Congruence with Current Nursing Standards and Interventions
Theory Evaluation
Evaluating nursing theory is crucial in ensuring that the theoretical frameworks are effective, applicable, and beneficial to practice, education, and research. In addition, nursing theory evaluations enhance identifying the theory’s strengths and weaknesses, hence customizing interventions to suit specific needs and patient populations. The theory of focus in this assessment is Hildegard Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations. Following its evaluation, this essay discusses the theory’s accuracy and validity based on empirical testing, generalizability, strengths and weaknesses, congruency with current nursing standards and interventions, social and cross-cultural relevance, and contribution to the nursing discipline.
Accuracy and Validity of the Theory Based on Empirical Testing
Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations has been subject to numerous empirical research studies testing its validity and accuracy. According to Vogelsang (2022), most of the empirical tests for the theory of interpersonal relations have been within the fields of psychiatric nursing, therapeutic communication, and patient-centered care. Evidence from these studies has empirically shown improvement in patient outcomes, validating accuracy and validity. Congruence with Current Nursing Standards and Interventions
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Research has demonstrated that when nurses follow Peplau’s phases of the nurse-patient relationship, patients show improved engagement in treatment, better adherence, and reduced psychological stress (Ikafa & Holmes, 2020). Additionally, studies that have employed the theory of interpersonal relations confirmed the essence of interpersonal communication, especially in mental health settings where communication is crucial for effective care. Based on these studies, Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations can be said to be accurate and valid.
Theory Generalizability
The generalizability of a theory means the degree to which it can be applied in broader contexts and produce similar results. Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations has been generalized beyond psychiatric nursing, its original field of development. The theory has been applied in other healthcare settings, and the same concept of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship process is adopted across these settings. In addition, the fundamental principles of communication, trust, and emotional support have been applied in other healthcare environments. For instance, the study by Ikafa and Holmes (2020) focused on empowering migrants and applied the theory to assess the relationship between migrant support staff and migrants. However, it is worth noting that despite its generalizability, the theory’s primary relevance is in healthcare.
Strengths and Weaknesses Summary
One of the theory of interpersonal relations’ major strengths is that it emphasizes the significance of the nurse-patient relationship, which encourages nurses to engage actively with their patients. Lee and Son (2022) also note that the theory of interpersonal relations provides a structured approach to the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship by defining particular phases of the process, which is a strength since it offers clear guidelines for nurses to follow.
However, the theory has some weaknesses. The primary weakness is that it cannot be applied outside the healthcare field, or rather where there are no interpersonal relations. Another weakness is that emphasizing nurse-patient relationships may overshadow the role of teamwork and interprofessional collaboration. Therefore, it is important to consider other aspects of healthcare, such as interprofessional communication and collaboration, when applying the theory. Congruence with Current Nursing Standards and Interventions
Congruence with Current Nursing Standards and Interventions
The theory of interpersonal relations is congruent with most current nursing standards and interventions, especially those focusing on therapeutic communication and patient-centered care. For instance, one of the highly upheld standards in modern healthcare is promoting patient-centered care by engaging patients in their care. The theory supports such standards by emphasizing trust-building and effective communication with the patient throughout the phases of the nurse-patient relationship. Vogelsang (2022) also notes that various modern nursing interventions, including patient education and mental health counseling, align with the theory’s emphasis on maintaining therapeutic nurse-patient relationships.
Social and Cross-Cultural Relevance of the Theory
The fact that the theory of interpersonal relations places special emphasis on effective interpersonal communication shows that it is highly socially and cross-culturally relevant. However, the theory does not provide a framework for building and maintaining therapeutic nurse-patient relationships that vary across cultures. Therefore, nurses must be culturally competent and ensure that the relationship-building approach is appropriate for the patient’s social and cultural background. Nurses have an obligation to apply the theory with utmost cultural sensitivity. According to Vogelsang (2022), adapting Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations to account for cultural differences in communication styles and expectations enhances its cross-cultural relevance.
The Theory’s Contribution to the Nursing Discipline
The theory of interpersonal relations is one of the foundational theories of the nursing discipline, having made a profound contribution to its growth. The theory is one of the middle-range theories that set apart nursing as an autonomous discipline. Vogelsang (2022) notes that the theory elevated the role of the nurse from just completing general nursing tasks to having one-on-one therapeutic engagements and offering psychological and emotional support to patients. In addition, Peplau’s theory shaped the development of modern psychiatric nursing by emphasizing the role of therapeutic communication, which is vital in promoting the mental health and well-being of psychiatric patients and enhancing care effectiveness.
Conclusion
Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations has been tested and determined accurate and valid through empirical research studies conducted over time in psychiatric nursing. The theory has also been used extensively across healthcare settings, showing its generalizability. It also aligns with modern nursing standards and interventions. The theory’s contribution to the nursing field is widely known, as it has continued to impact nursing education, research, and practice. Congruence with Current Nursing Standards and Interventions
References
Ikafa, I. N., & Holmes, C. A. (2020). Empowering migrants during the resettlement process: applying Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations. Mental Health Practice, 23(5). https://doi.org/10.7748/mhp.2020.e1469
Lee, J., & Son, H. K. (2022). Effects of simulation problem-based learning based on Peplau’s Interpersonal Relationship Model for cesarean section maternity nursing on communication skills, attitudes, and team efficacy. Nurse Education Today, 113, 105373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105373
Vogelsang, L. (2022). Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations: Application to asynchronous nursing education. Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics, 17(3), 1-7. Congruence with Current Nursing Standards and Interventions
