Executive Summary
Theories and frameworks are integral components of healthcare, especially research conducted in this field. With the help of a theoretical framework, it is possible to not only gain deeper insights into the studied phenomena but pave the foundation for subsequent researchers. The given paper is dedicated to analyzing the importance of the theoretical framework of nursing.
The sections of the work discuss the theory to use in research, the conceptual framework with the use of Koy and colleagues’ study as an example, and the connection of nursing theories to Biblical perspectives. Thus, the purpose of the paper is to demonstrate that the use of nursing theories and frameworks should be the foundation for nursing research, which can be seen in the study of Koy and colleagues that evaluates nursing care quality.
Theory Use in Research
Descriptive Theory and Descriptive Research
First, it is essential to start with a discussion of three ways in which theory can be applied in research. According to McEwan and Wills (2021), a descriptive theory is an integrated body of ideas that concentrates on the aspects, features, circumstances, and similarities of a given phenomenon. A descriptive theory analyzes a phenomenon and pinpoints its key components or occurrences (McEwan & Wills, 2021).
However, it usually simply generates conjectures about why the phenomena occur, how the components connect, or how modifications in the components impact one another (McEwan & Wills, 2021). It can additionally suggest certain links between the elements (McEwan & Wills, 2021). Therefore, the role of descriptive theory is immense since it can offer insights that come from direct observation.
Explanatory Theory and Correlational Research
Another way in which theory can be used in research is by delving deeper into the phenomena and explaining it from various perspectives. Explanatory theories outline connections between various aspects or traits of people, groups, circumstances, or events (McEwan & Wills, 2021). They give reasons for why and how closely related certain phenomena are to one another. Concepts and assertions comprise the components of explanatory theories (McEwan & Wills, 2021).
Correlational research is frequently used to develop and validate explanatory theories (McEwan & Wills, 2021). The parameters or properties of events in their natural states must be measured for a correlational study (McEwan & Wills, 2021). Therefore, by applying an explanatory theory, researchers are capable of finding direct answers to their questions.
Predictive Theory and Experimental Research
The third way in which theory can be used in research lies in its predictive nature. Predictive theories go beyond explaining to make assumptions about how various groups of people will interact in the future (McEwan & Wills, 2021). Experimental research generates and validates predictive hypotheses (McEwan & Wills, 2021).
In experimental research, a phenomenon is altered to see how it impacts or modifies a component or feature of another phenomenon (McEwan & Wills, 2021). Quantifiable data are required for experimental study (McEwan & Wills, 2021). In this situation, predictive theory allows researchers to seek quantitative data that would explain their hypotheses.
Theory as a Conceptual Framework
Study Variables
The first component that must be discussed in Koy and colleagues’ study is the study variable set. The dependent variable of the descriptive, cross-sectional study was the quality of nursing care, which involved 375 registered nurses (Koy et al., 2021). The independent variables of the study were nurse practice environment, nurse work satisfaction, staffing of nurses, and nurse burnout. Therefore, the variables in the study were used as concepts, which helped researchers delve deeper into the subject matter and issue of quality care.
Conceptual Definitions
This study utilized a modified version of the Nurse Work Environment, Nurse Staffing, and Outcome Model as the conceptual framework. The framework’s concepts, including nursing practice environment, nurse work satisfaction, nurse staffing, and nurse burnout, were used as variables in the study (Koy et al., 2021). The nursing practice environment is their workplace and the overall atmosphere wherein the employees work and learn.
Moreover, nurse staffing refers to the level of nurse employees in a given department. Finally, nurse burnout is the emotional and physical exhaustion experienced by nurses. Thus, the conceptual definitions align with the definitions provided by the framework.
Instruments
When discussing the instruments used by the researchers, there were five. The first instrument is NS, which requests that the registered nurse provide an appropriate estimate of the mean number of clients they were assigned on each shift of the most recent day of employment (Koy et al., 2021). The second instrument is the Index of Work Satisfaction, and it involves 20 items to discuss organizational policies and environments (Koy et al., 2021). Then, the 18 items in the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory aimed to analyze the mental well-being of nurses (Koy et al., 2021).
