ABAQUIN’S PREPARE ME HOLISTIC NURSING INTERVENTION

 Carmencita M. Abaquin is a nurse with Master’s Degree in Nursing obtained

from the University of the Philippines College of Nursing.
 An expert in Medical Surgical Nursing with subspecialty in Oncologic Nursing,
which made her known both here and abroad.
 She had served the University of the Philippines College of Nursing, as faculty
and held the position as Secretary of the College of Nursing.
 Her latest appointment as Chairman of the Board of Nursing speaks of her
competence and integrity in the field she has chosen.

ABOUT HER THEORY:

 “PREPARE ME” Interventions and the Quality of Life Advance Progressive
Cancer Patients.

Metaparadigms and Interventions:The theory of Carmencita Abaquin did not

specifically mention her definitions of the major paradigms: person, health,
nursing, and environment. However, by understanding her theory we can deduce
some implications of her views.
 
Person/Patient. Her theory is specific to patients in advanced stages of cancer.
They are holistic being with physical, psychological, social, religious, level of
independence, and environmental aspects. Patients who are terminally-ill or
those with incurable diseases as with cancer must be approached in multifaceted
care to improve their quality of life.
 
Environment. Just like all the other paradigms, environment was not defined
accurately. Nevertheless we can assume that environment is an aspect or
dimension integrated to the cancer patient. Her quality of life can also be
assessed in this aspect thus it must be given consideration in the provision of
care.
 
Health. The concept of her theory revolves around illness, particularly cancer and
the provision of holistic care to improve quality of life despite their terminal
cases. Quality of life is defined as a multifaceted construct that encompasses the
individuals capabilities and abilities of enriching life when it can no longer be
prolonged. This includes proper care and maintaining integrity of the body, mind
and spirit despite the limitations brought about by the present condition. The
quality of life is seen through the patient's many dimensions.
 
Nursing. The goal of nursing care is the improvement of quality of life for advance
stage cancer patients despite their current situation. Her concept of providing
holistic nursing care in addressing the multidimensional problems that cancer
patients face is summarized in the acronym PREPARE ME.
 Presence – being with another person during the times of need. This
includes therapeutic communication, active listening, and touch.
 Reminisce Therapy – recall of past experiences, feelings and thoughts to
facilitate adaptation to present circumstances.
 Prayer
 Relaxation-Breathing – techniques to encourage and elicit relaxation for
the purpose of decreasing undesirable signs and symptoms such as pain,
muscle tension, and anxiety.
 Meditation – encourages an elicit form of relaxation for the purpose of
altering patient’s level of awareness by focusing on an image or thought
to facilitate inner sight which helps establish connection and relationship
with God. It may be done through the use of music and other relaxation
techniques.