MN502 Unit 8 Assignment Betty Neuman’s Systems Model – Example

MN502 Unit 8 Assignment Betty Neuman’s Systems Model

Introduction

I chose the Neuman Systems Model theory because it goes deeper into holistic care while establishing an easy-to-follow framework that I can incorporate into any nursing field I may work in, whether a hospital, SNF, medical practice office, research, or even teaching if I so wish later. My theory (Neuman) is derived from my (Neuman’s) established model, which is based on assumptions that I (Neuman), the nurse who is the data collector, will obtain enough information to analyze adequately, and this information will aid in my prescribing from my assessing appropriately. 

The proper assessment will be a building block in the patients’ health chart to be able to aid me in prescribing health needs to stabilize and improve the patient’s health on the continuum of care with a goal from destabilized to stabilized health. During my (Neuman’s) time working in a hospital, I (Neuman) learned the importance of a patient to stabilize, recovering, and continue wellness. As I (Neuman) stated, “accurately assessing the environmental and other stressors and assisting the client, through the patient or nursing adjustments, will maintain optimal wellness. (McEwen & Wills, 2023, p. 156).

Watching my (Neuman) mother work as a midwife helped me (Neuman) to understand humans. Caring for my (Neuman’s) dying father gave me (Neuman) compassion and understanding of human frailty and the impact the loss of life has on the survivors.  This derived a greater understanding of both the external and internal impacts on the imbalance of the health of humans (Gonzalo, 2024). My (Neuman’s) work teaching a university to new nurses inspired me (Neuman) to create a model that would assist new nursing students to understand and comprehend to include client variables beyond the medical model, which will aid in creating a better diagnosis to help people (Gonzalo, 2024). 

My (Neuman) education in nursing and psychology, earning a master’s in mental health (Beckman, 2019) helped me (Neuman) understand the entire human, encompassing internal and external variables impacting the state of health of the individual, helped me (Neuman) realize the medical model was missing faucets of the human. There was a need for further understanding psychologically, emotionally, and various other attributes impacting human health beyond medicine.  Nursing’s primary concern is to assess and define the appropriate action to assist the patient, which is often a stressor to the patient (Hannoodee & Dhamoon, 2023).

Development and Application of the Theory

Theorizing Stage – MN502 Unit 8 Assignment 

The historical context that influenced the development of my theory was rooted in the mid-20th century’s growing recognition of the limitations of the purely medical model of health care. As a nurse working in various settings, including mental health, I observed that patient outcomes were influenced by a complex interplay of factors beyond just their physical symptoms. The post-World War II era saw significant advancements in systems theory and a growing interest in holistic approaches to health. My personal experiences, such as watching my mother work as a midwife and caring for my dying father, provided insights into the human aspects of health care that were often overlooked in traditional medical approaches.

I realized that nursing students required a framework that could help them understand and address the multiple variables affecting patient health. This realization, combined with my education in nursing and psychology, led me to develop a model that could bridge the gap between the medical model and a more holistic approach to patient care. I saw the need for a theory that would guide nurses in considering not just the physical aspects of health, but also the psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual dimensions of human wellbeing.

Syntax Stage

The Neuman Systems Model is built upon several key concepts and statements that form its syntax. The meta-paradigm of nursing (environment, person, nursing, health) is central to understanding my theory. Here are the primary concepts:

1. Client/Client System: This represents the patient, family, group, or community receiving nursing care. The client system is viewed as a composite of five interacting variables: physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual.
2. Environment: This includes all internal and external factors that surround and interact with the client. The environment is categorized into:

• Internal environment (intrapersonal factors)
• External environment (inter- and extra-personal factors)
• Created environment (unconsciously developed by the client)

1. Stressors: These are tension-producing stimuli that have the potential to disrupt system stability. Stressors are classified as:

• Intrapersonal: Occur within the client (e.g., emotions, thoughts)
• Interpersonal: Occur between individuals (e.g., role expectations)
• Extrapersonal: Occur outside the client (e.g., financial concerns, job stress)

1. Lines of Defense and Resistance:

• Flexible Line of Defense: The outer boundary that acts as a protective buffer
• Normal Line of Defense: The client’s usual state of wellness
• Lines of Resistance: Internal factors that help the client defend against stressors

