Nursing conceptual models are a guide to nursing research and practice. This model allows nurses to learn about the relationship between nursing concepts, and how to apply them to patient care. Three specific ways a conceptual nursing model can be applied to nursing practice are:
- Improved patient care: The Roy Adaptation Model, a nursing conceptual model that emphasizes the importance holistic and patient centered care could be used in nursing practice to improve the nursing profession. RAM is a model that focuses more on the whole patient than individual conditions or symptoms. By using this model, nurses can better understand how different factors such as the patient’s environment, social support, and personal beliefs impact their health and well-being. Nurses can use this information to provide personalized care that addresses the patient’s unique needs and preferences.
- Facilitating evidence based practice. Nursing conceptual models provide a framework that can be used for the evaluation of research findings, and their incorporation into clinical practices. For example, the Orem Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory emphasizes the importance of patients’ ability to perform self-care activities in promoting their health and well-being. Using this model, nursing staff can assess research results related to self care interventions and decide which ones are the most beneficial for patients.
- Improving inter-disciplinary collaboration: Nursing conceptual models such as Neuman Systems Model highlight the importance of collaboration between disciplines in improving patient health and wellbeing. This model emphasizes the interconnectedness of different systems within the patient’s environment, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. By using this model, nurses can work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to develop holistic care plans that address all aspects of the patient’s health and well-being.
Nursing conceptual models are a way for nurses to understand the relationship between nursing concepts, and then how these can be used in patient care. Nurses can improve patient-centeredness, evidence-based care and interdisciplinary coordination by using these models.