Theory Analysis: Week 1

Analysis of the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms

The goal of the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (TOUS) is to increase knowledge about symptom relationships and symptom experiences, thereby increasing effective symptom management through nursing interventions. The theory provides a reference model that can be used to practice and research factors that influence the physiological, psychological, and situational aspects and the effect of those influences in terms of symptom and performance outcomes in the context of nursing (Lee et al., 2017). It opens up an opportunity to evaluate patients’ symptoms to TOUS and increase the range of measures on the delivery of care: Theory Analysis: Week 1.

The TOUS most significantly aligns with current nursing practice, which treats all symptoms simultaneously rather than individually in patient-centred care. It offers logical client-directed treatments that are in line with the prevailing nursing science practice paradigms regarding the proliferation of intensity, suffering, and symptomatology. In addition, the theory provides different factors for explaining symptoms, including social support, environment, and individual health, so this theory is more general in clinical and culturally diverse situations (Lee et al., 2017).

Besides, the TOUS has undergone significant testing: This model has been applied by several researchers to different population groups with different health needs. For instance, TOUS has been used in investigations of various symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnoea, and other symptoms experienced by patients with cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among other ailments (Lee et al., 2017).

These principles have been discussed in the literature, and the applicability of these principles and concepts for early detection of symptoms, as well as the prognosis of quality of life and functional status, have been evidenced as described by Fei et al. (2021) in their review. Nevertheless, as this theory is linked to a small number of intervention guidelines, its usage is rather narrow for some areas of the intervention research.

TOUS can be applied in research and practice to form integrated, balanced, symptom-based, and influence factor-based overall impressions of the patient and their treatment plan. For example, a research study may use TOUS in order to determine the degree of organization and delivery of symptom management programs in improving the functional status of chronic disease patients when they are in the hospital and or upon discharge (Correia et al., 2023). Thus, based on the results of empirical research, TOUS can become useful and valuable as a tool that will serve as the basis for further advancement of knowledge and concepts within the framework of nursing practices and improvement of the quality of patient care.

References

Correia, J., Waqas, A., Assal, J.-P., Davies, M. J., Somers, F., Golay, A., & Pataky, Z. (2023). Effectiveness of Therapeutic Patient Education Interventions for Chronic diseases: a Systematic Review and meta-analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in Medicine, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.996528

Fei, F., Koffman, J., Zhang, X., & Gao, W. (2021). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Symptom Cluster Composition, Associated Factors, and Methodologies: A Systematic Review. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 44(4), 395–415. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945921995773

Lee, S. E., Vincent, C., & Finnegan, L. (2017). An analysis and evaluation of the theory of unpleasant symptoms. Advances in Nursing Science, 40(1). https://doi.org/10.1097/ans.0000000000000141

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

Purpose:
The purpose of this assignment is intended to allow the student to show evidence of the following course objectives:

• Examine how the advanced practice nurse integrates scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
• Apply research outcomes within the practice setting, resolve practice problems, work as a change agent, and disseminate results.

Description:
You are going to read the below article and consider the 19 questions listed. Your paper should answer the following questions:

• 1. What is the purpose of the theory;
• 15. Is the theory congruent with current nursing standards? Nursing interventions;
• 16. Has the theory been tested?; and
• 19. How would you use the theory in a research study or in practice? Is it supported by research? Explain your answer.

The paper should be written following APA format (title page, headings, reference page, etc.) and include a minimum of 3 references. You will draft this paper and submit it to the South College Writing Lab. You will submit a screenshot of your email to the Writing Center in the dropbox for this week’s submission.

Read the attached article, An Analysis and Evaluation of the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (Attached)

Consider all of the questions and answer the bolded questions in your paper (#1, #15, #16, #19):

Theory Analysis: Week 1

1. What is the purpose of the theory?
2. What is the scope of the theory?
3. What were the origins of the theory?
4. What are the major concepts?
5. What are the theoretical propositions?
6. What are the major assumptions?
7. What is the context for use?
8. Are the concepts theoretically and operationally defined? Why or why not?
9. Are statements defined? Why or why not?
10. Are linkages explicit? Explain your answer.
11. Is the theory logically organized? Explain your answer.
12. Is there a model/diagram? Why or why not?
13. Are the concepts, statements, and assumptions consistent? Why or why not?
14. Are outcomes or consequences stated or predicted?
15. Is the theory congruent with current nursing standards? Nursing interventions?
16. Has the theory been tested? Is it supported by research? Explain your answer.
17. Is there evidence that the theory has been used? Is it socially or culturally relevant? Explain your answer.
18. Does the theory contribute to nursing? What are the implications for nursing related to the implementation of the theory?
19. How would you use the theory in a research study or in practice?

Requirements:

• This assignment needs to be submitted following APA format (title page, headings, reference page, etc.). Citations from References that are synthesized from the assigned article, course text, evidence-based and peer-reviewed research articles, and other credible sources are required. A minimum of 3 resources are used. References must be current within 5 years, with the exception of the assigned article from 2017.

You are required to submit your Theory Analysis to the South College Writing Lab. The Writing Lab helps with APA formatting, proper citation, summary writing, grammar, and professional style. Once you submit your paper, the writing center will provide feedback.
Below is the link to the South College Writing Lab. Enroll in the course and go to the help page.
South College Writing Lab Link
Follow the instructions for submissions.
Note: that email submissions may take up to two business days to return, so keep that in mind when you submit.