A theory is defined as a set of correlated concepts that propose actions to guide a practice; they are coherent general propositions whose principles are used as a basis for explanations. Nursing theories are set of concepts and propositions from nursing models whose purpose is to provide a systematic view of phenomena through description and explanation (Butts & Rich, 2013). Nursing theories and models are known to play an important role in the development and growth of nursing profession by providing foundations for practice and generating knowledge for future nursing.
Betty Neuman’s General System Theory was first published in 1972; it provides a structure for putting together in a flexible holistic manner the information about humans and using a system based approach for nursing (Flaherty, 2013). The Neuman’s GST model consists of a basic structure and resources necessary for basic survival. The basic structure or core is surrounded by resistance lines normally activated whenever the system is invaded by a stressor. The normal line of defense whose function according to Neuman’s model is to ensure wellness by protecting the system from negative impacts of stressors is located outside the line of resistance (Flaherty, 2013). Lastly, the outer boundary of the system is made up of the flexible line of defense that provides first response to stressors. The different levels in Neuman’s system’s model take into account the five variables of patients which are psychological, socio-cultural, developmental and spiritual. Neuman’s GST model applies to nursing in that it considers the patient as a general open system that responds to environmental stressors, the GST’s holistic approach is applied in nursing by addressing the whole person as a system while providing treatment. Moreover, the six nursing process steps apply Neuman’s Systems Model. The first step among the six is patient assessment where both actual and potential stressors are identified as well as impacts on the lines of defense. The second step is the nursing diagnosis normally done by interpreting data collected in assessment phase. Third step is setting goals with the main objective being to stabilize the patient system; the fourth step is creation of a plan to achieve the goals. According to the Neuman’s GST, the plan should focus at making defense and resistance lines stronger. The fifth step is implementation of the plan which follows the model’s three stages of primary, secondary as well as tertiary prevention. The sixth and last step is evaluation of the nursing process to establish whether restoration of the patient well-being and stability was attained.
What appeals to me most about Neuman’s GST is that the theory clearly explains how a system functions. It states that the different parts of a system have both functional and structural relationships between each other and that we should not only seek to understand the elements of a system but also their interrelationships.
A clinical example that demonstrates common elements in Neuman’s General Systems Theory is that of a male patient who has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and is worried because he is the breadwinner of the family. According to the Neuman’s GST, in this example, how the patient interacts with the internal and external environment creates a whole patient system (Flaherty, 2013). The stressor in this particular case is pancreatic cancer which has disturbed the stability of the normal line of defense of the patient. As a system, human being contains psychological, socio-cultural, developmental and spiritual sub-systems. In reference to Neuman’s GST, the patient’s sociocultural layer has been disturbed because being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will make him unable to engage in normal activities and provide for his family. Applying Betty Neuman’s General System Theory therefore fits into the example above as it elaborate how a system which is in our case a pancreatic cancer patient functions. Nurses providing care to the pancreatic cancer patient should therefore apply Neuman’s GST by assessing all the variables or stressors that affect his stability and well being rather than focusing on pancreatic cancer alone.
References
Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2013). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing practice. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Flaherty, K. M. (2013). Neuman Systems Model in Nursing Practice. Nursing Theory: Utilization & Application, 200.
