ANSWER
Vulnerable Populations and Middle-Range Theories
Nursing’s Middle-Range Theories and Vulnerable Populations
In order to address health inequities among vulnerable populations, middle-range theories offer focused and useful frameworks. Ethnic minorities, the uninsured, and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds are among the vulnerable groups that frequently encounter obstacles stemming from the social determinants of health (SDOH). In order to effectively address these discrepancies, culturally sensitive, tailored care is guided by middle-range theories such as Madeleine Leininger’s Cultural Care Diversity and Universality Theory.
Overview of the Theory: Cultural Care by Madeleine Leininger Theory of Universality and Diversity
Leininger’s theory promotes culturally congruent methods that are adapted to people’s needs, values, and beliefs. It places a strong emphasis on the integration of cultural competence in nursing care. This model emphasizes that providing meaningful and equitable care requires a grasp of the patient’s cultural background.
Important Connections in Theory:
Cultural Knowledge: Provides nurses with information about the customs and traditions of the patient’s culture.
Care Preservation/Maintenance: Assists patients in continuing culturally appropriate medical practices.
Care Accommodation/Negotiation: Promotes cooperation between patients and medical professionals in order to standardize care procedures.
Care restructuring respects patients’ beliefs while modifying or adjusting cultural norms to achieve health objectives.
Example of Research: Applying Cultural Care Theory to Health Disparities
According to a study by Hodge et al. (2018), diabetes education programs that are culturally appropriate for Hispanic communities are beneficial. The researchers used Leininger’s approach to add multilingual teaching materials and culturally appropriate eating behaviors, which improved patient satisfaction and glycemic control.
Use in Real-World Situations
Leininger’s idea can be used in clinical practice to develop culturally competent treatment strategies that optimize patient outcomes. For example, teaching portion control and incorporating cultural dietary practices can enhance treatment adherence in diabetes management. Likewise, by requiring cultural competency training for healthcare professionals, this idea can guide efforts to advance health equity in healthcare policy.
Leininger’s approach enables nurses to address SDOH and provide fair, patient-centered care to a variety of communities by highlighting the significance of cultural competence.
Citations
Collins, P., Hodge, S. R., and Paschal, A. M. (2018). Implications for evidence-based practice on cultural competence and health disparities in diabetes care. 50(3), 312-322, Journal of Nursing Scholarship.
M. M. Leininger (2006). Diversity in cultural care and universality: A global nursing perspective. Bartlett & Jones Learning.
QUESTION
Middle-range theories are narrower in scope than grand theories and deal with some parts of a discipline’s concerns related to particular topics. Because of a middle-range theory’s more limited scope and specificity, it is more readily useable and testable in research projects. For example, Madeline Lenninger’s Culture Care theory can guide nurses with specific actions to provide appropriate and meaningful care preservation and maintenance to restore health and prevent disparities. Dr. Lenninger’s theory explores meaningful and experiential patient experiences while employing the concept of ethnicity, race, and culture as integral to understanding the individual patient experience within a specific population.
Assignment Objectives:
1. Describe how middle-range theories in nursing apply to vulnerable populations.
2. Choose a middle-range theory that has been instrumental in preventing health disparities.
3. Provide at least one research example that uses a middle-range theory that can be used to address health disparities.
Directions:
1. Conduct a brief literature review of the middle range theory, concentrating mainly on their relationships. Please gather the theoretical foundations of the middle range theory as a model to prevent health disparities (It is often difficult to explain such relationships in words. On this occasion, make notes during your review, but use these to produce a figure or diagram showing the relationships in theory).
2. Think about vulnerable populations concerning social determinants of health and how a specific middle-range theory can be used to analyze a plan of care that maximizes their health potential.
3. How can this theory be used in your current practice area (education, executive, clinical practice, informatics, or healthcare policy) to address equitable health outcomes among various populations?
4. The post should be 300 words or less. Observe APA style 7th edition
Middle Range Theories Examples
Patricia Benner: Benner’s Model of Skill Acquisition in Nursing
Madeleine Leininger: Cultural Care Diversity and Universality Theory
Nola Pender: Health Promotion Model
Afaf Ibrahim Meleis: Transitions Theory
The Synergy Model
Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Theory
Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort
- Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory (nursology.net)Links to an external site.
- A practical application of Katharine kolcaba’s comfort theory to cardiac patientsLinks to an external site.
Lenz and Colleagues’ Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms
Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (nursology.net)Links to an external site.
Reed’s Self-Transcendence Theory
Eakes, Burke, and Hainsworth’s Theory of Chronic Sorrow
Cheryl Beck: Beck’s Postpartum Depression Theory
Ramona Mercer: Conceptualization of Maternal Role Attainment/Becoming a Mother
AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care