Fifth Edition

THE NEUMAN
SYSTEMS MODEL

Betty Neuman, FAAN, PhD

Theorist-Consultant
Founder/Director, Neuman Systems
Model Trustee Group, Inc. Beverly, Ohio

Jacqueline Fawcett, FAAN, PhD

Professor
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, Massachusetts

Pearson
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
The Neuman systems model / Betty Neuman, Jacqueline Fawcett, editors.
Fifth ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-514277-6
ISBN-10: 0-13-514277-6
1. NursingPhilosophy. 2. NursingStudy and teaching. I. Neuman, Betty M.
II. Fawcett, Jacqueline.
RT84.5.N474 2011
610.73dc22
2009053074

Publisher: Julie Levin Alexander

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 Dedication
I will always be grateful for the love and support received
from my late husband, Kree, for the experiences of being
the mother of Nancy, and for the joy I have experienced
as Alissas grandmother.
Betty Neuman

I always am grateful to my husband, John S. Fawcett,

for his continuing love and support. He is consistent in
his willingness to help me to attain my personal and
professional life goals.
Jacqueline Fawcett
This page intentionally left blank
 CONTENTS

Preface ix
Thank You xi

Section One The Neuman Systems Model 1

Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 3
Betty Neuman

Section Two Toward an Enhanced Understanding

of the Neuman Systems Model 35
Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 37
Michel A. Tarko, Anna M. Helewka

Chapter 3 The Client System as Family, Group, or Community 70

Anna Jajic, Hudson Andrews, Claire Winson Jones

Chapter 4 Reconstitution 89
Karen Reed Gehrling

Chapter 5 The Created Environment 100

Marlou du Kuiper

Chapter 6 Critical Thinking 105

Opal A. Freiburger

Section Three Neuman Systems Model Guidelines

for Education, Practice, Administration,
and Research 115
Chapter 7 Neuman Systems ModelBased Education for the Health
Professions: Guidelines and Educational Tools 117
Diana M. L. Newman, Karen Reed Gehrling, Lois Lowry, Rilla Taylor, Betty
Neuman, Jacqueline Fawcett

Chapter 8 Neuman Systems ModelBased Practice: Guidelines and

Practice Tools 136
Barbara T. Freese, Jan Russell, Betty Neuman, Jacqueline Fawcett

Chapter 9 Guidelines for Neuman Systems ModelBased

Administration of Health Care Services 153
Barbara F. Shambaugh, Betty Neuman, Jacqueline Fawcett
v
vi Contents

Chapter 10 Neuman Systems ModelBased Research: Guidelines and

Instruments 160
Margaret Louis, Eileen Gigliotti, Betty Neuman, Jacqueline Fawcett

Section Four The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing

Education 175
Chapter 11 Nursing Education at Loma Linda University 177
Margaret A. Burns

Chapter 12 Nursing Education at Anna Maria College 182

Barbara Cammuso, Audrey Silveri, Paulette Remijan

Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana UniversityPurdue University

Fort Wayne 194
Sarah Beckman, Lois Lowry, Sanna Boxley-Harges

Chapter 14 Psychiatric Nursing Education at Douglas College 216

Michel A. Tarko, Anna M. Helewka

Section Five The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing

Practice 221
Chapter 15 Using the Neuman Systems Model to Guide Pediatric
Nursing Practice 223
Betsy M. McDowell

Chapter 16 Reflections on Neuman Systems ModelBased Advanced

Psychiatric Nursing Practice 237
Mary Jeanne Groesbeck

Chapter 17 The Neuman Systems Model and EvidenceBased Nursing

Practice 245
Diane Breckenridge

Chapter 18 Excellence in Practice 253

Andr Merks, Caroline van Tilburg, Lois Lowry

Section Six The Neuman Systems Model and Administration

of Nursing Services 265
Chapter 19 Nursing Services at Allegiance Health 267
Helen M. Burnett, Kimberley J. Johnson-Crisanti
 Contents vii

Chapter 20 Utilizing the Neuman Systems Model to Maintain

and Enhance the Health of a Nursing Service:
Riverside Methodist Hospital 276
Lisa Kinder, Deborah Napier, Michelle Rubertino, Angela Surace, Judith
Burkholder

Section Seven The Neuman Systems Model and Theory

Development 281
Chapter 21 Deriving Middle-Range Theories from the
Neuman Systems Model 283
Eileen Gigliotti

Chapter 22 Integrative Theorizing: Linking Middle-Range

Theories with the Neuman Systems Model 299
Katharine Kolcaba, Raymond Kolcaba

Section Eight The Future 315

Chapter 23 The Neuman Systems Model and the Future 317
Betty Neuman, Lois Lowry

Appendices 325
Appendix A The Neuman Systems Model Definitions 327
Betty Neuman

Appendix B Betty Neumans Autobiography and Chronology of the Development

of the Neuman Systems Model 330
Betty Neuman

Appendix C Assessment and Intervention Based on the Neuman

Systems Model 338
Betty Neuman

Appendix D The Neuman Systems Model Research Institute 351

Eileen Gigliotti, Jacqueline Fawcett

Appendix E Trustees of Neuman Systems Model International 355

Betty Neuman

Appendix F1 Use of the Neuman Systems Model as a Guide for

Nursing Education 359
Betty Neuman, Lois Lowry, Jacqueline Fawcett
viii Contents

Appendix F2 Use of the Neuman Systems Model as a Guide for Nursing Services 370
Betty Neuman, Jacqueline Fawcett

Appendix G Neuman Systems Model Bibliography and Web Site Information 375
Jacqueline Fawcett

Index 423
 PREFACE

The Neuman Systems Model, developed in 1970, was first used for nursing education and
practice in the mid-1970s. Since that time, the model has provided direction for develop-
ment of innovations in nursing in particular and health care in general. Within a decade
of its development, the model achieved global recognition as a transcultural guide for
client system care. The decade of the 1990s and the first decade of the 21st century saw
increased use of the model as a guide for clinical practice, research, education, and ad-
ministration, as clients and caregivers alike recognize the need for a wholistic, systems ap-
proach to global health care concerns.
This fifth edition of The Neuman Systems Model continues the tradition established
with the previous four editions by including contributions that clearly reflect the broad
applicability of the model. Section One of this edition, which contains Chapter 1, presents
a detailed description of the Neuman Systems Model. Chapter 1 represents further reor-
ganization of earlier presentations of the Neuman Systems Model; no changes in the con-
tent of the model have been made for this edition of the book.
Section Two, which contains Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, presents exciting new in-
sights about Neuman Systems Model concepts. Chapter 2 contains a detailed description
of the client system as an individual, and Chapter 3 contains a detailed description of the
client system as a family, a group, or a community. Chapter 4 is a presentation of new
thoughts about the previously elusive concept of reconstitution, and Chapter 5 sheds light
on the meaning of the equally elusive concept of the created environment. Chapter 6
contains an informative discussion of how use of the Neuman Systems Model can en-
hance critical thinking.
The four chapters of Section ThreeChapters 7, 8, 9, and 10present guidelines
for Neuman Systems Modelguided education, practice, administration of nursing services,
and research, respectively. Chapter 7 also includes a list of educational tools derived from
the Neuman Systems Model, Chapter 8 also includes a list of practice tools derived from
the model, and Chapter 10 includes a list of research instruments derived from the model.
Section Four is made up of four chapters11, 12, 13, and 14that will help read-
ers to understand how the Neuman Systems Model is used to guide curriculum construc-
tion in associate degree (Chapter 12) and baccalaureate degree (Chapters 11 and 13)
nursing programs in the United States, and a specialized psychiatric nursing degree pro-
gram in Canada (Chapter 14).
The focus turns to nursing practice in Section Five. Chapter 15 presents a detailed ex-
planation of how the Neuman Systems Model guides pediatric nursing practice. Chapter 16
contains a thoughtful discussion of the use of the model as a guide for psychiatric nursing
practice. The content of Chapter 17 will help readers to understand how the Neuman
Systems Model can be used to guide a highly successful program that emphasizes the in-
tegration of practice and research needed for evidence-based practice. Chapter 18 contains
a detailed discussion of how implementation of the Neuman Systems Model was evalu-
ated in a psychiatric facility in Holland. The two chapters of Section SixChapters 19
and 20present informative step-by-step explanations of how nurse leaders in two hos-
pitals in the United States facilitated implementation of the Neuman Systems Model as a
guide for administration of nursing services.

ix
x Preface

A special feature of this fifth edition of the book is Section Seven, which contains
two chapters focusing on theory development. Chapter 21 presents a detailed explana-
tion of the process used to derive a middle-range theory from the Neuman Systems
Model, and Chapter 22 addresses the issues involved in linking existing middle-range the-
ories with the model.
Section Eight, which contains Chapter 23, addresses the Neuman Systems Model and
the future. In this chapter, Betty Neuman, along with several trustees of Neuman Systems
Model International, present ideas about the future of the Neuman Systems Model.
This edition also includes seven appendices. Appendix A provides the definition of
each Neuman Systems Model concept. Appendix B presents Betty Neumans autobiogra-
phy and a chronology of the development and utilization of the Neuman Systems Model.
Appendix C includes the Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process Format and the
Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool, as well as a family case study
that illustrates the wellness-focused, comprehensive, and flexible features of the Neuman
Systems Model. Appendix E presents an explanation of the Neuman Systems Model
Research Institute. Appendix E is a description of Neuman Systems Model International
and a list of current and former trustees. Appendix F includes a list of schools of nursing
that have used the Neuman Systems Model as a guide for one or more courses or the en-
tire curriculum, as well as lists of clinical agencies that use the model as a basis for admin-
istration of nursing services. Appendix G presents a comprehensive bibliography of
Neuman Systems Model literature, including primary sources, commentaries, and applica-
tions in clinical practice, research, education, and administration.
This fifth edition, like previous editions, is suitable as a text for all levels of nursing
education in all clinical specialties, as well as for continuing education programs. This
edition also is a useful text for students, educators, clinicians, researchers, and administra-
tors in all health care disciplines.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We once again acknowledge the enthusiasm of users and would-be users of the Neuman
Systems Model worldwide. Their continued interest in and questions about practical uses
of the model provided the motivation for this edition.
We offer our gratitude to all contributing authors for their willingness to share their
most creative work with us and with the readers of this edition. We are grateful also for
the continuing support of the trustees of Neuman Systems Model International. Their
commitment to the Neuman Systems Model certainly will ensure its continuing contribu-
tions to the advancement of health care knowledge in general and nursing knowledge in
particular.
We extend our appreciation to Pamela Fuller of Pearson Education and her staff for
their support and assistance throughout the preparation of this edition. We also acknowl-
edge the essential contributions of all the people who facilitated the production of this
edition.
Betty Neuman, FAAN, PhD
Jacqueline Fawcett, FAAN, PhD
 THANK YOU

Thanks go to our colleagues from schools of nursing around the world, who generously
gave their time to help create this book. These professionals helped us plan and shape
our book by contributing their collective experience and expertise as nurses and teachers,
and we made many improvements based on their efforts.

CONTRIBUTORS
Hudson T. Andrews, RPN, CFRC, BSc, MSc
Program Facilitator and Instructor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing
Douglas College David Lam Campus, Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada

Sarah J. Beckman, RN, MSN

Associate Professor
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Sanna Boxley-Harges, RN, ANP, MA

Associate Professor
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Diane M. Breckenridge, RN, MSN, PhD

Associate Professor
La Salle University, School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Associate Research Director, Department of Nursing
Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, Pennsylvania

Judith Burkholder, PMHCNS-BC, NEA-BC, MSN

Director Behavioral Health, Nursing Research and Excellence
Riverside Methodist Hospital
Columbus, Ohio

Helen M. Burnett, RN, MSN

Manager of Chronic Care Services, Retired
Allegiance Health
Jackson, Michigan

Margaret A. Burns, RN, DNSc

Associate Professor of Nursing
School of Nursing Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, California

xi
xii Thank You

Barbara Scott Cammuso, ANP, GNP, BS, PhD, EdD

Professor Emerita & Adjunct Professor
Fitchburg State College
Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Marlou de Kuiper, RN, Bed, MN

Dean, Master Degree Program, Centre for Nursing Studies
Faculty of Health Care, University of Applied Science
Utrecht, Holland

Barbara T. Freese, RN, EdD

Professor of Nursing Emeritus
Lander University
Greenwood, South Carolina

Opal A. Freiburger, RN, EdD

Professor Emerita of Nursing
Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Karen Reed Gehrling, RN, PhD

Professor
Malone University
Canton, Ohio

Eileen Gigliotti, RN, PhD

Professor
City University of New York
College of Staten Island and The Graduate Center
Staten Island, New York

Mary Jeanne Groesbeck, DNSc, ARNP, CS BS

Anna Helewka, RPN, RN, BSN, MSN
Faculty and Curriculum Coordinator, Department of Psychiatric Nursing
Douglas College David Lam Campus, Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada

Anna Jajic, RPN, RN, BSN, MSc

Instructor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing
Douglas College David Lam Campus, Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada

Kimberley J. Johnson-Crisanti, RN, CNM, MSN

Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, Womens & Childrens Health
Allegiance Health
Jackson, Michigan

Lisa Kinder, RN, CCRN, MSN

DirectorCritical Care, Intermediate, and Medical Telemetry
Riverside Methodist Hospital
Columbus, Ohio
 Thank You xiii

Kathy Kolcaba, RN, PhD

Associate Professor, Emeritus
The University of Akron
Akron, Ohio
Raymond Kolcaba, PhD
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Philosophy and Humanities (Retired)
Cuyahoga Community College
Cleveland, Ohio
Margaret A. Louis, RN, BC, CNE, PhD
Associate Professor
University of Nevada, School of Nursing
Las Vegas, Nevada
Lois W. Lowry, DNSc, RN, ANEF
Professor Emerita, East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tennessee
Betsy M. McDowell, RN, CCRN, CNE, PhD
Professor and Chair, Department of Nursing
Newberry College
Newberry, South Carolina
Andr A. Merks, BcN, RN, MSc
Policy Advisor/Researcher
Emergis, Institute for Mental Health Care
Zeeland, The Netherlands
Deborah Napier, RN, BSN, MA
Outcomes Manager, Orthopedic Services
Riverside Methodist Hospital
Columbus, Ohio
Diana M. L. Newman, RN, EdD
Professor, Retired, School of Nursing
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Boston, Massachusetts
Paulette Remijan, ANP-BC, MS
Assistant Professor of Nursing & Adult Nurse Practitioner
Anna Maria College
Paxton, Massachusetts
Michelle Rubertino, RN, ACNS-BC, CDE, MSN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Medical-Surgical Nursing
Riverside Methodist Hospital
Columbus, Ohio
Jan Russell, RN, PhD
Professor (Retired), School of Nursing
University of Missouri, Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri
xiv Thank You

Barbara F. Shambaugh, RN, EdD

Research Faculty
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Audrey Silveri, EdD, RN, MS, MA
Director of RN-BSN Nursing Program, Retired
Anna Maria College
Paxton, Massachusetts
Angela Surace, CNS, SNP-BC, CCRN, RN-BC, MS
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Patient Safety
Riverside Methodist Hospital
Columbus, Ohio
Michel A. Tarko, RPN, PhD
Vice President Education
Justice Institute of British Columbia, New Westminster
British Columbia, Canada
Rilla Taylor, RN, MN, EdD
Adjunct Professor
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
Orlando, Florida
Caroline H. van Tilburg-Ringelberg, BcN, RN, MSc
Policy Advisor/Researcher
Emergis, Institute for Mental Health Care
Zeeland, The Netherlands
Claire Winson-Jones, RPN, BHSc, MSc
Instructor, Department of Psychiatric Nursing
Douglas College David Lam Campus, Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada

REVIEWERS

Jo Azzarello, RN, PhD

Associate Professor
University of Oklahoma, College of Nursing
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Martha C. Baker, RN, CNE, APRN-BC, PhD
Director of BSN Program
St. Johns College of NursingSouthwest Baptist University
Springfield, Missouri
Lenny Chiang-Hanisko, RN, PhD
Assistant Professor & Course Coordinator
Kent State University, College of Nursing
Kent, Ohio
 Thank You xv

Margie Eckroth-Bucher, RN, PMHCNS-BC, PhD

Associate Professor
Bloomsburg University
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Pauline M. Green, RN, CNE, PhD

Professor
Howard University
Washington, DC

Joyce M. Knestrick, CRNP, PhD

Instructor
Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing
Hyden, Kentucky

Hernani L. Ledesma Jr., PTA, RN, MHA, MSN

Instructor
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, California

Marilyn Meder, RN, CFCN, PhD

Assistant Professor
Kutztown University
Kutztown Pennsylvania

Rebecca Otten, RN, EdD

Assistant Professor
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, California

Sue Robertson, RN, MS, PhD

Assistant Professor
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, California

Marsha Sato, RN, MN, EdD

Associate Professor & Director
Mount St. Marys College
Los Angeles, California

Phyllis Skorga, RN, CCM, PhD

Professor
Arkansas State University, School of Nursing
Jonesboro, Arkansas
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 SECTION ONE
    

The Neuman Systems Model

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CHAPTER 1
The Neuman Systems Model
Betty Neuman

The Neuman Systems Model is a unique, open systemsbased perspective that provides a
unifying focus for approaching a wide range of nursing concerns. A system acts as a
boundary for a single client, a group, and even a number of groups; it can also be defined
for a social issue. The client system in interaction with the environment delineates the
domain of nursing concerns. The Neuman Systems Model is dynamic because it is based on
the clients continuous relationship to environmental stress factors, which have potential
for causing a reaction, or obvious symptomatic reaction to stress, or could affect reconsti-
tution following treatment of a stress reaction. In particular, the model takes into account
all variables affecting a clients possible or actual response to stressors and explains how
system stability is achieved in relation to environmental stressors imposed on the client.
The main nursing goal is to facilitate optimal wellness for the client through retention,
attainment, or maintenance of client system stability. Optimal wellness represents the great-
est possible degree of system stability at a given point in time. Thus, wellness is a matter
of degree, a point on a continuum running from the greatest degree of wellness to severe
illness or death. Nursing action or intervention is based on a synthesis of comprehensive
client data and relevant theory that is appropriate to the clients perception of need and is
related to functional competence or possibility within the clients environmental context.
The content of this chapter is a revision of earlier presentations of the Neuman
Systems Model and its relationship to systems theory (Neuman, 1982, 1989b, 1995; Neuman &
Fawcett, 2002). The basic ideas comprising the model remain, though a few changes in def-
initions and interpretation of concepts are included here. As such, many of the references
cited are those that influenced the initial development of the model and later refinements.
The wholistic perspective, concepts, and processes of the Neuman Systems Model remain
equally applicable to any health care discipline, which increases the value of the model for
interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary use. Moreover, the Neuman
Systems Model is not in conflict with other conceptual models of nursing; rather, it has been
shown to be complementary to other nursing models because of its broad, comprehensive,
systemic, and wholistic perspective.
In this chapter, the content of the Neuman Systems Model is explicitly related to the
four concepts of nursings metaparadigmhuman beings, environment, health, and nurs-
ing. Definitions of important Neuman Systems Model concepts are found in Appendix A,
3
4 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

at the end of this book. Betty Neumans autobiography and a chronology of the develop-
ment of the Neuman Systems Model are given in Appendix B. The Neuman Systems
Model Nursing Process Format and the Neuman Systems Model Assessment and
Intervention Tool are presented in Appendix C. Appendix D provides information about
the Neuman Systems Model Research Institute, Appendix E lists the members of the
Neuman Systems Model Trustees Group, and Appendix F documents use of the Neuman
Systems Model as a guide for nursing education and administration of nursing services. A
comprehensive Neuman Systems Model bibliography and information about the Neuman
Systems Model Web site are available in Appendix G.

