisi et al. (2019) which examined the measures involving the physical activity of office staff. Based on the findings, applying HPM has resulted in plan adherence, which ultimately led to an increase in the level of physical activity of the employees participating in the study. Thus, HPM does not necessarily imply a certain domain of operation.
Scope
As a middle-range theory, Ponder’s Health Promotion Model provides a narrow scope with well-defined concepts aimed towards health promotion and well-being. The model can be applied in practice or implemented in research as the basis is structured and all the aspects of health promotion are identified and explained. The narrow scope suggests the opportunities to utilize HPM practically in nursing as well as theoretically when outcomes are being predicted, measured, or altered through specific implications.
Complexity
The theory’s complexity is suggested through the definition of the goal as health promotion instead of preventing diseases or treatment. Thus, the role of nursing is considering and maximizing a person’s resources, abilities, and potential in order for the best health outcomes to be achieved. From this perspective, the complexity is evident and exemplified through the compound identification of factors that ultimately create the environment of one’s well-being. As a result, the concepts are interconnected and linked to the individual’s health promotion level.
Conclusion
Pander’s Health Promotion Model was analyzed based on Barnum’s evaluation criteria and examined through the concepts mentioned in the framework. As a result, the internal analysis has shown the theory to be adherent to the notions of clarity, consistency, adequacy, logical development, and an adequate level of development. Moreover, the analysis has illustrated the model’s resilience to convergence, utility, significance, non-discriminatory implications, narrow and practical scope, and complexity. Barnum’s evaluation approach has been effective in the health model’s examination and has provided a comprehensive basis for practical implementation in nursing settings.
References
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Jalili Bahabadi, F., Estebsari, F., Rohani, C., Rahimi Khalifeh Kandi, Z., Sefidkar, R., & Mostafaei, D. (2020). Predictors of health-promoting lifestyle in pregnant women based on Pender’s Health Promotion Model. International Journal of Women’s Health, 12, 71–77. Web.
Karataş, T., & Polat, Ü. (2021). Effect of nurse-led program on the exercise behavior of coronary artery patients: Pender’s Health Promotion Model. Patient Education and Counseling, 104(5), 1183–1192. Web.
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Khodaveisi, M., Jafari, A., Omidi, A., Roshanaei, G., & Sazvar, A. (2019). The effect of a Pender’s Health Promotion Model-based educational intervention on physical activity in office staff.Sport Sciences for Health, 16(1), 31–38. Web.
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McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing. Wolters Kluwer.