Causation and Validation of Nursing Diagnoses: A Middle Range Theory

Abstract

Purpose

To describe a predictive middle range theory (MRT) that provides a process for validation and incorporation of nursing diagnoses in clinical practice.

Data Sources

Literature review.

Data Synthesis

The MRT includes definitions, a pictorial scheme, propositions, causal relationships, and translation to nursing practice.

Conclusions

The MRT can be a useful alternative for education, research, and translation of this knowledge into practice.

Implications for Nursing Practice

This MRT can assist clinicians in understanding clinical reasoning, based on temporal logic and spectral interaction among elements of nursing classifications. In turn, this understanding will improve the use and accuracy of nursing diagnosis, which is a critical component of the nursing process that forms a basis for nursing practice standards worldwide.

Keywords

Clinical reasoning middle-range theory nursing diagnosis

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