Application of Roy's adaptation model in cancer patient with chronic pain

Abstract

Introduction: Adaptation is a key factor of individual's effective coping with changes in their internal and external environment. Through their activities nurses help assure the necessary resources for a more successful process of adaptation. The article discusses the suitability of the Callista Roy's Adaptation model when tending to patients in the pain relief unit.

Methods: The research was based on a triangulation of literature review and the critical incident technique (CIT) as the qualitative research data collection method. The literature was conducted using the union bibliographic/catalogue database COBIB.SI and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). A total of 165 hits were obtained yielding to 34 scientific articles and 7 monographs used for the study purposes. The selection criteria were the primary sources by Callista Roy, accessibility, relevance, and the critical analysis of the model. The method of critically reflecting on an incident (CIT ) involves three stages, namely, describing the incident and the context, analysing, and developing practice theory by considering how theory could be redeveloped as a result of the analysis.

Results: Roy's Adaptation model is one of the widely applied nursing models in nursing practice, the education and research which in the case of cancer patients naturally complements Virginia Henderson’s Fourteen basic needs nursing theory. The model can be applied in the assessment of the patient’s physical and psychosocial condition. Nurses can promote the adaptation process in each of the four adaptive modes by offering psychosocial support, health education and counseling.

.Discussion and conclusion: The results of the current study confirm previous research related to the use of the Adaptation model of nursing in cancer patients.  The model allows the assessment of the patient’s condition on all four adaptation levels and planning of nursing interventions. By providing psychosocial support and information nurses can improve the quality of life and help the chronically ill patients and their families to cope with the changed daily life patterns and management of pain.