SYSTEMS THEORY AND NURSING

Systems theory has the potential for development of a totally new posture toward health
care professionalism. All scientific disciplines, including nursing, benefit from use of a sys-
temic structure for organization, specification, and cohesion of their increasingly complex
components.
The significance of systems theory for nursing has been recognized for many years.
Hazzard (1975), for example, noted: General system theory is a theory of organized com-
plexity, where all the elements are in interaction. Such a theory can be utilized well in
nursing. Nursing is a system because it consists of elements in interaction (p. 383).
Systems theory continues to be used as a unifying force for scholarly exploration in vari-
ous scientific disciplines, as well as in the fields of business and finance. Yet a major
question lingers: Will nursing fully recognize and accept the exciting potential for and
inevitable challenge to develop its scientific professional base within the breadth of a sys-
tems perspective? New frontiers are possible for the discipline through research validation
of systems use in continually evolving practice roles.
The growing complexity of nursing demands that an organizational system is able
to change as required, while preserving and even enhancing its inherent character. The
systems approach has the potential for such organization, while allowing the assimilation
of new demands through adjustive processes, which are requisite if new qualities are
to emerge. Aydelottes comments remain as valid today as when they were published
in 1972:

Nursing leadership must reorient itself and restructure itself in such a way that
nursing education and practice are inseparable, are symbolic, and are united in
purpose. We must put aside inertia, apathy, competitiveness, personal animosi-
ties, and censorship. We must restructure a set of social relationships [that] will
enable society to receive that which it has charged us to provide. If we do not
do this, society will surely place the charge they have given us elsewhere.
Portions of nursing leadership, in resisting change, have boldly overlooked the
fact that nursing as an occupation is a social institution and social institutions,
many of long standing, are crumbling and changing today as a result of the re-
ordering of priorities and of values and services by current day society. There is
a great need to accelerate the progressive movements now occurring in nursing:
striking changes in levels of nursing practice; greater development of clinical
specialization; and significant alterations in the reciprocal roles held by nurses
and other health personnel, particularly the physicians. There is increasing
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 5

evidence that these movements are responsive to what society wants and are
the directions that society will support. (p. 23)

Rapid societal changes, with concomitant creative expectations, roles, functions,

and conditions, create stress areas for nursing practice. A great challenge for nursing will
continue as the discipline attempts to remain stable yet flexible enough to meet the action
and reaction effects of both internal and external environmental demands. As nursing
functions become more diversified and complex, the traditional linkages or structures that
hold all of nursing together are being severely challenged. Thus, nursing professional in-
consistencies need closure to prevent others from making decisions.
The discipline of nursing has become a complex system, if measured only by the di-
versity of roles and functions. A systems perspective adds to our appreciation of the sys-
tems complexity and to the exploration and valuing of its parts. Portions of the domain of
nursing can be dealt with either as organized wholes within the larger superstructure or as
parts or subparts of the defined whole system.
For example, a nurse manager is concerned with the broad, all-encompassing do-
main, whereas a clinical nurse specialist gives priority of function to a specific area as a part
or subpart of the larger system. Using this example, the roles and functions of both the clin-
ical specialist and the manager would contribute to the development of new alliances,
providing truly wholistic client care. There are many other examples of new alliances that
benefit the nursing discipline and that enhance both education and practice. A reorientation
to the functional domain of nursing, with clearly defined subsystems, is required; we must
view structurally the logical overall system within which nursing education and practice
take place. After the boundaries of the larger system are established, the parts and subparts
inherent within it must be clearly defined. The use of systems theory can help nursing de-
fine itself in relation to new health mandates and health care reform issues, such as major
emphasis on wellness promotion and disease prevention.
As nursing roles and functions expand, they become more complex and compre-
hensive, and a broader structure will be required to encompass them. Expansiveness as a
result of assimilation of change is characteristic of a systems perspective. Complex nurs-
ing phenomena can be placed within a logical and empirically valid open systems per-
spective; as the number of parts or subparts increases, the whole expands. Regardless of
the size of an identified system, its boundaries, as well as the characteristics of the inter-
relating parts, must be defined for analysis and utilization. With an expansive systems
perspective as a nursing base, we must never overlook scientific exploration or the cross-
ing of interdisciplinary boundaries where cooperation and collaboration are requisites.

The Systems Perspective

Historically, Banathy (1973) acknowledged that solutions to increasingly more complex
technological and social problems are not found in the thinking and tools of single ana-
lytically oriented disciplines. Although this idea seems obvious in the contemporary
health care system, it has meant that we had to evolve a new way of thinking and a new
approach to disciplined inquiry in the form of systems science. Systems science has
demonstrated its effectiveness in attacking highly complex and large-scale problems. It
evolves models constructed of systems concepts that are applicable to several traditional
fields of knowledge. It also develops strategies that can be applied to the solution of
6 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

problems. The integration of systems concepts into our thinking leads us to acquire the
systems view, and the systems view enables us to think of ourselves, our environment,
and the entities that surround us (and of which we are a part) in a new way. This new
way of thinking can be applied to analysis, design, or development, and management of
systems for the solution of complex problems. Adapting systems thinking to nursing de-
mands a high degree of flexibility, which in turn allows for much creativity. A great risk
for the nursing profession lies in failing to measure up to the flexibility required by rapid
societal changes and demands and instead maintaining a potentially tragic semblance of
stability through defensive rigidity. We must also guard against maintenance of a quasi-
homeostatic or stability state through use of the systems approach.
For nursing to mature as a discipline and expand through a systems perspective, a
wide variety of creative approaches to client care must be examined. A possible begin-
ning point might be to rethink two major functional components of nursingeducation
and practice. In the systems approach, the two are interdependent and mutually affected
by environmental changes. Forming a cooperative, collaborative relationship between
these two interdependent parts of the system creates favorable conditions for enhance-
ment of the system. The ability to form meaningful relationships is requisite for the
growth of any system.
Miller (1965) identified the dimensions of the system as structure, process, and func-
tion. Structure refers to the arrangement of parts and subparts of a system at any given
point in time. Process and function refer to matter, energy, and information exchanges
with interaction between the parts and subparts. Living systems are open systems, and a
steady state exists when the composition of a system is relatively constant despite contin-
uous exchanges between the system and its environment. In systems thinking, the
whole is the structure; sharing is the function.
Inherent within the systems perspective are guidelines for system enhancement and
expansion. This feature is particularly significant to nursing, which is becoming an in-
creasingly complex system within the general health care system. Some advantages of the
use of systems theory in nursing are the integration of systems concepts with the increas-
ing complexity of nursing phenomena, leading to new perspectives for nursing, and the
clarification and definition of nursing knowledge related to the social sciences. This is
congruent with Fawcetts (1999) assertion that only a strong link between theory and re-
search will advance nursing knowledge. Moreover, Orem (1971) maintained that a gener-
al concept of nursing is essential for knowledge production within the field because an
adequate general concept of nursing makes explicit the proper object of the profession.
Inherent in all systems are structure and dynamic organization, principles and laws,
and terms affecting the constraints of their environments. Bertalanffy (1968) described
general system theory as consisting of the scientific exploration of wholes and whole-
ness. The interdisciplinary nature of concepts, models, and principles applying to sys-
tems provides a logical approach toward the unification of science. Beckstrand (1980)
suggested that further development of nursing knowledge occurs by rigorous application
of the methods of science, ethics, and philosophy to problems encountered in the pro-
fessional experience of nurses. Inasmuch as conceptual models represent reality, they
are basic to any attempt at theory development. A model facilitates deductions from
premises, explanations, and predictions, often with unexpected results. As early as 1978,
Oakes maintained that general system theory would prove to be a step toward the ulti-
mate goal of improvement in the quality of client care; that has not yet happened. As
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 7

nursing continues to use systems components knowledgeably over time, to the benefit of
clients and the client system, it should evolve into a logically defensible, wholistic, and
scientific discipline.
In the change process, an ongoing tug of war is being waged between the rigidity
required to retain valued elements of the past and the uncertainty and flexibility required
for new structures to emerge. Lazlo (1972) claimed that neither individual nor long-term
purposes can be identified or rationally pursued without synthesis of the items of knowl-
edge held valid in a society. Inherent in nursing, as within any other system, are factors
for either maintenance or growth through change (Figure 1-1).
The more complex a nursing system becomes, the more difficult it is to maintain the
status quo, and the greater the need is for a viable organizational structure that can main-
tain relative stability during the process of change. As the boundaries of nursing roles and
functions continue to broaden and expand, nurses are gaining freedom to assert them-
selves, while paradoxically and simultaneously increasing their need for a valid organiza-
tional base or structure.
Implicit in the goal of attaining stability through use of systems is the risk of coordi-
nation and control to a degree that limits the flexibility necessary for adjusting the nurs-
ing system to the changing environment, thus producing a closed system rather than the
desired open system. An open system is one in which there is a continuous flow of input
and process, output, and feedback. Within the open systems approach is the potential for
self-determinative, creative, and adjustive effects in relation to internal and external envi-
ronmental stressors imposed on nursing, and a tangible structure within which change
can safely take place. Although some alteration in the conception of and approaches to
nursing is inherent in the use of the systems approach, the requisite structure allowing for
flexibility exists for meeting the challenge of tomorrows new nursing posture.
Discovering order is a major challenge of the systems approach. Florence Nightingale
could well have been the first pioneer in systems thinking for nursing when she demanded
that nursing laws be discovered and defined (Riehl & Roy, 1974). In determining these laws,
we must carefully consider nursing as a rapidly evolving system. Ashby (1972) noted that
we must treat systems as wholes composed of related parts between which interaction oc-
curs. In analyzing the system, nursing could use general system theory, defined by Klir
(1972) as a collection of concepts, principles, tools, problems, methods, and techniques as-
sociated with systems.
The whole of nursing as a system with boundaries must be clearly identified and
defined before its parts can be properly analyzed. Then we can identify the interacting
parts or subparts and their relationships to the whole system. The ways the combination
of interacting system parts form the structure of the whole is significant.

{
Maintenance Growth

Rigidity and
maintenance
Safety
Security
Certainty
Familiarity
Risk
Anxiety
Uncertainty
Difference
{ Flexibility and
growth
Rigidity Flexibility

FIGURE 1-1 Choice factors in change.

8 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

The organization of nursing in relation to systems thinking may be classified as fol-

lows. The health care system is the larger system; it includes the discipline of nursing. The
discipline of nursing includes two major functional componentsnursing education and
nursing practice. Nursing education and nursing practice contain many subparts, with
specialized areas of concern.
By systemically considering specific interactions that occur within as well as among
each of the parts and subparts of the nursing discipline, we can deal appropriately with the
constraints the environment places on nursing, thus ensuring that the profession meets its
commitment both to clients and to the larger client system. Accelerated development and
integration of nursing as a science can take place within the context of such an organized
yet flexible structure. As a whole system, nursing must have a reciprocal relationship with
the environment of the larger health care system and with the larger social system sur-
rounding it, while sharing with the parts and subparts of its own system (Figure 1-2). For
example, nursing as a component of the health care system is related to other disciplines
with the common goal of maintaining the integrity of the client/client system. The actions
of nursing affect the health care system and in turn are affected by it. These sharing rela-
tionships of parts and subparts of the health care system represent a type of interdepend-
ency and accountability requisite for optimal system functioning and, in fact, for the evo-
lutionary survival of the whole system.
The whole system is bound by the environment and any applicable constraints,
whether it is nursing, the client, or other systems, as illustrated in Figure 1-2. A first con-
structive step in conceptualizing a system is to analyze processes occurring within the ar-
bitrarily defined system. The next step is to relate wholes to their environment. A system is
defined when its parts or subparts can be organized into an interrelating whole. Although
organization is logical, structural differences may exist from system to system. The implied
concept of wholistic organization is one of keeping parts intact or stable in their intimate
relationships. The nature and number of parts and their relationships determine the com-
plexity of the system. Both system processes and nursing actions are purposeful and goal
directed. That is, nursing vigorously attempts to control variables affecting client care, for
example, toward the general improvement of client system capability or performance, bet-
ter adjustment of behavior patterns, or perhaps better skill performance of a specific task.

VIRONMENT
EN
G or CLIE
SIN NT
UR
N

PARTS

Subparts
External
constraints
Internal
The wholistic system is constraints
defined by its function
(actionreaction) within
existing constraints.

FIGURE 1-2 Nursing, or client, or both, in the wholistic system.

 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 9

An inherent danger in the use of a systems model is oversimplification, especially when

the phenomena and definition of entities under consideration are very complex. When
used correctly, however, a systems model dramatically and convincingly demonstrates
the nature of a process, which leads to better understanding and more accurate prediction
of outcomes.
The concept of systemsomething consisting of interacting componentsis not
limited and can apply to any defined whole. It is relevant to nursing in dealing with var-
ied client system interrelationships, because the same terms and principles can be applied
to facts in either system parts or the whole. A clear conception of systems organization
requires skill in viewing client situations abstractly, that is, client system boundaries and
related variables may lose some clarity because they are dynamic and constantly chang-
ing, presenting differing appearances according to time, place, and the significance of
events. The uniqueness of the characteristic response of each system part implies that
each must be studied and understood at its own level if we are to understand its signifi-
cance in relationships and to the stability of the whole systems organization.

The Open System: A Wholistic Perspective for Nursing

Dunn (1961) described the state of wellness as the integration of social, cultural, psycho-
logical, and biological functioning in a manner that is oriented to maximize the potential
capabilities of the identified system. Components of a system, from a wholistic viewpoint,
are not significantly connected except with reference to the whole. A system, then, can
be defined as a pervasive order that holds together its parts. With this definition, nursing
can readily be conceptualized as a complete whole with identifiable smaller wholes or
parts. The whole structure is maintained by interrelationships of system components,
through regulations that evolve out of the dynamics of the open system. As increasing or-
ganization becomes automatic in the course of development, regulations are ideally com-
pensatory to system internal and external feedback.
The open systems concept increases understanding of and has far-reaching implica-
tions for nursing; it provides an important working hypothesis for the development of
new insights and statements for verification of new theoretical perspectives. The open
systems concept, with possibilities inherent for stability, has been found to be increasing-
ly relevant particularly to the sciences, contributing greatly to the expansion of scientific
theory. The systems concept has significant potential for nursing, simultaneously repre-
senting both a great challenge and an opportunity as health care reform evolves.
For professional nursing to grow, expand, remain relevant to rapidly changing so-
cial demands, and best articulate its future direction, all nurses must subscribe to a broad-
ly based organizing structure. The unifying effects of a systems approach adequately pro-
vide the necessary structure for relatedness within the nursing discipline and point the
way for discovery of commonalities and cooperative relationships with other health care
disciplines, while allowing nursing to declare emphatically its unique professional profile.
Inasmuch as the members of all health care disciplines understand systems terminology,
important interdisciplinary sharing and communication should improve significantly.
In contrast to past mechanistic views in science is the newer concern with whole-
ness, dynamic interaction, and organization. Working terms derived from general system
theory, such as wholeness, order, differentiation, goal directedness, stressors, stability, and
feedback, are homologous to nursing concepts. Principles and terminology can be readily
10 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

transferred from one discipline to another, having a unifying effect on all the sciences. The
trend toward cooperative interdisciplinary alliances is becoming increasingly clear.
New insights and principles for professional nursing are possible as new areas
amenable to research and resolution are discovered. Valid, realistic, and operational sys-
tems principles can advance nursing toward becoming a scientific discipline bearing a new
professional image. The systems perspective points the way for nursing to discover its own
uniqueness, which lies in the way it organizes and uses knowledge rather than in its fund
of knowledge per se. The use of systems thinking should help clarify how the bridge is
made between knowledge and nursing action; it should identify which nursing actions are
beneficial to the client and should support research efforts that advance nursing science.
The immense yet noble movement toward professionalism in nursing is at best ardu-
ous, prolonged, and often divisive; however, new tools are being acquired to meet this on-
going and provocative challenge. Nurse theorists continue to expand their conceptual
model components to include a more wholistic perspective. The rapid acceleration of
model usage, a significant development for organizing nursing phenomena, is the precursor
of the development of the profession into a recognized scientific discipline. The systems
perspective offers new hope for those who seek professionalism in nursing and provides a
basis for continued creativity in relatively unexplored arenas made possible by evolving
health reform issues and opportunities worldwide.
Wholism is both a philosophical and a biological concept, implying relationships and
processes arising from wholeness, dynamic freedom, and creativity in adjusting to stressors
in the internal and external environments. Using a wholistic systems approach to both pro-
tect and promote client welfare, nursing action must be skillfully related to meaningful and
dynamic organization of the various parts and subparts of the whole affecting the client.
The various interrelationships of the parts and subparts must be appropriately identified
and analyzed before relevant nursing actions can be taken. A system implies dynamic en-
ergy exchange, moving either toward or away from stability, which has a direct relation-
ship to prediction of outcomes.
Basically, nursing functions within accepted, familiar, and often singular concepts. It
is now imperative that the discipline articulates its function within a comprehensive struc-
ture. That is, we must conceptualize nursing action in wellnessillness and organization
disorganization states more broadly. Consideration of a more broadly based organizing
structure will help facilitate the professional goal of enabling clients to move toward op-
timal wellness in any setting.
The open systems approach permits a reorientation to a scientific, thinking ap-
proach to studying people. Bertalanffy (1968) maintained that a different image of the
person in society is needed. That is, the client must be considered an unlimited entity
with an active personality system, whose evolution follows principles, symbolism, and
systemic organizations, and it is not always possible to see the potential expansions of
this entity and the ramifications of its actions.
The open systems approach begins by identifying and mapping repeated cycles of
input, process, and output, which serve as feedback for further input; these cycles com-
prise the dynamic organizational pattern. Bertalanffy (1968, 1980) brought a systems ap-
proach to the biological and social sciences through a convergence of regular pattern
blends with their evolutionary history.
A living open system is never at rest but rather tends to move cyclically toward differ-
entiation and elaboration for further growth and survival of the organism. The continuous
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 11

dynamism and energy flow implicit within the systems concept adequately provide the
most tangible structure within which the plethora of phenomena in nursing can meet the
desired goal of protecting client/client system integrity.
Heslin (1986) claimed that revitalization occurs when a living open system achieves
stability in an equifinal process. She considers every restorative process and reconstitu-
tion following a reaction, interaction, and intervention to be the reestablishment of an
equifinal steady state. Equifinality is an evolving cycle of refinement; a process related to
a specific condition or situation. Heslin related system output to the end product of the
process and also viewed it as input to further cycles, resulting in a redefined pattern of
stability. Based on open systems theory, variables are interrelated and organized in vari-
ous patterns that serve as sources of system input and output alike. Heslins view that
processed input provides output as feedback for further input, creating an organized pat-
tern within the open system, supports the open systems theory of both Bertalanffys
(1980) and Lazaruss (1981) systemic views.
Emery (1969) explained that in adapting to its environment, an open system will
attempt to cope with external environmental stressors by consuming them or acquiring
control over them for survival purposes. At the simplest level, a steady state, governed by
a dynamic interaction of parts and subparts, is one of stability over time. At more com-
plex levels, a steady state preserves the character of the system through growth and ex-
pansion. As a system becomes progressively more organized, conditions of regulation or
constraints become more complex. For example, as social organizations increase, their
roles become more specialized in function. The process of development, evolution, and
increasing order is beyond homeostasis or stability, just as the lack of development results
in regression to lesser states and ultimately to extinction. Gray, Rizzo, and Duhl (1969)
found Menningers notion of a continuuma circular motion in all living activity, regard-
less of limitationhighly useful. Examples include the cycle of wellness to illness to well-
ness again or the balance process of homeostatic and heterostatic mechanisms.
Putt (1972) noted that systems theory focuses attention on variables inherent in the
clients adaptation to the environment, as well as on the effects of each system on other
systems. She pointed out that as one system articulates with another system, the relation-
ship of both is changed. In addition, Putt viewed systems theory as a relevant framework
for the assessment of client needs, the development of nursing care plans, and the deter-
mination of nursing actions. Maintaining that the assessment of client needs is the first
step in providing professional nursing care, she found that, guided by systems models,
one can more easily achieve a desired level or quality of nursing care.

