Various nursing theories do not perceive patients in terms of illness or injury, but as a whole person. This phenomenon is known as humanistic or holistic approach, and it seeks to boost not only physical, but also mental and emotional health of patients (NTO, 2014). This is anchored on the notion that patients have the potential to grow in a healthy and creative way. This theory was engineered by Loretta Zderad and Josephine Paterson. According to these theorists, nursing education ought to be anchored on experience, and that nursing training must emphasize on nurses’ ability to not only relate, but also interact with patients while putting into consideration their scientific and medical backgrounds.
In essence, this nursing theory stresses on nurse-patient relationship. This theory suggests that both nurses and patients influence the outcomes of nursing interventions (NTO, 2014). In other words, this model posits that the interaction between the nurse and the patient is as significant as medical interventions. Therefore, humanistic nursing approach evaluates how the relationship between nurses and patients is initiated and nurtured on top of the patients’ mental and physical health. As such, this model perceives every patient as an individual and that every situation is unique. Unlike other models, this approach has no defined formula for developing nurse-patient relationship, however, every patient is catered for on case-to case basis.
Historically, this theory draws its principles from the theories of caring by Jean Watson and from novice to expert model of nursing engineered by Patricia Benner. According to Benner’s theory, a nurse has the potential to acquire knowledge and skills even without realizing the theory guiding such knowledge and skills. Research and characterization, according to Benner, helps healthcare providers to advance their experience. Nursing has five stages namely “novice, advanced, beginner, competent, proficient and expert” (NTO, 2014, p.1). On the other hand, Watson’s theory indicates that nursing seeks not only to promote health and prevent illness, but also care for the sick and restore health. This theory sees nursing as a human science of persons, as well as, human health experiences, that are championed by scientific, personal, professional, ethical and esthetic human interactions (NTO, 2014). Patients are perceived on the account of culture, community and family, and nursing practice focuses on the patient, but not technology. Benner’s and Watson’s principles have been articulated in the humanistic approach. This means that both nurses and patients are influenced by this model. To be specific, this theory determines the interaction between the nurse and the patient, as well as, the outcome of nursing interventions applied, whether scientific or otherwise.
Howard’s theoretical model has been developed as a measurement tool for this model. This tool takes into consideration various dimensions, which include: positive affect, empathy, shared decision making and responsibility, status equality, freedom of action, holistic selves and irreplaceability (Fenton, 1987). Seventy items of this tool have been narrowed down to four dimensions: empathy, status equality, holistic selves, and shared decision making and responsibility. This tool can be used either as an instructional device or diagnostic tool (Fenton, 1987).
Humanistic model has its strengths and weaknesses. On a positive note, this model stresses on the nurse-patient relationship. This contributes to not only physical healing, but also emotional and mental stability of the patient. This attribute is by far the most vital aspect of humanistic approach. However, this model lags behind with respect to the formula that can be used to attain it; proponents of this theory must come up with a defined way that will guide nurses in applying this model, if optimal results have to be realized.
References
Fenton, M.V. (1987). Development of the Scale of Humanistic Nursing Behaviors. Nurs Res. 36(2), 82-7. Retrieved on 11 March 2014 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3644263
NTO. (2014). Humanistic Model. Retrieved March 11, 2014 from http://nursing- theory.org/theories-and-models/humanistic-model.php