The following instrument, the Cambodian Nursing Care Quality Scale, inquired about supportive care, self-care, and others (Koy et al., 2021). Finally, the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index assessed nursing, leadership, and support (Koy et al., 2021). The variables listed in the framework were to be measured using these instruments. As a result, the study’s data collection methods were consistent with the framework.
Findings
Based on the findings, the researcher identified that the study’s findings supported the framework. According to the findings, nurse job satisfaction and the indirect influence of staffing levels on nursing service quality had the most significant impacts on nursing care quality (Koy et al., 2021). In other words, while burnout and work conditions had almost no correlation, nurse satisfaction and staffing had a positive correlation with care quality.
Relationship of Findings to Framework
The findings of the study were interpreted in light of the explanations provided by the framework. The proposed model accounted for 12% of the variation in nursing care quality and fit with the empirical evidence (Koy et al., 2021). According to structural equation modeling, burnout and the nurse working atmosphere had no impact on the nursing service quality, while nursing job fulfillment did (Koy et al., 2021). While nurse job fulfillment did not directly influence burnout, nurse staffing had a favorable direct impact on it (Koy et al., 2021). Thus, the framework helped explain the relationships between the factors and nursing care quality.
Implications for Nursing Practice
The implications outlined in the study are numerous and highlight the need for collaboration among all stakeholders. For the sake of public health, nursing care quality is crucial, and nurses at all levels should be mindful of it. To identify answers to problems that may need multiple levels of change, nurse leaders must be active in decision-making and collaborate with physicians, instructors, managers, researchers, authorities, and policymakers (Koy et al., 2021).
Nurse leaders must participate in policymaking to promote the development of nursing leadership capacity, foster leadership autonomy, and pay nurses competitive wages because all of these factors positively impact nursing care quality (Koy et al., 2021). Furthermore, improving the nurse practice environment would help to optimize or improve nurse work satisfaction, which would then increase care quality (Koy et al., 2021). Therefore, policies and measures must be aimed at reducing nurses’ stress and improving their working conditions.
Recommendations for Further Research
The first recommendation for further research is to conduct a longitudinal study to examine the correlations over time between nurse staffing, nurse burnout, and nursing care quality. By identifying factors that affect nurses’ well-being, it will be possible to determine whether the work environment is the major contributor to burnout and decreased quality of care (Liu et al., 2016). This will help researchers understand the variables on a deeper level. To further understand the experiences and perspectives of nurses regarding the factors affecting nursing care quality, it is essential to combine the quantitative data with qualitative research methodologies, including focus groups or interviews.
Nursing vs. Non-Nursing
When deciding between nursing and non-nursing theories, it is crucial to focus on evidence-based and field-related frameworks. The development of nursing theories serves to direct nursing practice, research, and education. Nurses should choose to incorporate conceptual and theoretical frameworks from the nursing field since such approaches help ensure better precision (Casavant, 2020). Casavant (2020) highlights that using frameworks and theories from other fields puts nurses at risk of losing independence and autonomy. Thus, applying theories to research aids in the advancement of the field by fostering nursing-specific knowledge and comprehension of nursing phenomena.
Biblical Worldview for Nursing Theory and Research
Finally, when discussing biblical worldview for nursing theory and research, it is essential to focus on the idea behind Proverbs 29:18 KJV. According to “Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18, King James Version). Here, the message behind the proverb is that clear visions and transparency are essential for each individual. Meanwhile, in the field of nursing, frameworks, and theories, too, offer direction and purpose to the research process. By applying frameworks in their research, nurses can provide a structured approach and ways to avoid aimless study.
References
Casavant S. G. (2020). At the intersection of science and theory: How the nurse role integration model reconciles the conflict. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 7(3), 378–381. Web.
Koy, V., Yunibhand, J., Angsuroch, Y., Turale, S., & Rojnawee, S. (2020). Registered nurses’ perceptions of factors influencing nursing care quality: A structural equation modeling study. Nursing & Health Sciences, 22(1), 91-98. Web.
Liu, Y., Wu, L. M., Chou, P. L., Chen, M. H., Yang, L. C., & Hsu, H. T. (2016). The influence of work‐related fatigue, work conditions, and personal characteristics on intent to leave among new nurses. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 48(1), 66-73. Web.
McEwan, M., & Wills, E. M. (2021). Theoretical basis for nursing (6th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Proverbs 29:18. (n.d.). King James Version. Web.
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