GENERAL SYSTEM THEORY AND THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL

The complexity of health care systems requires comprehensive conceptual models that
provide the needed structure and direction for information processing, goal-directed
activities, and a socially acceptable quality of care. Furthermore, the conceptualization
of health care as systems of care requires the use of conceptual models that reflect gen-
eral system theory. The Neuman Systems Model meets both of these requirementsit is
a comprehensive conceptual model and it is derived from general system theory.
Furthermore, as a systems model, the Neuman Systems Model is relevant for use
by members of all health care disciplines. In addition, its systems orientation facilitates
understanding of the diverse systems of health care that are found throughout the world.
12 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

Thus, the Neuman Systems Model is applicable globally, to clients and client systems of
all cultures.
The intent of the Neuman Systems Model is to set forth a structure that depicts the
parts and subparts and their interrelationship for the whole of the client as a complete
system. The same fundamental idea or concept applies equally well to a small group or
community, a larger aggregate, or even the universe. The model provides the structure,
organization, and direction for nursing action; it is flexible enough to deal adequately
with the clients infinite complexity.
Putt (1972) described the concept of living system as open to the environment, freely
interchanging energy and information with surrounding matter, maintaining itself, and seek-
ing a steady state while existing in an interlocking hierarchy ranging in size from cosmic to
microscopic. The Neuman Systems Model focuses on living open systems. As an open sys-
tems model it views nursing as being primarily concerned with defining appropriate actions
in stress-related situations or in possible reactions of the client/client system; since environ-
mental exchanges are reciprocal, both client and environment may be positively or nega-
tively affected by each other. More specifically, the Neuman Systems Model is a systemic
perspective of health and wellness, defined as the condition or the degree of system stability
that is, the condition in which all parts and subparts (variables) are in balance or harmony
with the whole of the client/client system. The client is an interacting open system in total
interface with internal and external environmental forces or stressors. Furthermore, the
client is in constant change, with reciprocal environmental interaction, at all times moving
either toward a dynamic state of stability or wellness or toward one of illness in varying de-
grees. Health is reflected in the level of wellness: When system needs are met, a state of op-
timal wellness exists. Conversely, unmet needs reduce the client wellness condition.
Environment has been generally conceptualized as all factors affecting and affected
by a system. Environment is that viable arena that has relevance to the life space of the
system, including a created environment. Consideration of environment is critical because
health and wellness vary as to the needs, predisposition, perception, and goals of all
identifiable systems. Consideration of the environment also is critical because, as nursing
practice focuses more and more on the community, nurses realize that they cannot con-
trol or directly manage the clients environment, as they can in inpatient settings. It there-
fore becomes a necessity rather than an option to view the client as part of other systems,
such as the family and the community.

THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL

The philosophic base of the Neuman Systems Model encompasses wholism, a wellness
orientation, client perception and motivation, and a dynamic systems perspective of ener-
gy and variable interaction with the environment to mitigate possible harm from internal
and external stressors, while caregivers and clients form a partnership relationship to ne-
gotiate desired outcome goals for optimal health retention, restoration, and maintenance.
This philosophic base pervades all aspects of the model.
The Neuman Systems Model is predominantly wellness oriented and wholistic. The
content of the model draws from and is related to Gestalt, stress, and dynamically organ-
ized systems theories (de Chardin, 1955; Cornu, 1957; Edelson, 1970; Lazarus, 1981, 1999;
Selye, 1950). It is based on stress and reaction or possible reaction to stressors within the
total environment of the defined client as a system.
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 13

More specifically, the Neuman Systems Model has some similarity to Gestalt theory,
which implies that each client/client system is surrounded by a perceptual field that is in
dynamic equilibrium. The model also relates to field theories endorsing the molar view
that all parts of the system are intimately interrelated and interdependent (Edelson, 1970).
Emphasis is placed on the total organization of the field. In the wholistic Neuman Systems
Model, the organization of the field or system considers the occurrence of stressors,
the reaction or possible reaction of the client to stressors, and the particular client as a
system, taking into consideration the simultaneous effects of the interacting variables
physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual. This is similar to
Gestalt theorists view of insight as the perception of relationships in a total situation.
De Chardin (1955) and Cornu (1957) suggest that in all dynamically organized sys-
tems the properties of a part are determined to an extent by the wholes that contain it.
This means that no part can be considered in isolation; each must be viewed as part of
the whole. The single part influences our perception of the whole, and the patterns or
features of the whole influence our awareness of each system part.
The specific components of the Neuman Systems Model and their connections are de-
picted in Figure 1-3. The definition of each component is given in Appendix A. Figure 1-3
depicts the Neuman Systems Model as a comprehensive open systemsbased conceptual
framework for nursing and other health care disciplines that is concerned with stressors,

Stressors Stressor Stressor Basic structure

Primary prevention Identified Basic factors common to
Reduce possibility of Classified as to knowns or all organisms, e.g.,
encounter with stressors possibilities, i.e., Normal temperature
Strengthen flexible line of Loss range
e of Defen
defense Pain xi ble Lin se Genetic structure
Sensory deprivation Fle Response pattern
Cultural change Organ strength or
l Line of Defense
r ma weakness
No
f Resistanc Ego structure
Intra es o e
Inter
Personal Lin Known commonalities
factors
Extra

BASIC
Degree of STRUCTURE
Reaction ENERGY
Secondary prevention RESOURCES
Reaction
Early case finding
Treatment of symptoms
Reconstitution

Reaction
Individual intervening
variables, e.g.,
Basic structure Stressors
idiosyncrasies More than one stressor
Natural and learned could occur
resistance simultaneously
Time of encounter with Same stressors could vary
stressor as to impact or reaction
Normal defense line varies
Tertiary prevention
Intra with age and development
Readaptation Personal Reconstitution
Inter
Reeducation to prevent factors Could begin at any degree
Extra
future occurrences or level of reaction
NOTE:
Maintenance of stability Range of possibility may
Interventions * Physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
extend beyond normal line
Can occur before or after resistance lines are developmental, and spiritual variables are
of defense
penetrated in both reaction and considered simultaneously in each client
reconstitution phases concentric circle.
Interventions are based on: Intra
Degree of reaction Personal
Inter
Resources factors
Extra
Goals
Anticipated outcome

FIGURE 1-3 The Neuman Systems Model.

Original diagram copyright 1970 by Betty Neuman.
14 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

reactions to stressors, and the prevention interventions that address potential and actual
reactions to stressors. The figure depicts the client within an open systems perspective
wholistically and multidimensionally. Moreover, it illustrates the composite of five interact-
ing variablesphysiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual
that function harmoniously or are stable in relation to internal and external environmental
stressor influences on the client, as an open system, at a given point in time.
The unique perspective of the Neuman Systems Model is summarized in the follow-
ing statements:

Each individual client or group as an open client system is unique; each system is a
composite of common known factors or innate characteristics within a normal,
given range of response contained within a basic structure.
The client as a system is in dynamic, constant energy exchange with the environment.
Many known, unknown, and universal environmental stressors exist. Each differs in
its potential for disturbing a clients usual stability level, or normal line of defense. The
particular interrelationships of client variablesphysiological, psychological, socio-
cultural, developmental, and spiritualat any point in time can affect the degree to
which a client is protected by the flexible line of defense against possible reaction to
a single stressor or a combination of stressors.
Each individual client/client system has evolved a normal range of response to the en-
vironment that is referred to as the normal line of defense, or usual wellness/stability
state. It represents change over time through coping with diverse stress encounters.
The normal line of defense can be used as a standard from which to measure health
deviation.
When the cushioning, accordion-like effect of the flexible line of defense is no longer
capable of protecting the client/client system against an environmental stressor, the
stressor breaks through the normal line of defense. The interrelationships of variables
physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritualdetermine
the nature and degree of system reaction or possible reaction to the stressor.
The client, whether in a state of wellness or illness, is a dynamic composite of the
interrelationships of variablesphysiological, psychological, sociocultural, develop-
mental, and spiritual. Wellness is on a continuum of available energy to support the
system in an optimal state of system stability.
Implicit within each client system are internal resistance factors, known as lines of
resistance, that function to stabilize and return the client to the usual wellness state
(normal line of defense) or possibly to a higher level of stability following an envi-
ronmental stressor reaction.
Primary prevention relates to general knowledge that is applied in client assessment
and intervention in identification and reduction or mitigation of possible or actual
risk factors associated with environmental stressors to prevent possible reaction. The
goal of health promotion is included in primary prevention.
Secondary prevention relates to symptomatology following a reaction to stressors,
appropriate ranking of intervention priorities, and treatment to reduce their noxious
effects.
Tertiary prevention relates to the adjustive processes taking place as reconstitution
begins and maintenance factors move the client back in a circular manner toward
primary prevention.
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 15

The unique perspective of the Neuman Systems Model is elaborated in the follow-
ing discussion of the model components, which is organized by the nursing metapara-
digm conceptshuman beings, environment, health, and nursing.

Human Beings as Clients/Client Systems

Human beings are viewed as clients or client systems (Figure 1-4). The term client was
selected out of respect for newer collaborative clientcaregiver relationships, as well as
the wellness perspective of the model. The Neuman Systems Model considers the client,
whether one or many, proximal or distal, as a system. Each system boundary must be
identified or defined, along with the parts contained within it. What is defined or includ-
ed within the boundary of the system must have relevance to a particular health care dis-
cipline and represent the reality of its domain of concern.
Within the Neuman Systems Model the client or client system may be an individual, a
family, a group, a community, or a social issue. More specifically, the client as an open sys-
tem represents an individual, a person, or a human being. The client system also may
represent more than one person in environmental interaction, for example, in groups of
various sizes (e.g., family, community, or a social issue). The model components are equally

Basic structure
Basic factors common to
Line of Defens all organisms, e.g.,
xible e
F le Normal temperature
range
l Line of Defense Genetic structure
rma
No Response pattern
f Resistanc Organ strength or
es o e
L in weakness
Ego structure
Known commonalities

BASIC
STRUCTURE
ENERGY
RESOURCES

NOTE:
Physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
developmental, and spiritual variables occur
and are considered simultaneously in each
client concentric circle.
FIGURE 1-4 Client/client system.
16 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

applicable to narrowly defined systems and to those defined as broadly as situations dictate,
that is, ranging from one client as a system to the global community as a system.

THE FIVE VARIABLES The client system is a composite of five interacting variable areas,
which are in varying degrees of development and have a wide range of interactive styles
and potential. The five client system variables are defined broadly and generally; the first
fourphysiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmentalare commonly under-
stood by nurses and members of other health professions. The fifthspiritualityis
rarely made explicit within a conceptual model; this variable is discussed in detail below
and in Box 1-1. The five client system variables are:
1. Physiologicalrefers to bodily structure and internal function.
2. Psychologicalrefers to mental processes and interactive environmental effects,
both internally and externally.
3. Socioculturalrefers to combined effects of social cultural conditions, and influences.
4. Developmentalrefers to age-related development processes and activities.
5. Spiritualrefers to spiritual beliefs and influences.

Although the importance of spirituality to health is beginning to be recognized by

many practitioners and researchers, this variable is frequently interpreted as religiosity.
Tanyi (2002), in an analysis of the concept of spirituality, pointed out that although reli-
giosity and spirituality are often seen as the same thing, they are in fact different.
Spirituality encompasses the search for meaning in life, which may or may not include re-
ligious beliefs. Others interpret spirituality to mean making sense of life situations, belief
standards and values, appreciation of a dimension beyond self, relationships to others, and
a sense of self (Martsolf & Mickley, 1998). A detailed explanation of the meaning of the
spiritual variable within the context of the Neuman Systems Model is given in Box 1-1.
The five client system variables are considered simultaneously. Ideally, the five vari-
ables function harmoniously and are stable in relation to internal and external environ-
mental stressor influences. The five client system variables are within the basic structure,
as well as within the flexible line of defense, the normal line of defense, and the lines of
resistance.

THE BASIC STRUCTURE In Figure 1-4, the client or client system is represented by a se-
ries of concentric rings or circles surrounding a basic structure. The basic structure or cen-
tral core is the source of the five client system variables and represents human processes
of living and dying within the context of the fluid intersection of the five interrelated and
interacting client system variables. Basic survival factors common to human beings are lo-
cated in the central core, including innate or genetic features and strengths and weak-
nesses of the client system parts. Certain unique features or characteristics also exist for
each client system variable in the central core:
Physiological variable: extent of physical and physiological intactness of body cells,
tissues, organs, and systems
Psychological variable: extent of sense of self and cognition
Sociocultural variable: extent of integration into a culture and the larger society
Developmental variable: extent of accomplishment of developmental tasks
Spiritual variable: extent of understanding of meaning of life and faith
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 17

BOX 1-1
The Spiritual Variable

Spiritual variable considerations are necessary for sustained through positive use of spiritual energy
a truly wholistic perspective and a truly caring con- empowerment. For example, it has been proven
cern for the client/client system. An analogy of the that a joyous thought enhances the immune sys-
seed can be used to further qualify and clarify tem; the opposite also is true, with a negative out-
the statement that the spirit controls the mind and come for the body.
the mind controls the body as it relates to the Thus, it is assumed that spiritual develop-
Neuman Systems Model spiritual variable. ment in varying degrees empowers the client
It is assumed that each person is born with a system toward well-being by positively directing
spiritual energy force, or seed, within the spiritu- spiritual energy for use first by the mind and then
al variable, as identified in the basic structure of the by the body.
client system. The seed or human spirit with its The beginning of spiritual awareness and
enormous energy potential lies on a continuum of development can take place at any stage of the
dormant, unacceptable, or undeveloped to recog- life cycle. The supply of spiritual energy, when un-
nition, development, and positive system influence. derstood and positively used by the client system,
Traditionally, a seed must have environmental cata- is inexhaustible except for the death of the living
lysts, such as timing, warmth, moisture, and nutri- system as we know it. The human spirit returns to
ents, to burst forth with the energy that transforms the God source to live on into eternity when death
it into a living form which then, in turn, as it be- occurs and it is no longer needed to empower the
comes further nourished and developed, offers living mind, soul, and body.
itself as sustenance, generating power as long as its The spiritual variable positively or negatively
own source of nurture exists. affects or is affected by the condition and interac-
The human spirit combines with the power tive effect of the other client system variables,
of the Holy Spirit as a gift from God when the in- such as grief or loss (psychological states), which
nate human force, or seed, becomes catalyzed may arrest, decrease, initiate, or increase spirituality.
by some life event such as a crisis or a joyous occa- The potential exists for movement in either direc-
sion; this energy begins to magnify and becomes tion on a continuum.
recognizable within the thought patterns as some- Through careful assessment of client needs
thing whose truths must become known and test- in the spiritual area, followed by purposeful inter-
ed in life situations. Ideally in the testing, mental vention, such as fostering hope that affects the
and physical expressions such as understanding, will to live, the relation between the spiritual vari-
compassion, and love are manifested. able and wellness may be better understood and
As thought patterns are positively affected, utilized as an energy source in achieving client
the body becomes increasingly nourished and change and optimal system stability.

The concentric circles seen in Figure 1-4the flexible and normal lines of defense
and the lines of resistancefunction essentially as protective mechanisms for the basic
structure to preserve client system integrity.

THE FLEXIBLE LINE OF DEFENSE The flexible line of defense forms the outer boundary of
the defined client system, whether a single client, a group, or a social issue. Each line of
defense and resistance contains similar protective elements related to the five variables
physiological, psychological, developmental, sociocultural, and spiritualwhile being
distinguished by their specific protective functions. The flexible line of defense is depict-
ed in Figure 1-4 as the outer, broken circle surrounding the normal (solid) line of defense.
18 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

It acts as a protective buffer system for the clients normal or stable state. That is, it ideally
prevents stressor invasions of the client system, keeping the system free from stressor re-
actions, or symptomatology. It is accordion-like in function. As it expands away from the
normal defense line, greater protection is provided; as it draws closer, less protection is
available. It is dynamic rather than stable and can be rapidly altered over a relatively short
time period or in a situation like a state of emergency or a condition like poor nutrition,
sleep loss, or dehydration. Single or multiple stressor impact has the potential for reduc-
ing the effectiveness of this buffer system. When the normal line of defense is rendered
ineffective in relation to a particular stressor impact, a reaction will occur within the client
system. That is, when the normal line of defense has been penetrated, the client presents
with symptoms of instability or illness, caused by one or more stressors. In all lines of de-
fense and resistance are found elements that are similar but specific functionally, related to
the five client system variables. Some examples are coping patterns, lifestyle factors, and
developmental, sociocultural, and belief system influences.

