Incorporating theory
The theory that best suits the application of massage therapy in addressing the pains that post cancer treatment patients usually go through is the theory of goal attainment that was crafted by Imogene Kings (Kiresuk, Smith & Cardillo, 2014). The main components of this theory are in regards of how nurses and their patients interact during the care provision process. The primary focus of this theory is on how communication between these two parties sees to it that the patient emerges with desirable outcomes. This goal can be achieved when a system directed at achieving the well-being of patients exists is given the required attention.
Theory components and rationale for selecting it
The theory of goal attainment comprises of personal, interpersonal and social systems interactions which exist between the care provider and the patient. The components of the personal system are body development, patient's perception in addition to self-growth and development. The interpersonal component is made up of role, stress, and the communication process. The final component which is the social system is made up of decision making, status power and authority (da Silva et al., 2016). There is the need for having in place structures which will see to it that these systems interact properly so that the patient under the care of the nurse achieves high-quality care which is the primary goal of this theory. However, in case there are any differences between the patient and the care provider, the goal attainment theory cannot be fully achieved since the working relationship of the core components has been compromised (da Silva et al., 2016). As such, the theory of goal attainment enables patients to air out their issues in relation to the care that they receive from the care provider. The rationale for selecting this theory is that it ensures that the specific needs of the patient are taken into consideration by the nurse which eventually leads to the patient receiving holistic care (Leon‐Demare et al., 2016).
How the theory works in support of my proposed solution
There is the need for ensuring that proper assessments of the needs of cancer patient experiencing pain are done. Such a move is beneficial as it lays down the foundation on which the patient’s desires can be addressed. Additionally, the assessment process makes it possible for the care provider to understand the most appropriate massage technique which can be used on different patients having different types of cancer pain (Kiresuk, Smith & Cardillo, 2014). It is important for oncology care nurses to ensure that the needed transactions on the side of patients are achieved. This can be realized only if there is a proper communication channel in place. This communication process is essential in making sure that the components of the goal attainment theory have been incorporated in the treatment process (Leon‐Demare et al., 2015). The last step according to this theory is seeing to it that a proper evaluation of the intervention is done as it serves to show that the goal of pain reduction in these patients has been achieved.
Explanation of how I will incorporate the theory in my project
It is essential that I have a proper understanding of the specific needs of my cancer patients since it will play the role of seeing to it that a care plan customized to meet their needs is developed and followed to the later. Therefore, I will evaluate the views of the cancer patients regarding massage therapy for me to understand well their specific needs and the specific points on their bodies where the pain is emanating from (Boyd et al., 2016). This evaluation process will be helpful in developing the most appropriate massage technique for these patients. Additionally, patients will be given education on how they are supposed to go about their daily living when discharged from the hospital. Such a move will assist in having them achieve improved quality of life while at home and how to conform to the society better.
References
Boyd, C., Crawford, C., Paat, C. F., Price, A., Xenakis, L., & Zhang, W. (2016). The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations—A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: Part II, cancer pain populations. Pain Medicine, pnw100.
da Silva, R. N., & Ferreira, M. D. A. (2016). Users’ participation in nursing care: an element of the Theory of Goal Attainment. Contemporary nurse, 1-11.
Kiresuk, T. J., Smith, A., & Cardillo, J. E. (2014). Goal attainment scaling: Applications, theory, and measurement. Psychology Press.
Leon‐Demare, K., MacDonald, J., Gregory, D. M., Katz, A., & Halas, G. (2015). Articulating nurse practitioner practice using King's theory of goal attainment. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 27(11), 631-636.