1. Degree of Reaction: The amount of system instability resulting from stressor invasion
2. Prevention as Intervention:

• Primary prevention: Occurs before the system reacts to a stressor
• Secondary prevention: Occurs after the system reacts to a stressor
• Tertiary prevention: Occurs after secondary prevention; aims at readaptation

1. Reconstitution: The state of adaptation to stressors in the internal and external environment

Theory Testing

Two examples of research that examine my Neuman Systems Model demonstrate its applicability and value in nursing practice:

1. Romanniny et al. (2024) conducted a study on occupational stress in health professionals using the middle-range theory derived from my model. The research proposed the need for a nursing diagnosis for occupational stress, which could lead to improved outcomes for healthcare providers. By establishing such a diagnosis, professionals could access necessary support through insurance, potentially reducing turnover and ultimately benefiting patient care.
2. Akhlaghi et al. (2020) applied the Neuman Systems Model to patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Their randomized clinical trial showed that interventions based on my model significantly reduced stress levels in the intervention group compared to the control group. This research demonstrated the model’s effectiveness in a specific clinical context, highlighting its potential for improving patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness in hospital settings.

Evaluation Stage

The Neuman Systems Model has been widely adopted and applied in various nursing contexts:

1. Holistic Nursing: My theory has been instrumental in establishing holistic nursing care as a recognized specialty. The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) offers certification for Advanced Practice Holistic Nurses (APHN-BC), which is grounded in the principles of my model. This certification demonstrates the model’s influence on developing policies, procedures, and best practice standards in holistic nursing care (HN, AHNCC, 2024).
2. Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: Montano (2021) developed a new model titled “Neuman Systems Model Perspective of Nurse-Led Interprofessional Collaborative Practice” to provide a framework for caring for community-dwelling older adults. This adaptation of my model demonstrates its flexibility and relevance to contemporary healthcare challenges.
3. Gerontological Nursing: Oliveira et al. (2024) conducted a scoping review that highlighted the adaptability and effectiveness of the Neuman Systems Model in meeting the diverse needs of older adults, resulting in improved quality of life for this population.

In evaluating my theory, it’s important to note its strengths and limitations. The model’s broad scope and flexibility allow for application across various nursing specialties and patient populations. Its emphasis on prevention and holistic care aligns well with current healthcare trends. However, the model’s comprehensiveness can sometimes make it challenging to apply in highly specialized or acute care settings where more specific guidelines may be needed. Additionally, its focus on stress and stressors may not fully account for all factors affecting a client’s health and well-being.

Conclusion

The Neuman Systems Model offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the complex interplay of factors affecting human health. Its holistic approach, consideration of multiple variables, and emphasis on prevention make it a valuable tool for nurses across various practice settings. The model’s influence on nursing education, research, and practice demonstrates its enduring relevance in the field. As healthcare continues to evolve, the Neuman Systems Model provides a flexible and adaptable framework that can guide nurses in providing patient-centered care. While it has limitations, its overall contribution to nursing theory and practice is significant, offering a unique perspective that bridges the gap between traditional medical models and holistic healthcare approaches. The continued application and adaptation of the model in various nursing contexts underscore its lasting impact on the profession.

References

Akhlaghi, E., Babaei, S., & Abolhassani, S. (2020). Modifying Stressors Using Betty Neuman System Modeling in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: a Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Caring Sciences, 9(1), 13-19. https://doi.org/10.34172/jcs.2020.003

American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA). (2024). Certification. https://www.ahna.org/certification

Montano, A. R. (2021). Neuman Systems Model With Nurse-Led Interprofessional Collaborative Practice. Nursing Science Quarterly, 34(1), 45-53. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894318420965219

Oliveira, S., Caldas, C., Nicoli, E., Silva, F., Cardoso, R., & Lopes, F. (2024). Applicability of the Neuman Systems Model to the Gerontology Nursing practice: a scoping review. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, 32, e4224. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.6977.4224

Romanniny, H. S. C. A., Silva, A. B. P., Dantas, A. L. M., Menezes, H. F., Prado, N. C. C., Santos, R. S. C., Manso, R. K. G. S., Ferreira, T. T., & Silva, R. A. R. (2024). Middle-Range Theory of Occupational Stress in Health Professionals. SAGE Open Nursing, 10, 23779608241236290. https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608241236290