THE NORMAL LINE OF DEFENSE The flexible line of defense protects the normal line of
defense. The normal line of defense is depicted as the solid boundary line that encircles
the broken internal lines of resistance (Figure 1-4). This line represents what the client
has become, the state to which the client has evolved over time, or the usual wellness
level. The adjustment of the five client system variables to environmental stressors deter-
mines client stability or usual wellness level. The normal defense line is a standard against
which deviancy from the usual wellness state can be determined. It is the result of previ-
ous system behavior, defining the stability and integrity of the system and its ability to
maintain them. Influencing factors are the system variables, coping patterns, lifestyle fac-
tors, developmental and spiritual influences, and cultural considerations. Any stressor can
create a reaction within the client by invading the normal line of defense when it is insuf-
ficiently protected by the flexible line of defense. A client reaction may reduce the ability
of the system to withstand additional stressor impact, especially if the effectiveness of the
lines of resistance is reduced. The normal line of defense is considered dynamic in that it
can expand or contract over time. For example, the usual wellness level or system stabil-
ity may remain the same, become reduced, or expand following treatment of a stressor
reaction. It is also dynamic in terms of its ability to become and remain stabilized to deal
with life stresses over time, thus protecting the basic structure and system integrity.

LINES OF RESISTANCE The series of concentric broken circles surrounding the basic
structure are identified as lines of resistance for the client (Figure 1-4). These lines are ac-
tivated following invasion of the normal line of defense by environmental stressors. The
lines of resistance protect the basic structure. These resistance lines contain certain
known and unknown internal and external resource factors that support the clients basic
structure and normal defense line, thus protecting system integrity. An example is the
bodys mobilization of white blood cells or activation of immune system mechanisms.
Effectiveness of the lines of resistance in reversing the reaction to stressors allows the sys-
tem to reconstitute; ineffectiveness leads to energy depletion and death.
The Lines of Defense and Resistance. A functionally interactive relationship exists
jointly among all lines of defense and resistance, as each line individually contains the
five system variables and protects the system components pertaining to it. Lifestyle,
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 19

coping patterns, client expectations, and motivation are all inherent within the lines of
defense and resistance, ultimately protecting the basic structure. Input, output, and
feedback across these boundary lines provide corrective action to change, enhance, and
stabilize the system, with the goal of achieving the optimal wellness level. Additional
information about the lines of defense and resistance is given in Box 1-2.

Environment
The environment is broadly defined as all internal and external factors or influences
surrounding the identified client or client system (Figure 1-5). The Neuman Systems
Model identifies three relevant environments: the internal environment, which is intraper-
sonal in nature; the external environment, which is interpersonal and extrapersonal in

BOX 1-2
The Neuman Systems Model Lines of Defense and Resistance

The five Neuman Systems Model client system adjustment within the normal line of defense de-
variablesphysiological, psychological, sociocul- velops over time. The normal line of defense de-
tural, developmental, and spiritualdefine the fines the current health status of the client system,
nature of a chosen client system through their in- thereby acting as a standard for assessment of the
teraction patterns with each other and with both normal or usual health condition and/or variance
internal and external environmental influences, from wellness. Ideally, the pattern of interactions
thereby creating a dynamic client system energy between the five client system variables and the
flow. environment keeps the system stable. However,
The client system basic energy or central when this fails and the normal line of defense is
core structure, consisting of the five client system penetrated by one or more stressors, a reaction or
variables, must be protected by the lines of de- system destabilization occurs, which requires as-
fense and resistance to keep the system viable. sessment of the degree of deviation from the nor-
Each of these lines of defense and resistance is mal wellness condition.
similar in purpose, that is, to keep the system sta- When a reaction or destabilization occurs,
ble. Each contains the five client system variables. the lines of resistance are called into play as both
The flexible line of defense ideally protects internal and external resources. The lines of resist-
the system from immediate or short-term environ- ance, based on the assessment of the interaction
mental stressors that could destabilize the normal between the five client system variables and the
line of defense, that is, the usual client system environment, as well as system support, must deal
wellness condition. It is important to assess the with the degree of system destabilization (illness
strength and nature of each interacting variable symptoms). Ideally, the available system resources
within the flexible line of defense to determine within the lines of resistance are adequate to re-
how well it functions as a protective shield or com- constitute the system energy flow and return it to
posite. Examples are effects of sleep patterns, per- its optimal wellness level. When the system fails to
ception of events, nature of perceived social sup- respond to use of available resources, decreased
port, age-related energy expenditure, and spiritual system wellness or death may result.
beliefs. By assessing the effects of all five client sys-
The same basic principles of assessment are tem variables in interaction with the environment,
inherent in the normal line of defense, which the client systems health status becomes known
should be viewed as a long-term adjustment to and clarifies for the caregiver appropriate use of the
stressors, or the client systems usual stressor cop- three prevention-as-intervention modalities to facil-
ing patterns and lifestyle influences. Client system itate an optimal client system wellness condition.
20 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

Stressors Stressor Stressor Basic structure

Identified Basic factors common to
Classified as to knowns or all organisms, e.g.,
possibilities, i.e., Normal temperature
Loss range
Line of Defens
Pain xible e Genetic structure
Sensory deprivation Fle Response pattern
Cultural change Organ strength or
Line of Defens
r ma l e
No weakness
Resistanc Ego structure
Intra
Personal i nes of e Known commonalities
Inter L
factors
Extra

BASIC
STRUCTURE
ENERGY
RESOURCES

Stressors
More than one stressor
could occur
simultaneously
Same stressors could vary
as to impact or reaction
Normal defense line varies
with age and development

FIGURE 1-5 Environment.

nature; and the created environment, which is intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extraper-
sonal in nature.

INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT The internal environment consists of all forces or interactive

influences internal to or contained solely within the boundaries of the defined client/client
system. It correlates with the Neuman Systems Model intrapersonal factors or stressors.

EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT The external environment consists of all forces or interactive

influences external to or existing outside the defined client/client system. It correlates
with both the inter- and extrapersonal factors or stressors.

CREATED ENVIRONMENT Another important environment is the created environment,

which represents an open system exchanging energy with both the internal and external
environment (Neuman, 1989b, 1990). This environment, developed unconsciously by the
client, is a symbolic expression of system wholeness. That is, it acts as an immediate or
long-range safe reservoir for existence or the maintenance of system integrity expressed
consciously, unconsciously, or both simultaneously.
The created environment is dynamic and represents the clients unconscious mobi-
lization of all system variables (particularly the psychological and sociocultural), including
the basic structure energy factors, toward system integration, stability, and integrity. It is in-
herently purposeful. Though unconsciously developed, its function is to offer a protective
perceptive coping shield (Lazarus, 1981) or safe arena for system function as the client is
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 21

usually cognitively unaware of the host of existing psychosocial and physiological influ-
ences. It pervades all systems, large and small, at least to some degree; it is spontaneously
created, increased, or decreased, as warranted by a special condition of need. It super-
sedes or goes beyond the internal and external environments, encompassing both.
The insulating effect of the created environment changes the response or possible
response of the client to environmental stressors, for example, the use of denial or envy
(psychological), physical rigidity or muscular constraint (physiological), life-cycle contin-
uation of survival patterns (developmental), required social space range (sociocultural),
and sustaining hope (spiritual). Perception has a direct relationship to coping (Lazarus,
1981); clients perceptions may be faulty in their creation of a special reality, thus bind-
ing energy for optimal function. All basic structure factors and system variable influences
are identified by the created environment, which is developed and maintained through
binding available energy in varying degrees of protectiveness. At any given place or point
in time or over time, it may be necessary to change a situation or the self to cope with
perceived system threat. The caregiver will need to determine through assessment (1)
what has been created (nature of it); (2) the outcome of it (extent of its use and client
value); and (3) the ideal that has yet to be created (the protection that is needed or pos-
sible, to a lesser or greater degree). These are all important areas for determination to
best understand and support the clients created environment. After the nature and qual-
ity of the clients created environment is accurately assessed, further integration and syn-
thesis of it may be desirable for optimal client wellness.
The created environment is based on unseen, unconscious knowledge, as well as
self-esteem, beliefs, energy exchanges, system variables, and predisposition; it is a
process-based concept of perpetual adjustment within which a client may either increase
or decrease available energy affecting the wellness state. The caregivers goal is to guide
the client in the conservation and use of energy as a force to move beyond the present
condition, ideally preserving and enhancing the wellness level. What was originally created
to safeguard the health of the system may have a negative outcome effect in the binding
of available energy. The client should be treated in a gentle, nonjudgmental manner,
allowing his or her control and choice as to change. One can assume that self-introspective
ability is poor, requiring careful search for factors that bind energy and help in movement
toward increasing levels of self actualization and optimal health.
A major objective of the created environment is to stimulate the clients health. It
has been well documented that a diseased condition is often created by cognitive distor-
tions on the part of the client or the caregiver, although intervention traditionally focuses
on physical and observable symptoms, overlooking causal factors like unexplored beliefs,
and fears. For example, a clients fear of job loss, with resultant lowered self-esteem and
role conflict because of the inability to meet financial obligations, may lead to spinal
problems. A clients ideas based on past experiences also may influence a current health
state; for example, the belief about the length of time required to cure the common cold
may have a positive or negative health outcome.
In wellness and illness states, all causal factors must be evaluated as to internal, in-
nate, and external factors (known as variables and stressors) affecting the client; known
or potential interrelationships, interactions, and interdependencies that may have created
a given health state must be identified and correlated. Optimal client wellness depends
on the evaluation of all causal factors, along with nursing action through relevant nursing
intervention. Client awareness of the created environment and its relationship to health is
22 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

a key concept that nursing may wish to pursue and further develop through research-
based practice. As the caregiver recognizes the value of the client-created environment
and purposely intervenes, the interpersonal relationship can become one of important
mutual exchange.

STRESSORS A tendency exists within any system to maintain a steady state or balance
among the various disruptive forces operating within or on it. The Neuman Systems
Model identifies these forces as stressors. Stressors are defined as tension-producing stim-
uli that have the potential to cause system instability. More specifically, stressors are ten-
sion-producing stimuli or forces occurring within the internal and external environmental
boundaries of the client system. More than one stressor may affect the client system at
any given time. According to Gestalt theory, any stressor to some degree influences the
clients reaction to all other stressors.
Stressors may have either a positive or negative outcome effect. The effect depends
largely on the clients perception and ability to negotiate the effects of the stressor. The ef-
fect of stressors that are perceived as negative is referred to as stress, whereas the effect
of stressors that are perceived as positive is referred to as eustress (Gibbons, Dempster, &
Moutray, 2008). Within the context of the Neuman Systems Model, stressors are regarded
as inherently neutral or inert; the clients perception of each stressor and the nature of the
encounter with the stressor determine whether the outcome or effect is beneficial or nox-
ious (Lazarus, 1999).
Neuman Systems Model environmental stressors are classified as intrapersonal, in-
terpersonal, and extrapersonal in nature. They are present within as well as outside the
client system.
Intrapersonal stressors are internal environmental forces that occur within the
boundary of the client system (e.g., conditioned response or autoimmune response).
Interpersonal stressors are external environmental interaction forces that occur out-
side the boundaries of the client system at the proximal range (e.g., between one or
more role expectations or communication patterns).
Extrapersonal stressors are external environmental interaction forces that occur out-
side the boundaries of the client system at the distal range (e.g., between one or
more social policies or financial concerns).
Stressors may be present in situational or maturational crises, whether or not expe-
rienced as such by the client. The five client system variables within the flexible line of
defense ideally protect the client system from possible instability caused by stressors.
Determining factors would include the clients physiologic condition, cognitive skills, so-
ciocultural influences, developmental state, and spiritual considerations. It is important to
view the whole client system as dealing not with one or a few of the variables, but rather
to view all variables as affecting the client at any given point in time. The wholeness con-
cept is based on appropriate consideration of the interrelationships of variables, which
determine the amount of resistance an individual has to any environmental stressors,
whether or not a reaction has occurred.
Stressors have potential for reaction with the client or can cause a reaction with de-
fined symptoms, and can influence reconstitution following treatment of symptoms. The
time of stressor occurrence, past and present condition of the client system, nature and
intensity of the stressor, and the amount of energy required by the client to adjust all are
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 23

important considerations. The caregiver may be able to predict possible client adjustment
based on past coping behavior or patterns in a similar situation, all conditions being equal.
Coping is directly related to client perception and cognition. Cognitive appraisal determines
the degree of stress felt, while coping functions mediate the reaction (Lazarus, 1981).
Critical to system analysis is the identification of stressors as to type, time of en-
counter, and nature of a reaction or possible reaction to them. Stressors may have a pos-
itive outcome, with the potential for beneficial, temporary, or even ultimate system
change. For example, in an avoidance condition such as agoraphobia, anxiety may be
clinically imposed as a stressor for the possible longer-term gain of mitigating the phobia,
allowing for higher-level functioning. Various conditions and constraints accompany
stressors. For example, a stressor may create a series of effects in more than one part or
subpart of the client system and in response to these effects may itself in turn be affected.
The Client System and the Environment. Environmental exchanges must be identified as
to their nature and possible or actual outcome for the client or client system. As an open
system, the client system is in interaction and total interface with the environment. The
client is a system capable of both input and output related to intrapersonal, interpersonal,
and extrapersonal environmental influences, interacting with the environment by adjusting
to it, or as a system, adjusting the environment to itself. The process of interaction and
adjustment results in varying degrees of harmony, stability, or balance between the client
and environment. Ideally, there is optimal client system stability. The client may influence
or be influenced by environmental forces either positively or negatively at any given point
in time. A particular stressor with a negative outcome for a client at a particular point in
time may not always be noxious. The adjustment of the system may alter the clients
response pattern. Input, output, and feedback between the client and the environment is
of a circular nature; client and environment have a reciprocal relationship, the outcome of
which is corrective or regulative for the system.
A system receives suitable satisfaction only by interacting with the available envi-
ronment in order to take on its parts for fulfillment of survival needs. Energy flow is con-
tinuous between the client and the environment even when a relatively stable state is
maintained.

Health
The Neuman Systems Model conceptualization of health is illustrated in Figure 1-6.
Health, or wellness, is viewed as a continuum; wellness and illness are on opposite ends
of the continuum. Health for the client is equated with optimal system stability, that is, the
best possible wellness state at any given time (Figure 1-7). Client health is envisioned as
being at various, changing levels within a normal range, rising or falling throughout the
life span because of basic structure factors and satisfactory or unsatisfactory adjustment
by the client system to environmental stressors. Health is a manifestation of living energy
available to preserve and enhance system integrity.
The Neuman Systems Model wellnessillness continuum (Figure 1-6) implies that
energy flow is continuous between the client system and the environment. To conceptu-
alize wellness, then, is to determine the actual or possible effects of stressor invasion in
terms of existing client system energy levels. Client movement is toward wellness when
more energy is being generated than used; when more energy is required than is being
generated, movement is toward illness and possible death. Variances from wellness or
24 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

Wellness { More energy available and

stored than expended

Toward increasing wellness

rgy
Ene
Interventions

Disrupting forces (Stressors)

y
erg
En

Toward increasing illness

Death { More energy needed than

is available to support life

FIGURE 1-6 Neuman Systems Model wellnessillness continuum.

varying degrees of system instability are caused by stressor invasion of the normal line of
defense.
The condition of the flexible line of defense determines whether a reaction might
be likely to take place in an encounter with a stressor (Figure 1-7). Ideally, the flexible
line of defense is strong enough to prevent or reduce the magnitude of a possible stres-
sor reaction. A dynamic stability state can exist within the system along the internal lines
of resistance, following a reaction to a stressor. However, a violent energy flow occurs
when the client system is disrupted from its normal or stable state; that is, it expends en-
ergy to cope with system changes. When more energy is used by the system than is built
and stored, the outcome may be death. The degree of wellness is determined by the
amount of energy required to return to and maintain system stability. When more energy
is available than is being used, the system is stable.
Stability implies a state of balance or harmony requiring energy exchange between
the system and environment to cope adequately with imposing stressors. Stability pre-
serves the character of the system. An adjustment in one direction is countered by a
movement in the opposite direction, both movements being approximately rather than
precisely compensatory. With opposing forces in effect, the process of stability is an ex-
ample of the regulatory capacity of a system. Feedback of output into input makes the
system self-regulatory in relation to either maintenance of a desired health state or goal
outcome. For example, much research is needed to determine client health status by
identification of compensatory actions among one or more system variables. Interaction
of parts can fuse the client/environment into a unit relationship as a system. Health, with-
in a systemic perspective, is viewed as a continuum from wellness to illness. The two end
states are opposites: wellness is a state of saturation or inertness, one free of disrupting
needs; illness is a state of insufficiency with disrupting needs unsatisfied.
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 25

Basic structure
Basic factors common to
Line of Defens all organisms, e.g.,
xible e
F le Normal temperature
range
l Line of Defense Genetic structure
rma
No Response pattern
f Resistanc Organ strength or
es o e
L in weakness
Ego structure
Known commonalities

BASIC
STRUCTURE
ENERGY
RESOURCES

NOTE:
Physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
developmental, and spiritual variables occur
and are considered simultaneously in each
client concentric circle.
FIGURE 1-7 Health.

Nursing
The nursing component of the model (Figure 1-8) illustrates that the major concern for
nursing is in keeping the client system stable through accuracy in assessing the effects and
possible effects of environmental stressors and in assisting client adjustments required for
an optimal wellness level. Optimal means the best possible health state achievable at a given
point in time. Nursing actions are initiated to best retain, attain, and maintain optimal client
health or wellness, using the three preventions-as-interventions to keep the system stable.
In keeping the system stable, the nurse creates linkages among the client, the environment,
health, and nursing.

