The Role of Nursing Theories in Shaping Patient-Centered Care: A Conceptual Analysis

Abstract

This study explores the role of nursing theories in shaping patient-centered care (PCC), highlighting their impact on nursing practice, patient satisfaction, and healthcare outcomes. The study employs a qualitative research design using conceptual analysis to identify key concepts and principles from major nursing theories. Through a structured data collection process, relevant literature from databases such as PubMed and CINAHL was analyzed. The process involved four stages: initial search, screening, eligibility check, and final inclusion, leading to the review of 120 peer-reviewed articles. Key nursing theories, including Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory, and Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, were examined to understand their influence on the principles of PCC, such as empathy, respect for autonomy, and holistic care.
The results demonstrate that nursing theories contribute significantly to the practice of patient-centered care by offering theoretical frameworks for effective care delivery. The study categorizes nursing theories into three conceptual groups: caring-based, relationship-based, and systems-based theories. Core themes such as relationship-building, patient empowerment, and holistic care emerged as essential for promoting PCC. Relationship-based theories emphasize therapeutic communication, while systems-based theories, like Neuman's Systems Model, address the broader social, psychological, and structural dimensions of care.
The study reveals that nursing theories provide a structured foundation for nurse-patient interactions, personalized care, and shared decision-making. These insights underscore the role of nursing theories in fostering empathy, enhancing patient satisfaction, and promoting positive health outcomes.