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Introduction
Nursing theories bridge the gap between knowledge and practice thus influencing the patient outcomes. They are commonly applied in guiding education, research, and clinical activities. Specifically, the theories are used to evaluate care interventions and provide a rationale for decision-making. However, their application can only produce positive impacts if the nursing professionals know the theories fundamental concepts and how they can be used in service delivery (Smith, 2019). This paper will summarize Peplaus theory of interpersonal nursing, which is usually applied in nursing practice. The interpersonal nursing theory was chosen because it acknowledges the importance of positive experiences and trustful relationships in influencing the healthcare outcomes.
Summary of the Theory
Interpersonal nursing is a middle-range theory that Hildegard Peplau established in 1952. It defines nursing as a process of engaging in therapeutic relationships to influence the patient outcomes. Nurses and their clients therapeutically interact in three phases to attain the treatment goals (Hochberger & Lingham, 2017). They include the orientation, working, and termination phases, which are initiated by the healthcare providers. In the orientation phase, individuals present to the clinical setting with special health needs that require professional intervention. The nurse takes the role of a stranger and gains critical information, which is used to plan care (Smith, 2019). Rapport is established based on trust and respect between the two parties.
The working phase is the most critical because it consumes the most considerable time spent between the nurse and the patient. A comprehensive assessment is done to obtain information that significantly influences care decisions (Hochberger & Lingham, 2017). Under this phase, nurses assume an educator, resource person, counselor, and health provider. The patient has a better understanding of the nurse, and they exchange feelings and thoughts about the course of illness. The interactions are anchored on therapeutic communication, which creates a healing environment. The last stage involves termination of the nurse-patient relationship after achieving or failing to achieve care goals. Successful completion of this phase significantly relies on the first two phases effectiveness (Hagerty et al., 2017). The patient is discharged to home or referred to another healthcare facility. Home recovery is planned through healthcare education concerning the condition.
Application in Nursing Practice and Inquiry
The interpersonal nursing theory has profound impacts on patient outcomes when integrated into practice. In the daily activities in the clinical area, nurses encounter patients and their families in large numbers. The nursing processs first procedure involves performing health needs assessments to obtain data that is used as a basis for planning care. However, creating a trusting and respectful therapeutic relationship is vital before doing anything to a patient, including in emergence situations. Triage nurses play a central role in establishing effective interpersonal interactions because they form the first contact with clients and their family members (Hagerty et al., 2017). If the nurse initiates a trustful therapeutic relationship in which the patients and their family members are valued, the perception of positive experiences is set.
Effective application of Peplaus theory also promotes family and patient-centered care. In addition, it has been applied in performing research activities to develop evidence for practice. For instance, Doctor of Nursing Practice projects employ nursing theoretical frameworks in developing grounds for dispensation of healthcare services. Another critical area where interpersonal nursing is applied is in the education system (Hochberger & Lingham, 2017). A significant number of learning institutions have incorporated the theory into their curriculums to produce highly competent healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
Application of the nursing theoretical frameworks significantly influences the care outcomes of patients. Peplau established the interpersonal nursing theory that is widely applied in research, education, and clinical practice. It has three phases, including initiation, working, and termination, all of which have specific roles for each party involved. Nurses apply the theory in addressing clients health needs by creating a trustful and respectful therapeutic relationship, which immensely influences patients and their familys experiences.
References
Hagerty, T. A., Samuels, W., Norcini-Pala, A., & Gigliotti, E. (2017). Peplaus theory of interpersonal relations: An alternate factor structure for patient experience data? Nursing Science Quarterly, 30(2), 160-167.
Hochberger, J. M., & Lingham, B. (2017). Utilizing Peplaus interpersonal approach to facilitate medication self-management for psychiatric patients. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 31(1), 122-124.
Smith, M. C. (2019). Nursing theories and nursing practice. FA Davis.
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