PREVENTION AS INTERVENTION The point of entry into the health care system for both
the client and the caregiver is at the primary prevention level, before a reaction to stres-
sors has occurred; at the secondary prevention level, after a stressor reaction has oc-
curred; or at the tertiary prevention level, following treatment of a stressor reaction. The
prevention-as-intervention formats or modes (Figures 1-9, 1-10, and 1-11; see also
Appendix C, Table C-6) are a typology of interventions that not only identify the entry
point condition for the client into the health care system but also indicate the general type
26 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

Primary prevention
Reduce possibility of
encounter with stressors
Strengthen flexible line of
defense

Secondary prevention
Early case finding
Treatment of symptoms

Tertiary prevention
Readaptation Intra
Personal
Inter
Reeducation to prevent factors
Extra
future occurrences
Maintenance of stability Interventions
Can occur before or after resistance lines are
penetrated in both reaction and
reconstitution phases
Interventions are based on:
Degree of reaction
Resources
Goals
Anticipated outcome

FIGURE 1-8 Nursing.

of intervention or action required. This intervention modality allows for multilevel inter-
vention, because more than one of the prevention-as-intervention modes can be used
simultaneously, as the client condition warrants.
The Neuman Systems Model provides an intervention typology. Primary prevention
as intervention (Figure 1-9) is used for primary prevention as wellness retention, that is, to
protect the client systems normal line of defense or usual wellness state by strengthening
the flexible line of defense. The goal is to promote client wellness by stress prevention
and reduction of risk factors. This includes a variety of strategies for health promotion.
Intervention can begin at any point at which a stressor is either suspected or identi-
fied. Primary prevention as intervention is provided when the degree of risk or hazard is
known but a reaction has not yet occurred. The caregiver may choose to reduce the pos-
sibility of stressor encounter or in some manner attempt to strengthen the clients flexible
line of defense to decrease the possibility of a reaction. Ideally, primary prevention is also
considered concomitantly with secondary and tertiary preventions-as-interventions.
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 27

(4) GOAL: To strengthen

flexible line of defense

(1) Stressors
or possibility
of stressors

(2) Assessment of BASIC

stressors to STRUCTURE
anticipate possible
consequences of
potential illness

(3) Interventions to prevent

invasion of stressors
FIGURE 1-9 Format for primary prevention as intervention mode.
Copyright 1980 by Betty Neuman.

Assuming that either the above intervention was not provided or that it failed and a
reaction occurred, intervention known as secondary prevention as intervention or treat-
ment would be provided in terms of existing symptoms. The secondary prevention-as-
intervention modality (Figure 1-10) is used for secondary prevention as wellness attain-
ment, that is, to protect the basic structure by strengthening the internal lines of resistance.

(4) GOAL: To protect basic structure

and facilitate wellness/reconstitution

Stressors

Extreme disorganization
BASIC (intervention still possible)
(1) Reaction to stressors
STRUCTURE or death

(2) Assessment of
the degree of
(3) Interventions to reduce
reaction to stressors
degree of reaction
to facilitate
to stressors
treatment/intervention
FIGURE 1-10 Format for secondary prevention as intervention mode.
Copyright 1980 by Betty Neuman.
28 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

The goal is to provide appropriate treatment of symptoms to attain optimal client system
stability or wellness and energy conservation.
Treatment could begin at any point following the occurrence of symptoms.
Maximum use of existing client internal and external resources would be considered in
an attempt to stabilize the system by strengthening the internal lines of resistance, thus re-
ducing the reaction. Relevant goals are established, based on use of the Neuman Systems
Model Nursing Process Format (Appendix C, Table C-1), which has been designed to im-
plement the model. Through its use, the meaning of the experience to the client is discov-
ered, as well as existing needs and resources for meeting them. Through the synthesis of
comprehensive client data and relevant theory, an umbrella-like, or comprehensive, nurs-
ing diagnostic statement is made, from which nursing goals for nursing intervention can
be readily determined in collaboration with clients.
If, following treatment, secondary prevention as intervention fails to reconstitute
the client, death occurs as a result of failure of the basic structure to support the interven-
tion. Reconstitution is identified as beginning at any point following treatment; it is the
determined energy increase related to the degree of reaction. Complete reconstitution
may progress well beyond the previously determined normal line of defense or usual
wellness level, it may stabilize the system at a lower level, or it may return to the level
prior to illness.
The tertiary prevention-as-intervention modality (Figure 1-11) is used for tertiary
prevention as wellness maintenance, that is, to protect client system reconstitution or

BASIC
Prior secondary STRUCTURE
(possible) intervention

Possible
higher or lower
(1) Reconstitution following wellness level
secondary intervention

(2) Assessment of the degree

of reconstitution following
intervention for reaction
to stressors
(4) GOAL: To attain/maintain
maximum wellness level
(3) Interventions to support
internal/external resources
for reconstitution

FIGURE 1-11 Format for tertiary prevention as intervention mode.

Copyright 1980 by Betty Neuman.
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 29

return to wellness following treatment. Reconstitution may be viewed as feedback from

the input and output of secondary intervention. The goal is to maintain an optimal well-
ness level by supporting existing strengths and conserving client system energy. Tertiary
prevention as intervention can begin at any point in client reconstitution following treat-
ment, that is, when some degree of system stability has occurred. Reconstitution at this
stage is dependent on the successful mobilization of client resources to prevent further
stressor reaction or regression; it represents a dynamic state of adjustment to stressors and
integration of all necessary factors towards optimal use of existing resources for client
system stability or wellness maintenance.
This dynamic view of tertiary prevention tends to lead back, in circular fashion, to-
ward primary prevention. An example of this circularity is either avoidance of specific
known hazardous stressors or desensitization to them. In using this intervention typology,
the client condition, in relation to environmental stressors, becomes readily apparent.
One or all three prevention modalities give direction to, or may be simultaneously used
for, nursing action, with possible synergistic benefits.

HEALTH PROMOTION Health promotion based on the Neuman Systems Model is a com-
ponent of the primary prevention-as-intervention modality. This contradicts Penders
(1987) view that the two areas should be considered separate entities. In the Neuman
Systems Model, health promotion is subsumed within the area of primary prevention and
becomes one of the specific goals within it for nursing action. For example, following
need determination, intervention goals would include education and appropriate sup-
portive actions toward achieving optimal client wellness, that is, augmenting existing
strengths related to the flexible line of defense and thus decreasing the possibility of risk
or threat of client reaction to potential or actual stressors. The major goal for nursing is to
reduce stressor impact, whether actual or potential, and to increase client resistance.
Because the Neuman Systems Model is wellness oriented, health promotion goals should
ideally work in concert with both secondary and tertiary prevention as interventions to
prevent recidivism and to promote optimal wellness. Health promotion, in general, and
within the primary prevention concept, relates to activities that optimize a clients well-
ness potential or condition.
Inasmuch as the Neuman Systems Model has considered environmental stressors as
having a continuous impact on the client system, health promotion is inherently a major
area of concern for both clients and caregivers, not only in retention, but also in attain-
ment and maintenance of optimal client/client system wellness (Neuman, 1974). Primary
prevention as intervention with inherent health promotion is an expanding futuristic,
proactive concept with which the nursing field must become increasingly concerned. It
has unlimited potential for major role development that could shape the future image of
nursing as world health care reform continues to evolve in the 21st century.

THE NURSING PROCESS AND THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL Insufficient methodology
exists for truly scientific approaches to complex and rapidly changing nursing concerns.
Nurses largely conceptualize and utilize their social science knowledge for nursing in
their own unique way, thus contributing to general inadequacy in professional communi-
cation and often poorly defined client goals. The need is critical for meaningful definitions
30 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

and conceptual frames of reference for nursing practice if the profession is to be estab-
lished as a science. For example, though considerable progress has been made in the past
few years, the profession is still without definitive criteria for establishing a nursing diag-
nosis within the nursing process. It is considered to be in an evolving state from its pres-
ent North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) guidelines. There is a major
concern that these criteria relate only in part to various nursing conceptual frameworks.
Therefore, the Neuman Systems Model concepts should be used for Neuman Systems
Model nursing diagnoses.
The Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process Format was designed specifically for
nursing implementation of the Neuman Systems Model (Appendix C, Table C-1). The nurs-
ing process format has been developed within the following three categories: nursing diag-
nosis, nursing goals, and nursing outcomes. These categories best fit the systemic perspec-
tive of the Neuman Systems Model. The utility of the format was first validated by doctoral
students at the University of Alabama in 1982; its validity and social utility have since been
documented in a wide variety of international nursing education and practice areas.
In using the Neuman Systems Model, the nurse is concerned with acquiring signif-
icant and comprehensive client system data to determine the impact or the possible
impact of environmental stressors. Selected, prioritized client information is related to or
is synthesized with relevant social science and nursing theories. This process fully ex-
plains the client condition, providing the logic or rationale for subsequent nursing ac-
tion. That is, it provides the basis for a broad, comprehensive (umbrella-like) diagnostic
statement concerning the entire client condition, from which logically defensible goals
are easily and accurately derived. The Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process Format
is elaborated by the Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool: Client
Assessment and Nursing Diagnosis (Appendix C, Table C-3), the Neuman Systems Model
Assessment and Intervention Tool: Summary of Goals with Rationale (Appendix C, Table
C-4), the Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool: Intervention Plan
to Support Stated Goals (Appendix C, Table C-5), and the Neuman Systems Model
Assessment and Intervention Tool: Format for Prevention as Intervention (Appendix C,
Table C-6).
A unique feature of the Neuman Systems Model nursing process is determination of
the perceptions of both client system and caregiver (see the Neuman Systems Model
Assessment and Intervention Tool: Client Assessment and Nursing Diagnosis, Appendix
C, Table C-3). Another important feature is the mutual determination of client intervention
goals (see Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process Format, Appendix C, Table C-1).
These characteristics follow current mandates within the health care system for client
rights in health care issues.
Although many authors have proposed various characteristics as integral compo-
nents of the nursing process as a whole and in each of its phases, Phaneuf (1976) point-
ed out that there is little to support assumptions concerning the outcomes of the nursing
process unless they are made from an adequate database. The Neuman Systems Model
Nursing Process Format attempts to offer some resolution to the awkward dilemma in the
following manner. Sufficient client data are obtained to make a comprehensive diagnos-
tic statement and objectively determine client variance from wellness. Relevant goal set-
ting is then defensible in terms of the theoretical synthesis with client data. Through the
use of this specially designed nursing format, analytical outcomes are possible because
they are based on purposeful prevention-as-intervention modalities.
 Chapter 1 The Neuman Systems Model 31

THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL AND MIDDLE-RANGE

THEORY DEVELOPMENT
The author and a valued nursing colleague, Audrey Koertvelyessy (Neuman &
Koertvelyessy, 1986), jointly identified the major theory for the model as the theory of op-
timal client system stability. The theory asserts that stability represents health for the sys-
tem. Several other theories inherent within the model could be identified and clarified
with the goal of optimizing health for the client; for example, nursing is prevention as in-
tervention and the client as a system is wholistic.
Koertvelyessy (personal communication, fall 1987) also proposed the theory of preven-
tion as intervention. She views the concept of preventionprimary, secondary, or tertiary
as prevalent and significant in the Neuman Systems Model, linked to each of the broad con-
cepts of the model, that is, client, environment, health, and nursing. Inasmuch as the
prevention strategies are the modes instituted to retain, attain, or maintain stability of a
clients health status, she considers the development of a theory statement linking these con-
cepts as a necessary next step.
Other middle-range theories that have been directly derived from the Neuman
Systems Model are listed in Chapter 21 of this book, which also contains a discussion of
techniques used to derive middle-range theories from the model. Techniques used to
link the Neuman Systems Model with existing middle-range theories are discussed in
Chapter 22.

Conclusion
The Neuman Systems Model is a comprehen- theories, clarifying the relationships of vari-
sive guide for nursing practice, research, educa- ables in nursing care and role definitions at
tion, and administration that is open to creative various levels of nursing practice. Nursing
implementation. Although creative interpreta- practice goals should enable the client to cre-
tions and implementation of the model are val- ate and shape reality in a desired direction,
ued, structural changes that could alter its orig- related to retention, attainment, or mainte-
inal meaning and purpose are not sanctioned. nance of optimal client system wellness, or a
Indeed, fundamental changes in the meaning combination of these, through purposeful
or purpose or content of the model would re- prevention interventions. Nursing prevention
flect the development of a new conceptual interventions should mitigate or reduce stress
model that should be identified as such. factors and adverse conditions that affect or
The Neuman Systems Model helps nurs- could affect optimal client functioning at any
es to organize the nursing field within a broad given point in time. The Neuman Systems
systems perspective as a logical way of deal- Model Nursing Process Format and the
ing with its growing complexity. Earlier, the Assessment and Intervention Tool (Appendix
Neuman Systems Model was criticized as C) were designed to implement the Neuman
being too broad, as were other conceptual Systems Model by incorporating its terminolo-
models of nursing; now, this quality has be- gy and encompassing its breadth of purpose.
come a major reason for increasing accept- Although nurse theorists have increasing-
ance of the model and its documented utility. ly added system components to their models,
The Neuman Systems Model has the initially they viewed humans or clients collec-
potential for unifying various health-related tively or the person singularly as a behavioral
32 Section 1 The Neuman Systems Model

composite, a biological system, an organism at Model diagram (Figure 1-3). The Neuman
a particular stage of development, or as part of Systems Model fits well with the wholistic con-
an interactive process. As befits a wholistic per- cept of optimizing a dynamic yet stable interre-
spective, the Neuman Systems Model has al- lationship of spirit, mind, and body of the client
ways considered all of these factors simultane- in a constantly changing environment and soci-
ously and comprehensively within a systems ety (Neuman & Young, 1972). The Neuman
perspective. That is, the client is viewed as a Systems Model has fulfilled the World Health
composite of interacting variablesphysiologi- Organizations mandate for the year 2000 and
cal, psychological, developmental, sociocultu- reaches far beyond, seeking unity in wellness
ral, and spiritualthat are, ideally, functioning stateswellness of spirit, mind, body, and en-
harmoniously or are stable in relation to both vironment. The Neuman Systems Model also is
internal and external environmental stressor in- in accord with the views of the American
fluences. This approach to clients and client Nursing Association, sharing its concern about
systems prevents possible fragmentation and potential stressors and its emphasis on primary
failure to interrelate various aspects of the prevention, as well as world health care reform
client system as the nursing goal becomes that concern for preventing illness.
of facilitating optimal client system stability. The multidimensionality and wholistic
A great need exists to clarify and make systemic perspective of the Neuman Systems
explicit not only the relationship of variables af- Model is increasingly demonstrating its rele-
fecting a client during and following an illness vance and reliability in a wide variety of clini-
but also those related to wellness retention for cal and educational settings throughout the
ambulatory and evolving high-risk groups. world. Its comprehensive approach accom-
Inasmuch as health care is shifting increasingly modates a variety of health-related theories. It
toward primary prevention, including health also has the potential for generating important
promotion, an understanding of how these nursing theory through research into its com-
variables interface with those of secondary and ponents and by the unification of existing the-
tertiary prevention is important. These relation- ories to serve world health care concerns well
ships are illustrated in the Neuman Systems into the future.

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This page intentionally left blank
 SECTION TWO
    

Toward an Enhanced
Understanding of the Neuman
Systems Model
This page intentionally left blank
    
CHAPTER 2
The Client System
as an Individual
Michel A. Tarko
Anna M. Helewka

The purpose of this chapter is to enhance understanding of the Neuman Systems Model
concept of the client system as an individual. The chapter contains work completed by
the Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing faculty. Additional work done by
the faculty to enhance understanding of the client system as a family, group, or commu-
nity is presented in Chapter 3.
Douglas College is located in British Columbia, Canada. The faculty of the Health
Sciences Department of Psychiatric Nursing has been using the Neuman Systems Model as a
curriculum framework for more than 25 years in the Advanced Diploma in Psychiatric
Nursing program, which is a postgraduate program for registered psychiatric Nurses and reg-
istered nurses working in a mental health context (see Table 2-1). In September 2006, the
Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing added a four-year Bachelor of Science in
Psychiatric Nursing degree program. (See Chapter 14 of this book for a comprehensive dis-
cussion of the colleges curriculum development process and course sequence.)

CLIENT SYSTEM AS AN INDIVIDUAL

The Neuman Systems Model can be used to guide the education and practice of student
nurses as they learn to care for clients as individuals. The basic structure of the individual
client system could be introduced to nursing students in their first clinical nursing course
as they learn about themselves and the well client (Meyer & Xu, 2005). Student learning
is enhanced by applying the components of the basic structure to themselves and to well
clients, thereby providing them with a frame of reference for the Neuman Systems Model
that is grounded in reality for them as learners and novice nurses. As the students
progress in their education and practice, more complex parameters of the client system as
an individual are introduced to inform their developing knowledge of health assessment
and interventions grounded in a conceptual model of nursing (Fawcett, 2004; Ume-
Nwagbo, DeWan, & Lowry, 2006).

37
38 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

TABLE 2-1 Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing

Curriculum Conceptual Framework

Curriculum Concepts Person/ Environment Health Psychiatric

Threads Family/Group/ Nursing
Community

WellnessWholism Universal Client System 1. Internal Health/ Prevention

Illness Continuum Experiences Individual/ Wellness as
Wholism Family/Group/ System Intervention
Determinants of Community Stability Primary
Health Harmony Prevention
Variance from Psychological Secondary
Wellness Variable Illness Prevention
Perception of Integration: System Tertiary
Wellness/Illness Emotions Instability Prevention
Universal Cognition, Disharmony
Experiences: Perception 2. External
Crisis, Comfort, CRISIS Self-concept, Cultural Flexible Line
Hope, Loss, Sexuality of Defense
Power, Integrity,
and Resiliency Sociocultural Economic Normal Line
Variable of Defense
Professional
Values COMFORT Relatedness:
Communication, Physical Lines of
Self-awareness
Social History, Resistance
Professional Role Roles,
Standards of Relationships Political
Practice
Legal and Ethical Physiological
Guidelines Variable Social
Advocacy Cellular Dynamic
Professional HOPE Circulation
Caring Oxygenation 3. Created
Attributes: Elimination Stressors
Compassion, LOSS Metabolism Intrapersonal
Comportment, Mobility
Commitment, Interpersonal
Neurosensory Extrapersonal
Conscience,
Competence, POWER Protection
Confidence, and Reproduction
Collegiality
Nursing Process Spiritual Variable
Therapeutic Use RESILIENCY Purpose and
of Self Meaning
Clinical Procedures Interconnectedness
(continued)
 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 39

TABLE 2-1 (continued)

Curriculum Concepts Person/ Environment Health Psychiatric

Threads Family/Group/ Nursing
Community

Teaching-Learning Faith
Process Forgiveness
Group Process Religion
Health Care INTEGRITY Creativity
Delivery System Transcendence
Primary Health Developmental
Care (Promotive, Variable
Preventative,
Growth
Restorative,
Curative, Life Span
Rehabilitative, Transitions
and Supportive
Services)
Psychosocial
Rehabilitation
Case
Management
Program
Management
Interdisciplinary
Collaboration
Leadership
Information
Technology
(Informatics)

Source: Health Sciences Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada. Copyright
Douglas College, June 2006. Used with permission.

