One of the theories that can be applied in the nursing practice include the theories of complexity, chaos, change, and innovation. These theories can be seen and applied to different sectors and areas in the nursing profession. Two of the theories can have always been discussed alongside each other are the theory of complexity and the theory of chaos. The chaos theory involves structures and methods that follow the normal rules and laws but through an unconventional way. Some of the chaotic systems that can be seen in the field of nursing include flow of fluids, irregular beat of the heart, and even the dripping of the fluids used in the field. Chaotic systems have been described as highly sensitive to events and small changes in the surroundings. One of the main factors that contribute to the high sensitivity of chaotic systems is the unpredictable determination and identification of the contributing factors to the behavior of the system. On the other hand, complexity theory can be considered as a byproduct of the chaos theory. Complexity theory mainly involves systems that are characterized by complex characteristics. It is evident in systems that is a result of the interaction of other systems or components of a system. However, the complexity theory and chaos theory are similar such that results of the interactions does not guarantee direct relationship with the original or initial conditions of the system. The systems that exhibit the complexity theory include differentiation of cells and dynamics of population (Tesson, n.d.).
Another theory evident in the health sector is the change theory which has been accurately explained by the model presented by Kurt Lewin. The model is composed of three components namely: unfreezing, moving, and freezing or refreezing. It is one of the most important and useful theories that can be applied in the nursing profession because of the constant change experienced in the health sector. To be able to handle the change, professions and the health sector should have a clear definition of the factors that influence the occurrence of change. For the first component which is the unfreezing stage, health sectors should be able to identify the factors that led to the problem along with the stakeholders that will be affected by the changes. On the other hand, the moving stage involves the materialization of change where stakeholders take precautions and appropriate moves to support and adjust to the changes in the practice. Lastly, freezing or refreezing stage involves the assessment if the change that occurred is stable and effective enough to be adapted in the field (Sutherland, 2013).
The diffusion of innovation theory which refers to a model that allows managing of technological innovations. Communication and even connections among peers for the process are some of the main points stressed in the innovation theory. The five categories under this theory include innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards (Kaminski, 2011).
One of my experiences in the nursing profession clearly illustrates that change theory. Currently, the number of elderly patients have been increasing. It has been a growing concern since not all of the elderly patients are healthy enough to visit clinics and hospitals. To be able to adapt to this change, the first step is the unfreezing stage which is the determination of the factors that may contribute to the change. Personally, I believe that the factors include the health status of the patients, the distance of the clinics and hospitals from the patients, and the low number of employees that specialize in handling elderly patients. To be able to address the concern, health professionals have thought of allowing nursing practitioners to provide visits and services to elderly patients at their homes. The materialization of this idea is the moving stage of the change theory. Lastly, for the unfreezing stage, evaluation and assessment of the results and effectivity of the idea was done. The main concerns of the idea are the increased number of elderly patients provided with proper care and effectivity and efficiency of the nurses involved.
References
Kaminski, J. (2011). Diffusion of Innovation Theory. Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics 6(2).
Sutherland, K. (2013). Applying Lewin’s Change Management Theory to the Implementation of Bar-Coded Medication Administration. Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics 8(1).
Tesson, K. (n.d.). Chaos theory, complexity theory and emergence. Inclusional Research Forum & Learning Space. Retrieved from http://www.inclusional-research.org/comparisons4.php [Accessed on 8 Jan 2016].
