Select one nursing theory and one counseling/psychotherapy theory to best guide your clinical practice. Explain why you selected these theories. Support your approach with evidence-based literature.
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One nursing theory that could guide clinical practice is the Comfort Theory, developed by Katharine Kolcaba. This theory focuses on promoting, maintaining, and restoring comfort for patients throughout their healthcare experience. Comfort is defined as the immediate and holistic experience of being strengthened in the physical, psychospiritual, environmental, and sociocultural dimensions. Kolcaba emphasizes that comfort is a basic human need and should be integrated into all aspects of nursing care.
The Comfort Theory is a suitable choice for clinical practice because it addresses the holistic needs of patients and recognizes the importance of providing comfort beyond physical pain management. The theory aligns with contemporary healthcare approaches that emphasize patient-centered care and the provision of quality of life.
Evidence-based literature supports the application of the Comfort Theory in clinical practice. For example, a study conducted by Avant, Holman, & Gonzales (2018) explored the effects of comfort interventions on patient outcomes in acute care settings. The researchers found that comfort interventions, such as pain management, presence, environmental manipulation, and communication, positively influenced patient satisfaction, engagement in care, and overall well-being.
Another suitable counseling/psychotherapy theory that can guide clinical practice is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts or behaviors that contribute to psychosocial distress. It is based on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and influence each other.
CBT is an effective approach for clinical practice because it provides patients with practical tools to address their specific challenges. It helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies and can be applied to treat a wide range of mental health conditions.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of CBT in various clinical populations. For example, a meta-analysis conducted by Butler et al. (2006) reviewed 269 studies and found that CBT is effective in treating anxiety and depressive disorders. Additionally, a study by Kenter et al. (2016) examined the long-term effectiveness of CBT in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and found significant improvements in symptomatology and functional impairment.
By incorporating the Comfort Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into clinical practice, healthcare professionals can provide holistic care that addresses both the physical and psychosocial needs of their patients. The evidence supports the effectiveness of these theories in improving patient outcomes and promoting their well-being.