Client System Variables

The individual as an open client system is composed of five interrelated and interacting
variablesphysiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritualthat
function harmoniously to maintain system stability in response to external and internal
environmental stressors. Figure 2-1 illustrates how the client system variables intersect
and interact with each other and how together they form an essential part of the basic
structure or central core of the individual client system. Because the five client system
variables are fluid and dynamic, they vary in how much they intersect and interact at any
particular time.
The client system as an individual is composed of the physiological variable, which
refers to body structures and their physiological functions, such as the condition and ef-
fectiveness of the organs and the regulatory systems of the body. The psychological vari-
able involves the clients mental processes and ability to build/maintain relationships,
40 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

Physiological
Psyc
holo ual
gica
l Spirit

De
l
ra
ltu

ve
cu

lo p
cio

m
en
So

ta
l
FIGURE 2-1 Diagram of the client system variables. Source: Health Sciences Department of
Psychiatric Nursing, Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada. Copyright Douglas College, June
2006. Used with permission.

such as emotional state, cognitive processes, communication skills, coping mechanisms,

and self-concept. The sociocultural variable comprises the clients social and cultural di-
mensions or attributes such as attitudes, beliefs, lifestyle, habits, and ethnicity. The devel-
opmental variable refers to human growth and developmental transitions throughout the
life span. The spiritual variable refers to the clients spiritual beliefs and influences that
serve to guide all life processes. The interrelationship of the five variables as a system,
which determines the clients level of wellness, is unique to each individual. The five vari-
ables change over time and influence how a client responds to internal and external en-
vironmental stressors.
Organizers that assist students to collect and analyze data have been identified for
each client system variable. The organizers for each of the five client system variables are:

1. Physiological variablecellular dynamic, circulation, oxygenation, elimination,

metabolism, mobility, neurosensory, protection, reproduction
2. Psychological variableintegration: emotions, cognition and perception, self-
concept, sexuality
3. Sociocultural variablerelatedness: communication, social history, roles, rela-
tionships
4. Developmental variablegrowth, life span, transitions
5. Spiritual variablepurpose and meaning, interconnectedness, faith, forgiveness,
religion, creativity, transcendence

Students understand that data placement is not static and that sometimes data
belong in more than one organizer or variable. All five variables are assessed when col-
lecting data about an individual client, and the assessment must include the clients
perception of system stability and stressors, as well as the caregivers perceptions.

Client System and Environment

Each individual client system has boundaries composed of real or imaginary lines that dif-
ferentiate one client system from another or its environment (Antai-Otong, 2003). For ex-
ample, the skin of the body is a real and visible boundary for the individual client system.
 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 41

The external environment of the individual client system is defined as interpersonal

and extrapersonal in nature and is conceptualized as everything outside a person includ-
ing physical surroundings and social interactions (Boyd, 2005, p. 774). The internal
environment of the individual client system is intrapersonal in nature and is made up of
all interactive influences contained within the boundaries of the individual. For example,
human genes are a component of the internal environment that play an enormous role
in the expression of certain talents, conditions, and pathologies (Mohr, 2003, p. 32).
The created environment of the individual client system involves intra-, inter-, and
extrapersonal dimensions that are expressed as the subconscious or conscious reality per-
ceived by the individual client, which may not necessarily represent reality as perceived
by the nurse. Understanding the individual clients created environment, which requires
excellent communication skills and establishment of a mutually meaningful therapeutic
relationship between the client and the nurse, assists the nurse to preserve and enhance
client system wellness.

NURSING PROCESS FOR THE CLIENT SYSTEM AS AN INDIVIDUAL

The Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process Format of nursing diagnosis, nursing goals,
and nursing outcomes (Crawford & Tarko, 2002; Gehrling & Tarko, 2004; Neuman, 2002;
Tarko & Gehrling, 2004) is utilized throughout the Douglas College Department of
Psychiatric Nursing curriculum. Nursing diagnosis statements arise from analysis of data
that describe the individual client systems variance from wellness, as well as from theo-
retical knowledge and other resources. Nursing goals statements are formulated with the
client and/or family as appropriate and are written in language reflecting a client-centered
perspective. Nursing outcomes statements, which stipulate prevention-as-intervention
strategies chosen by the nurse and the client to attain the desired nursing goals, must:

take into account the clients perception and the nurses perception,
strengthen the lines of defense,
reduce the likelihood of an encounter with a stressor,
reduce the impact of a stressor,
promote the highest possible level of wellness following reconstitution or recovery,
ensure that the clients and the nurses goals are compatible,
facilitate system stability/harmony, and
incorporate all levels of prevention.

Assessment of Client System Variables

The Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing faculty has developed a compre-
hensive assessment guide and assessment tool for each of the five client system variables
based on the organizers for each variable. The assessment guides and tools are shown in
Figures 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, and 2-6 at the end of this chapter.

Client System Variables and Nursing Diagnosis

The Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing faculty has developed a taxono-
my of nursing diagnoses grounded in the Neuman Systems Model within the context of
psychiatric nursing (see Figure 2-7 at the end of this chapter). The Douglas College
42 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

Department of Psychiatric Nursing Neuman Systems Model taxonomy of nursing diag-

noses is currently being utilized in a pilot project by students and faculty at the college,
who have been invited to provide input regarding its utility in diverse psychiatric nursing
practice settings. It is important to note that students are educated to know that they are
not bound by the specific language of the diagnostic statements; if a clients experience
requires different language or terminology, then students may use other concepts that
make sense to them and the client across a variety of nursing specialty contexts.
The taxonomy for the client system as an individual is based on the organizers iden-
tified for each of the five client system variables. Inasmuch as client system variables
function in harmony to maintain system stability, any variance in system stability or well-
ness involves an alteration in one or more of the organizers within the variables.
Formulating a nursing diagnosis statement requires identifying: (1) the relevant client sys-
tem variables and organizers; (2) relevant intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal
stressors arising from the client systems internal and external environments; and (3) the
client systems created environment.
Each nursing diagnosis statement addresses protection of the basic structure and
movement of the client to optimum wellness as defined by the client. The diagnostic
statements include the data that have led to the particular diagnoses. Formulating nursing
diagnosis statements in this way guides development of preventions as interventions that
are related to the stressors that have influenced client system stability. Preventions as in-
terventions are then designed to reduce the stressor or minimize its impact.

A CASE STUDY
A case study that illustrates application of the client system variables and the Douglas
College Department of Psychiatric Nursing Neuman Systems Model taxonomy of nursing
diagnoses is presented in Box 2-1.

BOX 2-1
Case Study: The Client System as an Individual

Mary is a 30-year-old, single, unemployed woman the weather. She is 152 cm (60 inches tall) and
currently receiving funding from social services. weighs 48 kg (105.6 pounds). She has clean,
She has three children under the age of 12 years. shoulder-length, blond hair, blue eyes, and wears
She has been referred to your outpatient mental glasses. Her movements are easy and coordinated.
health centre by her general practitioner for treat- She makes eye contact throughout the interview
ment of a mood disorder. She has no previous and you note that her facial expression is sad.
contact with the mental health system. She moved Mary says she has been depressed since
to Abbotsford 5 months ago to be closer to her her common-law relationship of 2 years ended 6
sister. She has a medical history of asthma and weeks ago. She states she was frustrated and un-
Crohns disease. She also has a family history of happy with the relationship before it ended, but did
CAD and type 2 diabetes. She had a tubal ligation not want to separate from her partner. Currently,
2 years ago. she has lost interest in her usual activities, is fa-
On initial presentation, Mary is casually tigued, has no interest in food, and has lost weight
dressed in tight stretch pants, a sweater, and a [5 kg (11 pounds) in the last 2 months]. She occa-
jacket. Her clothing is clean and appropriate for sionally experiences a dry mouth and nausea. She
 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 43

has been having difficulty falling asleep and awak- finally ended 3 years ago when he moved to
ens several times during the night. She is tearful Saskatchewan. He does not pay any child support
during the interview and says, I cant seem to stop nor does he have contact with the children. Mary
crying or look after my children anymore. I dont became involved in a second common-law rela-
think anyone will ever want or love me again. She tionship shortly thereafter, and has one child,
rates her mood as 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. She cant aged 2, from that short, failed relationship. She at-
recall the last time she felt happy. She indicates that tended a parenting group 3 years ago to develop
she attempted suicide at age 16 with Tylenol and parenting skills. She thinks that she is a good
states, Ive thought about it (suicide) but I could mother; I give them time out. Sometimes I yell,
not do it because of the children. but I never spank them. She would like to spend
Her current medications are Paxil (Paroxetine more time doing things with the children like
hydrochloride) 20 mg daily, which she has been sports and talking to them, but believes that her
taking for 3 weeks with no noted improvement in financial status interferes with her family life.
her feeling state; Ventolin (Albuterol) inhaler 2 puffs At this time, Mary says she feels fat and
qid; Beclovent inhaler 1 puff tid; and Azathioprine hates her body. She used to binge and purge but
(Imuran) 50 mg do. says she does not do so now; however, she does
Her DSM-IV diagnosis is Major Depressive Dis- not eat regularly nor does she consume a variety
order, moderate, single episode. Query dysthymia. of foods. She does try to feed the children a
History: Mary is the second of four chil- healthy diet. She walks to appointments and
dren. She states that she does not remember shopping but does not have a regular exercise pro-
much of her life before the age of 10. She is close gram. She smokes 20 cigarettes daily. She likes to
to an older sister, Edna, who lives in the same drink socially when she can afford it (I get drunk
community; Edna is currently in counseling for about once or twice a month especially if things
childhood issues. Mary and Ednas father left the are rough), but she no longer does drugs. She
family when Mary was 3 years old and she does states that she believes health is very important.
not remember him. She says her mother is an alco- She considers herself healthy even though she suf-
holic who was emotionally and physically abusive fers from Crohns and asthmashe states that
to both girls. For short periods of time Mary and these conditions bother her only when she does
her sister lived in foster homes and with their ma- not take care of herself or take her medications.
ternal grandmother. Mary and Ednas mother had Mary says she has friends but they are not
two other children (boys) now in their early 20s the kind of people she wants to associate with
they are both known drug abusers and have been because they drink and are losers. Most of her
in jail numerous times. Mary rarely sees her moth- friends live in the subsidized housing complex
er or her brothers. During her teen years Mary re- where she lives. She does not like her neighbor-
ports being raped by her mothers common-law hood; she states she does not feel safe but contin-
husband on several occasions (denied by her ues to live there because its the only place she can
mother and the common-law husband) but afford and it is close to her sisters place. She spends
charges were never filed. Mary did poorly in most of her day watching TV. She thinks her prob-
school and quit after grade 10. On two occasions lems would be solved if she were in a loving rela-
she has returned to school in an attempt to obtain tionship with someone to care for her and her chil-
her grade 12 equivalency but has not been able to dren. She feels victimized by her past and her life
stay with it; she states, maybe Im really stupid. circumstances. Mary says that the only time she
She has been suffering from exacerbation of feels good about herself is when she is in a relation-
Crohns and asthma since she was 16 years old. shipthen I feel desirable, sexy and feminine . . .
Mary moved in with a boyfriend who was most of the time I hate myself and my body . . . Im
physically abusive. They both drank heavily and a failure. When she meets someone new she will
used drugs. This relationship resulted in two chil- seek intimacy through intercourse but once the re-
dren (now ages 11 and 8). Mary and this man sep- lationship is established she loses interest. She does
arated a number of times and the relationship not ask her partners to wear condoms. She had her
(continued)
44 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

BOX 2-1 (continued)

first sexual experience at 11 years old and was sex-  Does not engage in physical exercise
ually abused by her mothers husband at 13 years  Does not have a varied diet; no in-
of age. She began menses at age 13 and finds terest in food; not eating
them distasteful. She feels ashamed of her body,  Difficulty falling asleep

feels fat, and does not like to be seen nude. She has  Awakens several times during the

not had a physical examination since her last child night

was born 2 years ago. She states she does do regu-  Limited knowledge about reproduc-

lar breast self-exams. She wishes she had not had tive health
the tubal ligation because it decreases my value as  Does do breast self-exam

a partner. She does not remember how she Interpersonal stressors

learned about reproduction and her knowledge  Relationship ended 6 weeks ago

about the subject is limited.  Lack of child support and visiting

Mary sees the source of her problems as out- from father of children
side of herself. I let things slide until I have to do  Doesnt ask partners to wear

something or someone else makes the decision. condoms

She states, I have too much stress at home with Extrapersonal stressors
being on my own with the children. She has  Unemployed

worked as a waitress in the past and has no other  Decreased finances

job skills saying, theres just no point working for B. Sociocultural

minimum wages. She believes that there must be Intrapersonal stressors
a God but I have not seen him working in my life.  Did poorly in school

She states that her grandmother used to take her  French Canadian; single mother

to the Catholic church which she really enjoyed but  Doesnt feel safe

she has not been active in any religion since child- Interpersonal stressors
hood. She does not know about her heritage ex-  Common-law relationship; physically

cept that her grandmother is part French Canadian. abusive

The mental status exam indicates nothing  Would like to increase activities with

abnormal except the lack of ability to recall early children

life events. She is able to respond to proverbs with  Sees friends as losers

abstract ideas. Her speech is spontaneous with  Impoverished environment; doesnt

normal flow; she expresses her ideas clearly. feel safe

Vocabulary is appropriate to her educational level. Extrapersonal stressors
There is no evidence of thought disorder.  Unemployed; lack of training for

jobs due to poor schooling

1. Under each variable identify the three  Social services/mental health center?

levels of stressors (intrapersonal,  Lives in subsidized housing in

interpersonal, and extrapersonal) expe- Abbotsford; poor neighborhood

rienced by the client for each variable.  Child of a broken home

Include the nurses perception of stres-  Had been in many foster homes

sors as well as the clients perceptions  Limited finances

of the stressors.  Abusive environment/relationship

A. Physiological C. Spiritual
Intrapersonal stressors Intrapersonal stressors
 Asthma, Crohns, mood disorder  Part French Canadian; tubal ligation
 Family history of CAD, type 2 dia-  Lost her joie de vivre; mood disor-

betes, smoker der; suicidal risk

 Period of noncompliance with meds  Eating disorder; thinks she is stupid
 Hasnt had physical exam in 2 years and fat
 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 45

Interpersonal stressors  Undeveloped understanding of

 Grandmother used to take her to family history
Catholic church E. Psychological
 Attended parenting group Intrapersonal stressors
 Feels/thinks she loves her children  Altered body image

and that life is worth living because  Mood 3/10; crying

of them  Past history of suicidal ideation

 Thinks she needs to be in a relation-  Depression; anxiety; sadness

ship in order to have value as a  Frustrated with life

person  Hates body; decreased self-concept

 Has moved to be near sister Interpersonal stressors
Extrapersonal stressors  Relationship problems
 Catholic church and faith  Dysfunctional family
 Faith in God?  History of substance abuse
 Seeks solace from alcohol  Problems with children
 Possible anger at mothers common-  Problem with maintaining relation-

law husband/society as she was ships

raped by him and no charges were  Loneliness

filed  Past history of family abuse; no father

D. Developmental figure
Intrapersonal stressors Extrapersonal stressors
 Asthma and Crohns since she was  No financial supports

young; CAD and diabetes risk  Decreased emotional support system

 Unemployed (choosing not to work  Not happy with work for minimum

for minimum wage) wages

 Only basic education; no occupa-  Lonely

tional skills 2. Identify which stressors have broken

 ETOH and drug abuse history through the FLD, NLD, and LOR and place
 Tubal ligation; low mood; suicide at- Mary in actual or potential disharmony.
tempt at 16 Identify any stressors that have a posi-
 Poor parenting skills; self-concept tive influence on the FLD, NLD, and LOR.
 Unable to experience mature inti- A. Flexible Line of Defense (FLD)
macy; no individuation Asthma, Crohns, mood disorder; ETOH
 Lack of problem-solving skills; exter- and drug abuse history
nal locus of control Family history of CAD and type 2 dia-
 Limited knowledge re: safe sex betes
Interpersonal stressors Tubal ligation; periods of noncompli-
 Single mother ance with medications
 Chaotic family background; poor Has not had a physical exam in 2 years
parental role modeling Smoker; does not engage in regular
 Friendships are not necessarily a exercise regimen
good influence Unemployed (reluctant to work for
 Difficult relationship with boyfriends minimum wage)
 Sexual, emotional, and physical abuse Unsafe sex practices (does not ask
Extrapersonal stressors partners to wear condoms)
 Perceives that neighborhood is not Limited knowledge re: safe sex prac-
safe tices and reproductive health
 Lack of finances is limiting her Perceives that friends are not neces-
 Little family support (only sister) sarily a good influence
(continued)
46 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

BOX 2-1 (continued)

Believes that lack of finances is limiting Low mood; suicide attempt at 16 years
to her of age; past history of suicide ideation;
Little family emotional or financial frustrated with life
support Poor self-image and altered self-
Undeveloped understanding of family concept
history Poor parenting skills
Perceives neighborhood as not being Has not experienced mature intimacy
safe Lack of problem-solving skills; func-
Single mother tions from an external locus of control
Positive Stressors Chaotic family background; poor or
 Identifies with French Canadian little parental role modeling
background History of sexual, emotional, and
 Some faith in God physical abuse
 Grandmother used to take her to Mood 3/10; cries often
Catholic church History of troublesome intimate rela-
 Attended parenting group tionships
 Feels she loves her childrenlife is Positive Stressors
worth living because of them  Identifies as being from French
 Has moved to be near her sister Canadian heritage
B. Normal Line of Defense (NLD)  Availability of social services and

Does not have a varied diet; no inter- mental health services

est in food; at times does not eat; has  Subsidized housing

lost 5 kg in 2 months  States she no longer uses drugs

Difficulty falling asleep; awakens sev-  Trying to do the best for her children

eral times during the night  Knows she should provide children

Relationship ended 6 weeks ago with a good diet

Lack of child support and involvement  Is able to identify if friends are a bad

from childrens fathers influence on her life

Unemployed/decreased finances, there- C. Lines of Resistance (LOR)
fore cannot afford nutritious food History of suicide ideation and suicidal
Did poorly in schoolonly basic edu- risk
cation; lack of vocational training or Decreased self-esteem and altered
education; no occupational skills; not body imagedislikes herself and how
happy working for minimum wage her body looks
ETOH and drug abuse history Unhappy with life situation; lonely; de-
Single mother; limited finances and no pressed, anxious, and sad
financial supports Does not feel valued unless she is in a
Feels unsafe in neighborhood; low- relationship
income neighborhood Will use alcohol as a comfort and escape
Believes needs to be in a intimate rela- Lack of self-respect and self-confidence
tionship to feel valued as a person Problems with children and does not
Asthma and Crohns history; mood know how to handle situations
disorder Relationship problems/dysfunctional
Family history of CAD and type 2 dia- and abusive
betes; has had tubal ligation but now Anger at mother, mothers common-
wishes she had not (decision-making law husband, and society for past sex-
skills poor) ual abuse and perceives nothing has
Sees friends as losers been done to help her
 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 47

