Nursing Theory Applications: A Practice Model

Abstract

A theoretical model derived from the open system nursing principles of Parse, Newman, and Rogers guided the development of a nursing practice application designed to promote the health and quality of life of hospitalized, chronically mentally ill patients. The harmonious accord model, which consists of the concepts of value, movement, and creative expression patterns and operationalizes these concepts in specific nursing assessment and intervention strategies, was implemented on two extended psychiatry units over a 3-year period. This article discusses practice applications of the model, describes the plan for implementation and patient/nurse responses to implementation, and suggests a line of inquiry to eventually evaluate the effectiveness of the model for increasing patient quality of life.