Application of Care Theory in HIC/AIDS Infected Patients
Theory of Care in HIV/AIDS Patients
Theory Overview
The concept of the theory of care emerged as a fundamental principle in nursing practice that involves a more human approach in care. Jane Watson (2008) defined the theory of human care as the practice of equanimity and loving-kindness. This core principle is concerned about providing authentic presence and deep belief of the patient while enabling the cultivation of one’s own spiritual practice. The theory encompasses an approach that fosters care healing in the nursing environment. In addition, the theory is being integrated into practice among HIV/AIDS patients, which will be highlighted by the subsequent discussion.
The principle of relational caring
The patient’s perception of the nursing care attitude contributes to the hesitations of the HUV/AIDS patients to undergo treatment and care because of the apparent discriminatory behavior they might get from the nurses (Jordahl, 1998). However, the theory of care can be integrated into practice, which entails a change in the nursing behavior towards the HIV/AIDS patient. Relational caring principle is based on the notion of moral, ethical, and philosophical perspectives of values and love. Care professionals would be able to integrate the aforementioned principles by establishing the moral commitment towards the protection of human dignity. Usually, the HIV/AIDS patients are critical about the subject of human dignity because of being conscious about the circumstances that had occurred leading to the event of infection. Hence, transpersonal care would help the nurses to deliver care if the patient can feel respect from the care providers, which apparently enhances the patient’s perception of himself. The process in which relational caring can be integrated into practice an authentic presence that creates the connection that enables development of trust between the patient and the nurse.
Love/Hearted-Centered Caring Practice
The theory of care suggests 10 carative factors that were redefined as the process of caritas and among the important ones that fosters optimum care is the creation of a healing environment where beauty, wholeness, dignity, and comfort are existential (Smith, 2004). It is about making a connection with the patient and encourages a healing environment where respect towards the patient is enabled. Patient satisfaction is the key in successfully integrating love and heart-centered care practice in HIV/AIDS patient because the goal is to uplift their spirit and keep them strong throughout the healing process. Putting the theory in practice requires the care professionals to establish goals and systematic intervention methods that will support actions towards educating the HIV/AIDS patients about self-care (Caetano and Pagluica, 2006).
The caring process drawn from the principles of the theory have changed the perspective of nursing practices from the formation of humanistic-altruistic values system into a more heart-centered practice that fosters equanimity and increased awareness about the importance of kindness. Furthermore, the caritas process provides an authentic approach in installing faith and hope on the HIV/AIDS patient given the fact that there is no definite cure that can steadily alleviate the illness. In such situation, it is important that the patient remains a positive attitude despite the illness. Lastly, integrating the theory if care in practice helps in cultivating sensitivity in one’s self and to the others, which the HIV/AIDS patients greatly requires in the healing process.
Conclusion
The care theory can be integrated into care of HIV/AIDS patient by enabling a healing environment that is love/heart-centered and to establish connectedness between the patient and the care provider. The importance of putting kindness into care in the HIV/AIDS patient healing environment is to make them feel the presence of genuine concern, which in return aids them throughout the process of recovery.
References
Caetano, J. Á., & Pagliuca, L. M. (2006). Self-care and HIV/aids patients: nursing care systematization. Revista Latino-americana De Enfermagem, 14(3), 336-345. doi:10.1590/S0104-11692006000300006
Jordahl, J. L. (1998). HIV/AIDS Patients' Perceptions of Nurse Caring Behaviors(Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from http://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1397&context=theses
Smith, M. (2004). Review of Research Related to Watson’s Theory of Caring. Nursing Science Quarterly, 17(1), 13-25. doi:10.1177/0894318403260545
Watson, J. (2008). ore Concepts of Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring and Caring Science. Watsons Caring Science Institute.