Low mood (3/10) No physical exam for 2 years

Impoverished environment Noncompliance with treatment regi-
Does not feel safe in own neighbor- men for Crohns and asthma
hood Unsafe sex practices; limited knowl-
Child of a broken home and has been edge of sexual health practices
in many foster homes or living with Limited emotional support resources
grandmother; dysfunctional family; no Functions from an external locus of
father figure and little or no parental control and sees her problems as being
role modeling caused by outside forces
Positive Stressors These stressors are placing Marys core
 Does breast self-exam structure at risk but have not necessarily
 Does not use drugs anymore altered the core structure permanently,
 Loves her children though they are causing a state of dis-
 Sister is a support harmony. Interventions related to these
3. Describe Marys basic (core) structure. stressors are focused on reducing the re-
Considering what Mary has gone through sponse to the stressors but are also aimed
she is remarkably resilient. Marys core struc- at removing the stressor if possible (or at
ture remains intact but is highly at risk due to least making the stressor less damaging).
the numerous stressors that have weakened 4. Identify the clients strengths (potential
the FLD, altered the NLD, and crossed the for reconstitution).
LOR, thereby placing her in a state of actual Mary has the potential for reconstitution or
system disharmony/instability. The impact of recovery. Mary has strengths that (with in-
these stressors on the FLD, NLD, and LOR has tervention) will assist her to reestablish the
affected all five variables resulting in vari- protective LOR, NLD, and FLD so that the
ances in wellness across the five variables. core is less at risk. These strengths include:
A. Stressors that have resulted in perma- Some awareness that she is at risk for
nent changes in the core structure: disharmony and is looking for some help
History of family and partner abuse with her issues (evident by her willingness
Dysfunctional family history to talk about her concerns)
Crohns , asthma Living near a sister who will provide some
Tubal ligation support
Interventions related to these stressors Has been successful in not using drugs
are focused on the system response; in Understands the importance of staying
other words, assisting Mary to deal with healthy for her children and wants to
and manage the effect of these stressors. make some changes in her life for them
B. Stressors that are currently affecting Mental status examination results indi-
the core structure because they have cate she is relatively stable
altered the NLD, FLD, and crossed the 5. Variance in Wellness/Nursing Diagnosis
LOR are: (Examples onlynot a comprehensive
Mood disorder, altered self-image list).
Relationship issues, lack of parenting Variances in wellness are based on assess-
skills, loneliness, few friends ment of variables, identification of stressors,
Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoker and clients reaction to stressors. The nurs-
History of drug and alcohol abuse to ing diagnoses statements would be formu-
deal with problems lated in collaboration with Mary, and must
Financial difficulties, no job consider what she perceives as a priority in
Frustrated with life situation addition to dealing with any urgent issues
Limited education and potential safety concerns identified by
Unresolved anger at mother the nurse. These nursing diagnoses are
(continued)
48 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

BOX 2-1 (continued)

written using the Department of Psychiatric parameters of social and intimate relation-
Nursing (DOPN) taxonomy, which is based ships and all partners having been abu-
on the DOPN Neuman Systems Model cur- sive, friends are losers.
riculum conceptual framework. The diag- I. Altered Relationships with Family
nostic statements are formulated using the and Significant Others: (Unresolved
following format: anger issues) related to decreased insight
Altered Variable Organizer: (Specify and knowledge of how to deal with
system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, anger and stating she is angry at mothers
extrapersonal stressors) as evidenced by role in history of sexual/physical abuse.
(aeb) ______(data)______________. J. Alterations in Purpose and Meaning:
A. Altered Oxygenation: (Altered oxy- (Dissatisfaction with life circumstances)
genCO2 exchange in alveoli and at cel- related to history of abuse, destructive
lular level) related to being a smoker, relationships, maladaptive coping re-
asthma, noncompliance with medication sources and stating she has not seen that
regimen, SOB, activity intolerance. God has played much of a role in her life
B. Altered Protection: (Potential for ac- and does not know how to take care of
quiring STDs) related to lack of knowl- her children, sees no point in going to
edge of safe sexual practices and stating work for minimum wage.
she does not require partners to wear 6. Nursing Goals
condoms. The psychiatric nurse would collaborate with
C. Altered Rest/Comfort: (Altered sleep Mary to set client-centered goals based on
patterns) related to feelings of sadness negotiations with her for desired change to
and depression over loss of recent rela- correct variance in wellness. Goals would be
tionship and not sleeping at night, wak- focused on altering the system behaviors:
ing often, restlessness. Altered O2CO2 exchange in alveoli
D. Altered Self-concept: (Feels worthless) Potential for acquiring STD
related to poorly developed sense of self Altered sleep pattern
and feeling valued only when she is in a Feeling worthless
relationship. Suicidal ideation and depression
E. Altered Emotions: (Suicidal ideation Difficulties with parenting role
and depression) related to development Limited finances
of mood disorder and life circumstances; Develops destructive relationships
crying, tearing, feeling sad, mood 3/10 Unresolved anger issues
when asked, children are keeping her Dissatisfaction with life circumstances
from attempting suicide. 7. Nursing Outcomes
F. Altered Roles: (Difficulties with parent- Nursing interventions are accomplished by
ing role) related to no parenting role mod- the implementation of one or more of the
els in past and a lack of knowledge of par- three prevention-as-intervention modes in
enting skills and stating she does not know altering system behaviorsin fact it is sug-
how to handle problems with children. gested that all interventions include ele-
G. Altered Support Structures: (Limited ments of all three modes.
finances) related to lack of employment, Interventions also need to include strate-
lack of child support and feeling unsafe gies to modify the stressors effects on the
in low-cost housing but cannot afford to client system as well as to modify the client
live elsewhere. systems response to stressors.
H. Altered Interpersonal Development: A. Primary Prevention: In Marys case there
(Develops destructive relationships) rel- has been penetration of the NLD but
ated to a lack of knowledge related to interventions should still include teaching
 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 49

related to avoiding stressors in the future, counseling, and financial and housing
strengthening resistance, and preventing problem solving all fall under this mode of
further variances in wellness by identifying prevention.
potential risks. STD counseling, parenting C. Tertiary Prevention: Once Mary has
classes, and medication teaching for Mary made progress with the strategies out-
fall under this mode of prevention. lined as secondary prevention, the goal
B. Secondary Prevention: Marys LOR would be to set up a structure to help
have been penetrated. She exhibits symp- her maintain this progress and continue
toms of depression and a mood disorder, with progress through rehabilitation and
unresolved anger, relationship issues, and recovery strategies. The goal would be to
altered self-concept. Interventions are help Mary maintain an optimum level of
needed to strengthen defenses, reverse functioning by educating her on how to
maladaptive processes, and assist Mary to prevent future recurrences of penetra-
attain optimal wellness. Suicide and de- tion of the NLD and LOR.
pression assessments, medications, thera- D. Evaluation of Nursing Goals/Nursing
peutic communication, and interactions to Outcome
assist Mary to deal with unresolved anger,  Done mutually with Mary

feelings of sadness, maladaptive coping  Future planning (intermediate/ long-

skills, relationship concerns, vocational term goals)

Conclusion
The Neuman Systems Model directs nursing programs as a guide for all theoretical and
practice by providing a framework for gather- clinical nursing courses. The authors grateful-
ing and analyzing individual client system data, ly acknowledge the work of the Douglas
and planning, implementing, and evaluating College Department of Psychiatric Nursing
nursing care. It is a dynamic model with stable faculty over the past two decades for their
elementsone that is amenable to change and commitment and dedication to advancing the
that can expand to incorporate developments quality of nursing education using the Neuman
in nursing knowledge and practice that are Systems Model to guide the education of the
based on nursing research and the increasing next generation of registered psychiatric nurses
complexities of the world (Gerhling & and registered nurses. This work continues to
Memmott, 2008; Lowry, Beckman, Gerhling, & reflect evidenced-based nursing education
Fawcett, 2007; Neuman & Reed, 2007). and contributes to the profession of nursing in
Moreover, the Neuman Systems Model can be Canada and globally. Persons living with
adapted to various contexts of nursing prac- mental health and addiction challenges, as
tice. The model fosters expansion of how well as other health conditions, will benefit
registered psychiatric nurses and registered from the knowledge and competencies ac-
nurses view themselves, the environment, quired by our graduates regarding health pro-
clients, and health. The model also fosters cre- motion and prevention that is rooted in the
ativity and collaboration that is required for Neuman Systems Model.
dynamic, evidence-based nursing practice.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Neuman Systems Model is utilized in
both the diploma and baccalaureate degree
50 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

References
Antai-Otong, D. (2003). Psychiatric nursing: systems model in 2050. Nursing Science
Biological and behavioral concepts. Clifton Quarterly, 20, 226229.
Park, NY: Thomson Learning. Meyer, T., & Xu, Y. (2005). Academic and clinical
Boyd, M. (2005). Psychiatric nursing contempo- dissonance in nursing education: Are we guilty
rary practice (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: of failure to rescue? Nurse Educator, 30, 7679.
Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. Mohr, W. K. (2003). Johnsons psychiatric-mental
Crawford, J. A., & Tarko, M. A. (2002). Using the health nursing (5th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott,
Neuman systems model to guide nursing prac- Williams and Wilkins.
tice in Canada. In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett Neuman, B. (2002). The Neuman systems model.
(Eds.), The Neuman systems model (4th ed.). In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett (Eds.), The Neuman
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. systems model (4th ed., pp. 333). Upper Saddle
Fawcett, J. (2004). Scholarly dialogue. Conceptual River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
models of nursing: International in scope and Neuman, B., & Reed, K. (2007). A Neuman systems
substance? The case of the Neuman systems model perspective on nursing in 2050. Nursing
model. Nursing Science Quarterly, 17, 5054. Science Quarterly, 20, 111113.
Gehrling, K., & Memmott, R. (2008). Adversity in Tarko, M. A., & Gehrling, K. R. (2004). Family nurs-
the context of the Neuman systems model. ing assessment and intervention. In P. J. Bomar
Nursing Science Quarterly, 21, 135137. (Ed.), Promoting health in families: Applying
Gehrling, K. R., & Tarko, M. A. (2004). Using the family research and theory to nursing practice
nursing process with families. In P. J. Bomar (Ed.), (3rd ed., pp. 274303). Philadelphia: W. B.
Promoting health in families: Applying family re- Saunders.
search and theory to nursing practice (3rd ed., Ume-Nwagbo, P., DeWan, S., & Lowry, L. (2006).
pp. 257273). Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders. Using the Neuman systems model for best prac-
Lowry, L., Beckman, S., Gehrling, K., & Fawcett, J. tices. Nursing Science Quarterly, 19, 3135.
(2007). Imagining nursing practice: The Neuman

Neurosensory/Neurologic Circulation/Cardiovascular/ Oxygenation/Respiratory/

Peripheral Cardiovascular

Temperaturebody, skin VS (T, P, R, BP) Airwaynares, mouth/nose,

Orientation Pulses (including apical) breather
Eyessclera, discharge visual quality, rate, rhythm Chest Auscultationair entry,
acuity, aids NeurovascularCWMS breath sounds
Earsdischarge Skin Colorcentral/peripheral Shape of Thorax (i.e., barrel)
(i.e., cerumen), Edema Respirationrate, rhythm, effort
auditory acuity, aids Oxygen Delivery Systemrate
Taste, Smell, Tactile O2 saturation
Reflexes (i.e., -gag) Cougheffective, productive,
Pain Assessment characteristics of sputum
Analgesicresponse Mental Alertness
Alternate Measures Activity Tolerance
Seizure Activity Environmental Factorssmoker
Neurological Assessment

FIGURE 2-2 Physiological Variable Assessment Guide. Source: Health Sciences Department of Psychiatric
Nursing, Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada. Copyright Douglas College, June 2006. Used with
permission.
 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 51

Associated Medical Diagnosis Associated Medical Diagnosis Associated Medical Diagnosis

and/or Surgeries: and/or Surgeries: and/or Surgeries:
Related Rx & Tests: Related Rx & Tests: Related Rx & Tests:
Related Medications: Related Medications: Related Medications:

Elimination/Urinary/GI System Metabolism/GI System Mobility/Musculoskeletal

Urineamount, color, odor Height/Weightproportion ADLs

Frequency Diettype Body Posture
Continence Method of Intake Mobilitygait, aids
Catheter/Condom independent, assist, tube feed Activity Patternsleep, rest
Abdomenbowel sounds, Condition of Teeth and Gums periods, insomnia
palpation, flatus Dentures Stamina/Tolerance/Energy
BMease, character, frequency, Ability to Chew/Swallow Joint Appearance
color, amount Fluid/Food Intake ROM
Diaphoresis Nausea/Anorexia Muscle Control & Strength
Intake/Output Balance Vomitingamount, character,
N/Gcolor, amount, suction frequency
Drainstype, amount, character IVsolution, rate
Stoma Blood Glucose
Associated Medical Diagnosis Liver Function
and/or Surgeries: Associated Medical Diagnosis Associated Medical Diagnosis
Related Rx & Tests: and/or Surgeries: and/or Surgeries:
Related Medications: Related Rx & Tests: Related Rx & Tests:
Related Medications: Related Medications:

Cellular Dynamics Protection/Integumentary/ Reproduction/Reproductive

Lymphatic

Allergies Skinintegrity, character, texture, Self-exambreast, testicular

Inflammation turgor, rashes, hygiene, areas Sexually Activefunctional,
Special Precautions of redness, scars dysfunctional
WBC Mucous Membranestongue, Genitalia
C&S Reports nares Birth Control, Safer Sex
CBC Nails & Haircharacteristics Number of Children
Electrolytes Wound/Incisionlocation, STD
Associated Medical Diagnosis dressing, drainage, Peri-/Postnatal Health Concerns
and/or Surgeries: IV Site, Assessment Screening: PAP, prostate
Related Rx & Tests: Drains & Tubes Sexual Assault
Related Medications: Physical Environmentside rails, Menses/Menopause
restraints/seclusion Associated Medical Diagnosis
Screening: CAGE, CIWA and/or Surgeries:
Self-injury/Suicide/Risk of Related Rx & Tests:
Violence Related Medications:
Associated Medical Diagnosis
and/or Surgeries:
Related Rx & Tests:
Related Medications:

FIGURE 2-2 (continued)

52 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

The Psychological Variable Assessment Guide is designed to improve the quality of psychiatric
nursing care because of gains made in understanding the person. The persons self-image as a
passive recipient of care may shift to that of an active participant. The following questions are
designed to give the person an opportunity to talk and self-explore. Ensure assessment of the
psychological variable proceeds at the persons pace. Progress slowly, observe affect, and
demonstrate respect and caring. Do not pressure the person by asking all of the questions
outlined on this tool. Select a few questions from each organizer to aid in the persons
understanding and your support of the person. Consider your position in the therapeutic
relationship and avoid an attitude that might make the person feel as if he or she were being
interrogated.
As part of a holistic assessment, data for the psychological variable is sorted according to
organizers and may be partially collected when performing a Mental Status Exam. To assist in
your final analysis of the data related to the psychological variable, utilize the Department of
Psychiatric Nursing Curriculum Guide and Conceptual Framework. Identify what specific stressors
are influencing the person and their ability to achieve harmony.

INTEGRATION
EMOTIONS
In your assessment of this section, utilize the Mental Status Assessment Guide to collect data
under the Emotional State: Mood, Feelings, Affect heading.
When assessing the persons emotions, consider mood in relation to the following:
What is the persons mood (apprehensive, anxious, fearful, elated, depressed)?
The qualities reflect the persons affect (impoverished, constricted, flat, spontaneous)?
How stable/unstable are the persons emotions?
How intense are the feelings expressed?
How do the persons emotions change in response to positive/negative situations?
What is the relationship between the persons mood and thought content?
What emotions dominate the persons life?
How does the person express their emotions?
What situations have made the person feel calm, secure, or happy?
What situations have made the person feel anxious, angry, or sad?
What is the persons level of emotional awareness?
What influence does the persons culture have on their emotions/expression of emotions?
What effect does the persons current prescribed drugs have on their mood/affect?
How has the person responded emotionally to problems in the past?
What might the person consider to be the last straw?
What defense motivated behaviors does the person use?
Does the person acknowledge a need or desire for assistance coping with emotions?
Does the person have any thoughts about self-harm or harming others?
Suicidal/homicidal thoughts?

FIGURE 2-3 Psychological Variable Assessment Guide. Source: Health Sciences Department of
Psychiatric Nursing, Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada. Copyright Douglas College, June
2006. Used with permission.
 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 53

Patterns
How clearly does the person express his or her mood via speech and/or writing or
gestures?
How congruent is their verbal message with their nonverbal communication?
What fluctuations of mood and affect occur?
Changes during interview, diurnal/cyclic variations, time of day?
Can the person associate specific precipitating events, time of day/month/year or activities
with their mood/change in mood?

COGNITION AND PERCEPTION

Cognition is a mental process enabling the person to reason logically. Cognition is characterized
by the thinking processes that give the person an ability to know, reason, and judge. It involves
intellectual processes also associated with the persons ability to learn, calculate, reason, think
abstractly, and to respond accurately to simple and complete commands. Cognition enables the
person to comprehend his or her environment and experience by connecting pieces of
information into a meaningful whole. Cognition can promote harmony. Impairments in cognition
can lead to disharmony. Perception is an important process which impacts on self-concept.
Perception refers to the process of interpreting sensory stimuli. It is influenced by such variables
as age, sex, culture, environment, attitudes, values, beliefs, experience, health state, and
emotions. We are selective in what we perceive due to the amount of stimuli around us. In
addition, we often perceive what we expect. Expectation is based on previous experience
primarily, and selectiveness often reflects our interests. Thus, our reality is based on the accuracy
of interpreting sensory stimuli through the process of perception.
In your assessment of this section, utilize the Mental Status Assessment Guide to collect
data. Place primary emphasis of data collection to assess the persons cognitive functioning and
perception, under the headings Level of Consciousness, Thought Process, Cognitive Functioning
and Perception.
SELF-CONCEPT
Identity
How does the person describe his or her identity?
How does the person feel about his or her identity?
How does the person act to reinforce his or her sense of identity?
(assess consistency, flexibility, autonomy, assertiveness)
What is the persons perception of self?
(competent decision maker, a leader or follower)
How does the person describe his or her sexual identity?
How does the person feel about his or her sexual identity/sexual expression?
Based on the above data, determine the persons level of identity (distinctness from others;
feeling of being integrated and self-directed or diffuse and directed from external forces within
the environment). In your overall analysis of the data related to self-concept, determine the
persons level of self-awareness in relation to his or her ability to identify own feelings, the effect
of own behavior on others, and the effect of others behavior on self. Consider the persons
ability to describe his or her strengths and weaknesses.

