Evaluation of the Human Becoming Theory in Practice in an Acute Care Psychiatric Setting

Abstract

Using a descriptive evaluation research method, this study evaluated Parse's theory of human becoming in practice in the psychiatric setting. A pre- mid- post-implementation design served to generate qualitative data from nurses, patients, unit nurse managers, hospital nurse supervisors, and nurse documentation that illuminated changes in the quality of nursing care on three diverse pilot units. Major themes of change supported by all data sources were shifting views of human beings, altered ways of listening, altered foci of nurse-person discussions, and personal transformations. Identified themes surfaced strikingly different qualities of change for each pilot unit. Recommendations related to the successful implementation of Parse theory-based practice are presented.

Theory-based practice as plural interpretations: A case of the the integration of the Humanbecoming theory in a palliative care setting

“…They said they had found meaning by integrating this approach into their practice, a finding which coincides with earlier writings (Bournes & Ferguson-Paré, 2007;Gaudine, 2001;Jonas, 1999;Mitchell, 1999;Northrup & Cody, 1998;Santopinto & Smith, 1999). Some of them, evoking they had better relations with patients and experienced a positive impact on their quality of life, felt a greater sense of fulfillment.…”

“…Similarly, Mitchell (1999) reported that patients and families attested that nurses were more attentive, took more time to discuss things that were important to them, and, most importantly, gave them the impression of being a whole person rather than a number or a "disease" (Mitchell, 1999). At a more concrete level, Northrup and Cody (1998) found a decline in the use of physical and chemical restraints after implementing the Humanbecoming theory. Legault and Ferguson-Paré (1999) witnessed improvements in "unit leadership and visibility" inside and outside the institution.…”

“…Some authors have asserted that theory-based practice improves nurses' attitudes and behaviours toward patients by rapidly transforming their representation of what nursing and health are and, therefore, the nurses' goals (Cody, 2013;Fawcett & DesantoMadeya, 2013;George, 2011;Meleis, 2007;Parker, 2006;Parker & Smith, 2010). Indeed, nurses who learned and consciously enacted theory within their practice reported having a more accurate representation of their professional mandate, better relationships with patients and colleagues, and greater job satisfaction (Bournes & Ferguson-Paré, 2007;Flanagan, 2009;Legault & Ferguson-Paré, 1999;MacLeod Dyess, Boykin, & Bulfin, 2013;Mitchell, 1999;Northrup & Cody, 1998;Santopinto & Smith, 1999). Referring to the implementation of Watson's theory, St-Germain, Blais, and Cara (2008) showed that these effects were mainly attributed to positive feedback emanating from patients and their families.…”

Using drama to improve person‐centred dementia care

“…, 2000). Research validated changed practice and increased practitioner and patient satisfaction on two surgical units (Northrup & Cody, 1998; Saltmarche et al. , 1998; Mitchell et al.…”

Parallels in practice: Palliative nursing practice and Parse’s theory of human becoming

“…Published evaluation research includes studies conducted in Canada and the US. 24,25,35,40 Nurse scholars from various countries write about the theory of human becoming in research and practice, extending and enhancing the knowledge base of the theory, and thus that of nursing science. Knowledge development guided by this theoretical perspective focuses on the lived experience of unitary humans.…”