Before discussing topical nursing problems and their hypothetical solutions, it is essential to clarify that the Behavioral System Model by Dorothy Johnson is the theory chosen. According to her, “each individual has patterned, purposeful, repetitive ways of acting that comprises a behavioral system specific to that individual” (Gonzalo, 2021, para. 7). Dorothy’s model is the cornerstone of modern nursing and remains relevant and practical across all specialties. It especially applies to the most complex and demanding ones, such as nurse practitioners and advanced practice registered nurses.
It is no secret that the effective delivery of nursing care requires a great deal of physiological and mental effort from the medical worker. However, all these efforts become futile and meaningless when they meet various barriers created by patients. One of these is disruptive or damaging behavior when a person in need of care deliberately undermines the treatment process or refuses to interact with the health staff. Morrison et al. (2020) note that it became “a priority area of safety concern for clinical staff” (p. 1). With the Behavioral System Model, nurses can destroy these barriers and proceed to provide patients with the necessary services and help.
This theory focuses on behavior and allows the health professional to analyze it through the prism of seven categories. Understanding these gives the nurse the tools to eliminate or change the negative aspects in the attitude of the patient. Recently, Turkish medical scientists analyzed the medical history and physical examination of a female patient practicing an unhealthy and destructive lifestyle with the Behavioral System Model and developed a program to change her behavior (Aşkar & Ovayolu, 2022). As a nursing specialist, I see myself not only as a care provider but also as a guide. For me, changing the behavior of patients is the process of guiding them toward a healthy life.
References
Aşkar, S. E., & Ovayolu, Ö. (2022). Nursing care based on Dorothy Johnson’s behavioral system model in coronary artery disease: A case report. Medical Science and Discovery, 9(2), 138-142. Web.
Morrison, J., Hasselblad, M., Kleinpell, R., Buie, R., Ariosto, D., Hardiman, E., Osborn, S. W., & Lindsell, C. J. (2020). The disruptive behavior management and prevention in hospitalized patients using a behavioral intervention team (Demeanor) study protocol: A pragmatic, cluster, crossover trial. Trials, 21(1), 1-8. Web.
Gonzalo, A. (2021). Dorothy Johnson: Behavioral system model. Nurseslabs. Web.