Content area
Full Text
ABSTRACT:
Swanson's Theory of Caring was explored in view of developing a theoretical framework for the research study entitled 'effect of structured nursing care rounds on selected nursing quality indicators'. Swanson's Theory of Caring is structured around five caring principles that encompass the overall definition of caring in nursing practice. This theory states that caring proceeds in a sequence of five categories: knowing, being with, doing for, enabling, and maintaining belief. When applied to nursing practice, each of these five stages stimulates the caregiver's attitude and improves the overall patient well-being. The theory aims at helping nursing personnel to deliver care that promotes dignity, respect, and empowerment. This model was framed to ensure consistent caring behaviours which would in turn improve patient satisfaction.
KEYWORDS: Caring principles, Nursing practice, Patient well-being, Caring behaviours
INTRODUCTION:
Swanson's Theory of Caring was explored in view of developing a theoretical framework for the research study entitled 'effect of structured nursing care rounds on selected nursing quality indicators'. Swanson's Theory of Caring is structured around five caring principles that encompass the overall definition of caring in nursing practice. This theory states that caring proceeds in a sequence of five categories: knowing, being with, doing for, enabling, and maintaining belief1. When applied to nursing practice, each of these five stages stimulates the caregiver's attitude and improves the overall patient well-being. The theory aims at helping nursing personnel to deliver care that promotes dignity, respect, and empowerment. This model was framed to ensure consistent caring behaviours which would in turn improve patient satisfaction.2,3
The expansion of nursing science in history is evidenced by caring, and that has long been recognized as a central concept of professional nursing4. In Modern nursing science, the heritage of caring is widely considered as an art5, expressed by the compassionate behaviours of nurses, measured by patient outcomes and nurses' satisfaction6. Caring, acknowledged as the core of nursing, has at all times, been put across as the focal point among the existing theoretical structures of caring.4 Surprisingly, caring is the attraction towards the development of the theoretical framework of nursing science. While nursing is basically grounded in the relationship, unity and connection between a professional nurse and apatient,3 the application of the art and science of caring through...