Razelle Joy C. Rodriguez Sept.

4, 2021
BSN 1 – NB Mr. Roviech John M. Echeveria, RN, RM, MN, LPT, MAN

Journal Reading: Development of

middle-range theories in nursing

The application of the middle-range theories of nursing is essential in today's situation,

where a pandemic is taking place. According to the World Health Organization, the
COVID-19 global pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 strain of the Coronavirus, has
claimed the lives of 4.55 million people. To prevent the spread of infection, physical
interaction must be limited. Governments around the world implemented lockdowns and
quarantines as a result of this. Yet the problem is far from over. In exchange for health
and safety, livelihood, education, leisure, and other functions were put on hold. At such
times, we should be conscious enough to be able to help and attend to the needs of
others.
Today's environment necessitates more detailed and specific studies and actions in
order to address certain occurrences. As far as our current state is concerned, the middle-
range theory fits the bill. Theoretical models offer more specific outcomes than conceptual
models, which are collections of concepts. For a short run down, A theory is a formal idea
or set of ideas that is intended to explain something. It is also defined as collections of
concepts that are narrower in scope than conceptual models and offer more specified
outcomes. Nursing theories can be abstract but unlike the theories under Middle-Range
Theories (MRT) which is examined to be less abstract and more particular as its focal
point is on targeting populations and can be used through descriptive, illustrative,
predictive and prescriptive means.
They also continue to progress and advance as time goes, that being the case, the
application of these theories in nursing would aid and promote the nurses to embody the
uniqueness of the perspectives and concepts in the said theories. In the study, it was
discussed and examined how critical the synthesis picture is in developing an MRT, It also
clarifies the link between the main concepts of theories. Note that the graphic
representation of MRT's main elements can be referred to as synthesis picture, pictogram,
figure or diagram. The next vital thing discussed in developing a theory was the setting its
propositions which is evident in the developed MRTs in Nursing. For a quick overview, As
the name implies, prepositions explain the relationship between concepts. Specific
conceptual frameworks and theories define patient, environment, health, and nursing,
which in turn influences nursing care delivery. The said propositions are essential
elements of the theory as they describe the properties and dimensions of a concept or link
two or more concepts. In consequence, theories can be described, it can be predicted and
explain things in a better way. In other words, these propositions summarize a theory’s
conclusion.
After having the propositions discussed, next aspect to pay attention to is the
hypotheses. It shows how previously established propositions can be tested, according to
some studies.
One aspect that struck me most is realizing how useful the Middle-Range Theories
as wide range of subpopulations can it. It can be applied to urban or rural centers, native
or immigrant groups, for example. One relevant application of which reminded me of our
situation here in the Philippines. There are a lot of rural areas in the country which has
less to none access to medical care and given the fact that rural clinics that are short-
staffed and understaffed, which is also one of the reasons why a lot of the population in
rural areas are having a hard time when it comes to paying attention with their health. And
by doing such medical missions, it serve as a beacon of hope for people who feel ignored
by society by providing free medical services in low-income and underserved
communities. An article that I would like to connect with this topic was the project VolSol,
where they went to assist under-funded clinics based in the rural areas outside Tacloban
City. While working at the clinic, medical volunteers help locals by providing free medical
services to them. To be fair, the pressure pit gives volunteers the opportunity to test their
limits while gaining valuable hands-on experience. You will be involved with other public
health projects such as annual medical missions or annual medical check-ups for all
children enrolled in various social development projects as part of this medical
volunteering opportunity. This alone already imbodies the theories that were developed to
promote wellness not just to those who have privilege access but also to those people
who are disconnected with the society in the city.
The study concluded that MRTs were developed primarily by presenting
fundamental concepts, synthesizing the picture and formulating hypotheses and theories
with specific names. It is therefore widely accepted that the MRT can help nurses meet
the challenge of developing a substantial body of knowledge to guide their practice. Which
I agree, since I see these theories are most essential for the advancement of the nursing
discipline. Knowing today's setting where COVID-19 has taken place Nursing care must
be viewed critically within the health care system. Seeing that a lot has happened, Nurses
will benefit from having a more realistic view of the world, as well as more focused
generalized practice areas. Middle-range theories like Peplau's, Orlando's, Travelbee's
and Pender's Theory of nursing would be a great theory being applied today. I find it most
relevant as it gives them a middle reality perspective and more specific generalized
practice areas for nurses. To help define professional goals, these nursing theories can be
used as a framework. To improve the quality of nursing practice, the middle range theory
is essential for nurses. As a result of this theory's focus, nurses develop a concrete and
conceptual framework of ideas with which they can be more effective in their profession.
In a nutshell, this category would help nurses to adapt on the modern day system.

REFERENCES:
Leandro, T. A., Nunes, M. M., Teixeira, I. X., Lopes, M. V. de O., Araújo, T. L. de, Lima, F.
E. T., & Silva, V. M. da. (2020, February 10). Development of middle-range theories
in nursing. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem.
https://www.scielo.br/j/reben/a/8JHLTcQjYy6SzcRYf5yTHRs/?lang=en&format=html.

Coronavirus cases: Worldometer. (n.d.). https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/.

HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. (n.d.). Theory definition and meaning: Collins English
Dictionary. Theory definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary.
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/theory.

Volunteering Solutions. (n.d.). Rural medical volunteering in Philippines. Volunteering

Solutions. Retrieved September 9, 2021, from
https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/philippines/medical-volunteer-program.