FIGURE 2-3 (continued)

54 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

Self-esteem
How does the person describe their own worth based on:
their appearance?
frequency of accomplishments and/or meeting his or her own expectations and
capabilities?
feelings of being respected, accepted, praised, and loved, by others?
feelings of competence, ability to cope with life, power/control over personal destiny,
ability to cope with change?
thoughts/feelings about the past, the present, and the future (sense of hope)?
How does the person feel about decisions made regarding:
education and career choices?
participation and acceptance in social activities?
expression of sexuality (data is collected under the section on Sexuality)?
following through on convictions?
roles assumed (data is collected under the section on Roles)?
Does the person often feel an obligation to please others?
Does the person have difficulty saying no even when they want to?
How has the person adapted to self-deficiencies and maximizing self-strengths?
In your analysis of data for this section, identify what specific stressors are influencing the
persons self-esteem. Based on the above data, determine if the person has high self-esteem (low
anxiety, effective group functioning, acceptance of others, achievement of potential for
harmony), or low self-esteem (increased anxiety, ineffective interpersonal relations, and low self-
worth, potential for disharmony).
Consider changes related to Developmental Variable (growth, life span, transitions)?
Body Image
How does the person describe his or her body?
(Includes past & present perceptions about appearance, size, functioning, potential).
How does the person feel about his or her body?
What does the person like/dislike about his or her body?
How does the person use clothes, possessions, and position as extensions of his or her
body image?
What if anything, would the person change, about his or her body?
What changes have occurred in physical size, function, appearance, and potential?
How does the person value his or her body and act to preserve and protect it?
Consider additional data collected under physiological variable. Based on the above data,
determine if the person accepts and likes his or her body (leading to high self-esteem, security,
and freedom from anxiety) or if the person dislikes his or her body. In your analysis of the data
for this section, identify what specific stressors are influencing the persons body image.
(Consider ongoing or episodic health challenges which may change body structures/functions).
Self-ideal
What personal standards does the person have in relation to:
stated goals or aspirations that they would like to achieve?
the kind of person they would like to be and behave like?

FIGURE 2-3 (continued)

 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 55

Does the person feel he or she expects too much of self? What happens if the person asks
too much of self?
How does the persons goals/expectations/values fit with his or her abilities and resources?
How does the person feel about meeting/not meeting his or her goals and expectations?
How does the persons goals/expectations/values compare with those of his or her
peers/significant others?
How does the persons goals/expectations/values conform to societies norms?
How does the person describe his or her ability to alter goals and expectations in response
to changing circumstances?
Identify stressors that are influencing the individuals self-ideal. In your analysis of this
section consider the influence the following factors have on the individuals self-ideal:
ambition and the desire to excel and succeed
the need to be realistic
the desire to avoid failure
the presence of feelings of anxiety and inferiority
Based on the above data, determine if the persons self-ideal is clear, goal oriented, and realistic
or vague.
Sexuality
What concerns or questions does the person have about his or her sexuality and sexual
functioning?
What is the sexual preference of the person?
How important is a sexual relationship to the person?
What sexual relationships, if any, is the person engaged in? How satisfying are these
relationships?
Does the person feel vulnerable or exploited sexually?
What type(s) of contraception does the person use?
Does the person have a general understanding of sexually transmitted diseases and how
these can be acquired?
What safer sex practices does the person take?
What changes in the persons lifestyle/health/mental health status have influenced his or
her sexuality/sexual functioning/sexual activities?
What is the effect of these changes? What factors affect the persons sexual
functioning/sexual activities?
What effect, if any, does current prescribed medication have on the persons sexual
functioning/activities?
What concerns does the person have associated with their usual sexual functioning/sexual
activities?
How is the person coping with his or her concerns?
If necessary to collect more data related to the persons sexuality consult with your instructor
before initiating discussion with your patient.
In your analysis of the data collected for Sexuality, identify stressors that are influencing
the persons sexuality (physiological, sociocultural, spiritual, developmental factors, or environ-
mental concerns). In addition, consider the persons understanding of sexual anatomy and
physiology, sexual practices, sexual expression, and the impact of the persons psychiatric history
on his or her sexuality.

FIGURE 2-3 (continued)

56 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

In assessing your patient/client in relation to the sociocultural variable, this guide may be helpful in
considering the range of sociocultural influences and providing some sample questions. As the five
variables are arbitrary organizers, the variables are interrelated and exert influence on all aspects of the
irreducible, whole person. Remember to view the sociocultural variable from a diverse perspective,
including various subcultural groups you may have experienced, such as the culture of psychiatric
nursing, the culture of Douglas College, or the culture of Vancouvers Downtown Eastside.
What are sociocultural influences in your life?
Organizers related to sociocultural and diversity to consider:
1. Ethnicity and race
2. Values, norms, and sanctions
3. Cultural or subculture membership and identity
4. Habits, practices, and beliefs about health and illness
5. Perceptions of mental health and illness
6. Culturally unique health or healing practices and beliefs
7. Experiences or perceptions of racism or discrimination
8. Health risks associated with specific ethnicity or culture
9. Language or communication patterns
10. Educational, employment, or economic expectations

SOCIOCULTURAL VARIABLE ASSESSMENT TOOLS

Ecomap
Genogram

Sample Questions to Elicit Sociocultural Data

How strongly do you identify with a particular cultural, ethnic, or racial group?
Who do you identify with as a particular cultural group?
What behaviors would be considered unacceptable within your cultural, ethnic, or racial group?
What actions would get you in trouble with your peers?
How is success defined in your culture?
What is an indication that you are accepted as an adult in your culture?
What is an indication that you are an accepted member of the gang?
What is your sense of your familys expectations for your work?
Tell me how mental illness is understood in your culture.
What do you do to promote health?
What is your cultures view of a perfect healthy body?
Tell me about healing traditions practiced in your culture.
How do you view the role of a nurse or of a physician?
How do you feel about a male nurse providing care?
How comfortable are you working with a female doctor?

FIGURE 2-4 Sociocultural Variable Assessment Guide and tools. Source: Health Sciences Department of
Psychiatric Nursing, Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada. Copyright Douglas College, June 2006. Used
with permission.
 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 57

RELATEDNESS ORGANIZER
COMMUNICATION
Verbal
What is the persons ethnic background?
Does the person speak a second language?
What influence does the persons ethnic/cultural background have on:
verbal expression of emotions? (e.g., anger, grief, happiness)
asking for others assistance to deal with stressors
What are the characteristics of the persons speech?
What does the person say about how easily he or she understands the communication of others
(especially significant others and family)?
How much self-disclosure does the person engage in with the psychiatric nurse, family and
significant others?
What topics are difficult for the person to discuss with others?
Does the persons communication pattern fit with reality?
Nonverbal
How is the persons affect?
Observe and collect data in relation to the persons facial expressions, general appearance, and
psychomotor behavior.
Assess the persons appropriateness of affect to the situation by observing the following:
How congruent is what the person says and his or her emotional state, as expressed
nonverbally?
What is the persons affect in relation to different topics (blunted, flat, underresponsive,
overresponsive, ambivalent, congruent, or incongruent)
What is the persons ability to maintain eye contact when interacting with others?
ROLES
Expectations
What ascribed roles does the person occupy?
(age, sex)
What assumed roles does the person occupy?
(occupational, family, significant others)
In what way are these roles satisfying/dissatisfying?
What community groups does the person belong to? What is his or her role in these groups?
How does the person express his or her identity in relationships with others?
What intimate relationship(s) is the person involved in?
What sex roles does the person occupy?
What is the persons knowledge of specific role expectations?
How clear is the person about behaviors appropriate to the role(s)?
Conflicts
How do significant others respond to the persons behavior in the various roles?
Does the person see him- or herself fitting into the community in which he or she lives
What special practices does the person consider essential to their lifestyle and role

FIGURE 2-4 (continued)

58 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

expression?(diet, religious practices, health habits, use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol)

What does the patient consider to be his or her place in the community?
What subjects cause the most disagreement between the person and significant others?
Overload
How does the persons ongoing or episodic health challenge affect his or her lifestyle?
What family, social (with friends), or therapeutic activities does the person participate in?
Does the person express a need for withdrawal or discomfort with the personal demands or
expectations involved with these activities?
In what ways is the person dissatisfied with his or her role(s) in these activities?
How clearly defined are the persons roles?
Does the person believe they played a special role in their family?
(substitute parent, black sheep, little angel, suffering victim)
In your analysis of the data for this section, identify what specific stressors are influencing the
persons role behavior (e.g., developmental-role transitions, environmental, health challenges).
Based on the above data, determine if the person is adequately performing identified role
behaviors.
RELATIONSHIPS
Significant Others
Does the person express feelings of caring for and about others?
Does the person form relationships with other people?
Was there and/or is there an important individual in the persons life?
Where does the person live (rural/urban)? What is the home like? How did living circumstances
influence relationship development?
How frequently has the person changed residences?
With whom does the person live? For how long?
How does the person normally spend his or her time each day? What activities does the person
engage in for recreation or leisure? Do these activities include others?
How does the person describe his or her interpersonal relationships with significant others?
Dynamics
How does the person feel about him- or herself as a result of relationships with significant others
and family?
What does the person do well in these relationships?
Who in these relationships needs the persons support?
What would the person like to do better in this relationship?
What feedback does the person get from others about their relationships
How are significant others and family reacting to the persons present health challenge?
How does the person describe feelings of being included and loved or alienated and rejected
when talking about significant others and family?
Are there significant others or family members who will assist the person to deal with their present
stressors?
How will they help?
How does the person describe his or her family communication (Who speaks to whom? Who
makes decisions?)?
Are family members generally interested and/or supportive of the person?

FIGURE 2-4 (continued)

 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 59

SOCIAL HISTORY
Family
What is the persons marital status?
Who are the persons significant others and family?
How close is the family? What leads the person to believe this?
What is the family makeup (nuclear or extended)?
Is the person satisfied with the closeness of his or her family?
How readily available to the patient are family members, geographically, and emotionally?
How does the person describe his or her interpersonal relationship with their family members?
Education
What is the persons highest level of education and at what age did he or she achieve this?
What is the reason the person stopped education efforts at that time?
What specific skills did or does the person possess that can be used for employment or leisure?
What type of school record does the person have?
Work/Finances
What work has the person done? (number of jobs and duration of employment)
What type of work record does the person have?
What is the source of the persons income?
Does the person have financial security?
What attitudes or ideas has the person changed to function in his or her job or at school?
What does the person do when excessive demands are placed on him or her at school or on
the job?

SOCIOCULTURAL ASSESSMENT TOOL

Sociocultural Variable Sociocultural and Sociocultural and

and Health Psychological Integration Psychological Relatedness

Ethnicity Culture or subculture identity Ability to relate to people

Race Experiences or perceptions of outside and within the
Habits, practices, and beliefs racism or discrimination and persons sociocultural group
about health, illness, birth, the results on the persons Economic and educational
death, time, and health care response to health care/Tx expectations or norms related
provider Expected psychological to the persons culture or
Healing beliefs and practices responses to change, loss, subculture
pain, or patient role Distinctive family roles
characteristic of the persons
culture or subculture
Norms re: family participation
in health care
Language and communication
patterns associated with the
sociocultural group
Subculture (norms and values
that differ from the dominant
culture

FIGURE 2-4 (continued)

60 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

Sociocultural and Sociocultural and Sociocultural and

Physiological Variable Spiritual Variable Developmental Variable

Distinctive racial characteristics Religious expectations related Sociocultural influences on

Diseases or health risks to the sociocultural group development
associated with specific ethnic Expected role of culturally Socioculturally influenced
or cultural groups recognized spiritually expectations of lifespan
Variations in health practices influential persons during events
related to protection, hygiene, health or illness
or health assessment process
Characteristics of food
preparation, preferences, and
consumption

SOCIOCULTURAL ASSESSMENT TOOL

Sample Questions

Sociocultural & Health Sociocultural & Sociocultural &

Psychological Integration Psychological Relatedness

Which cultural group do you How strongly do you identify What language do you speak
identify with? with a particular cultural, or prefer to speak?
Where have you lived? racial, or ethnic group? How well does your language
How would you describe your Have you experienced allow you to express yourself
need for privacy? discrimination because of your to others?
What traditions for well-being ethnic background? If so, How is success defined within
do you rely on for healing? how? your culture?
How is illness explained within What type of cultural What expectations do you
your culture? stereotyping have you experience from your family
How is mental illness viewed experienced? related to education?
within your cultural/ethnic What cultural practices or How does family usually
group? values are most precious to participate in health care?
How important is being on you?
time in your culture?
Sociocultural & Physiological Sociocultural & Spiritual Sociocultural &
Developmental

What types of food are Who is a significant person Are there any distinctive
associated with healing? within your community during markers or practices for
Do you believe there are times of distress or illness? growth or development
curative cooking practices? How aligned are you to the within your cultural group?
How is pain expressed within characteristic religious/spiritual How is progress into
your family? practices within your cultural adulthood expressed in your
What low socioeconomic group? culture?
conditions put the client at How do you experience any What is expected of a
risk (e.g., tuberculosis related conflict between the religious grandmother in your culture?
to overcrowding, alcoholism expectations of your
related to despair, rat cultural/ethnic group and your
infestations related to own personal beliefs?
inadequate housing)?

FIGURE 2-4 (continued)

 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 61

Life Span
As part of a developmental perspective, life span refers to looking at significant events holistically to
better understand the persons experiences over time and the journey to where the person is now and
where the person may be headed. Significance is determined by clients perception and meaning of an
event as well as developmental theory. Life span refers to a timetable of events, expected and
unexpected, over the course of a persons life.
Expected Life Events
Refers to those occurrences that are common for the majority of people who share a similar sociocultural
context. For example, most young people graduate from high school in Canada, whereas in some
developing countries a high school education is not an expectation.
Unexpected Life Events
Refers to those occurrences that are not foreseen, unpredictable, and not a usual part of that stage of
life. If a person does not experience an expected life event, this may result in an unexpected life event.
For example, if a woman expects to get pregnant after a few years of marriage, she may be devastated
to discover that she is infertile.
Growth
Refers to expected patterns of physiological growth and changes that occur throughout the life span.
Growth includes changes in structure or size (e.g., metabolic and biochemical processes, height, weight
and body proportion, size of individual organs and systems).
Development
Refers to changes in skill and capacity to function that evolve from maturation of physiological,
psychological, emotional, cognitive, and moral, social, and spiritual capacities and through learning.
Developmental patterns include a gradual change in function that results in more complex skills and
abilities which expand the persons capacity for achievement (e.g., simple to complex, general to specific,
head to toe, or inner to outer).
Transition
Refers to the process of identifying, negotiating, and reflecting on changes throughout ones life. The
transitions are characterized by significant events eliciting a response of coping, followed by a time of
reappraisal and self-discovery before the next beginning. A time when a person questions his or her life,
considers new possibilities, and makes crucial new choice. A continuous process like waves upon the
shore.
Growth and Development Context
Development is influenced by factors within the person as well as the interaction with the environment.
It is important to consider the sociocultural and historical influences when examining the possible
meaning of life events from the clients perspective. Clearly, the sociocultural variable will address the
values and norms of the persons family, subculture, ethnic, and other influences. It is not necessary to
repeat this assessment in another variable guide. It is also valuable to be aware of the economic and
political aspects and cultural mores of the dominant society during various decades of the persons life.
Understanding this context in relation to the persons lifeline helps build understanding of the person.
For example, if a person was a teenager in North America during the Great Depression of the 1930s,
experiencing those desperate financial conditions may have resulted in maintaining frugal spending
habits today. In comparison, a person born into an affluent family in the 1980s may have a more
materialistic value system.

FIGURE 2-5 Developmental Variable Assessment Guide and tools. Source: Health Sciences Department
of Psychiatric Nursing, Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada. Copyright Douglas College, June 2006.
Used with permission.
62 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

DEVELOPMENTAL VARIABLE ASSESSMENT TOOLS

Lifeline
Life Review
Sample Questions
What have been significant events in your life?
What events have changed the direction in your life?
If your life was a newspaper, what would be the leading stories?
What physical changes have you experienced as memorable?
Tell me about any changes in your roles in the family over your lifetime?
What medical changes have had an impact on your life?
In reviewing your life, what were things like when you were 30 years old?
What do you think you learned from that significant life event?
Did (the significant life event) change the direction of your life?
How has your family history influenced to your life decisions?
What choices did you make as a result (of the significant life event)?
How have you coped with some of the anxiety or ambivalence that can accompany change?
Remember, it may not be necessary to ask additional questions about developmental events if you have
conducted a thorough assessment of the other variables. Consider the patients perspectiveyou do not
want to be repetitive in your questioning.
DEVELOPING A LIFELINE
A lifeline is a tool to organize data related to significant life events. Lifelines can be used to explore
events in particular areas of ones life or as an integrated exploration. For example, one can use a lifeline
to map surgeries, medications, physical ailments and to summarize complex data about a patients
physiological health. Alternatively, one can outline a persons mental health history on a focused lifeline.
An integrated lifeline pulls together significant markers in the physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
and spiritual areas of a persons life. From the lifeline, it is possible to recognize patterns and connections
that may assist with diagnostic reasoning regarding the persons life experience
Examples of expected and unexpected events related to various lifelines:

PHYSIOLOGICAL
Diagnosis of juvenile-onset diabetes Onset of frequent urinary tract infections
Diagnosis of dementia Development of tardive dyskinesia
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis Increased pain resulting in decreased ability to perform ADLs
Fracture of tibia Onset of constipation problems
Diagnosis of chlamydia Tooth extraction
Diagnosis of asthma
Appendicitis

PSYCHOLOGICAL
Diagnosis of schizophrenia Involvement in a crisis event (fire, earthquake, robbery, rape)
Birth of a child Suicide attempt
Loss of job Sexuality
Death of family member Change in sexual relationship with partner
Marriage Psychiatric hospitalization
Divorce

FIGURE 2-5 (continued)

 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 63

SOCIOCULTURAL
Debt
Interracial marriage
Relocated in work to another company (work culture variation)
Arranged marriage (if in conflict with persons wishes)
Move to new country
Move to a new neighborhood (community cultural norms)
Adoption of child from a different cultural background
Clitoral circumcision
Lifestyle change resulting in subculture change

SPIRITUAL
Bar Mitzvah Life event resulting in restoration of hope (new job
Baptism after long period of unemployment)
Confirmation Return to faith
Acceptance of mortality Near-death experiences
Revelations Psychological insights
Loss of faith Dreams
The following are two examples of lifelines. The first is an example of an integrated approach.
The second separates the data in relation to variables.

Sample of an integrated lifeline for Patient Sasha:

1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

Born in Loss of Scholarship Dx: OCD Loss of Reconnected with

Poland Father to UBC 1st Psych. Tx Job Siblings and Renewal of hope

Sample of variable lifelines for Patient Francis:

:
Born May 2, 1970

1985 1988 1992 Back injury 1999 2000

___|________________|__________________|_________X_______|_____
_______|___
Physiological

Married Diagnosis: Bipolar

_______________X______________________________________X________________
Psychological

Moved to Canada
from South Africa
_________________________X_____________________________________________
Sociocultural

Abortion Left the church

__________X_________________________X________________________________
Spiritual

FIGURE 2-5 (continued)

64 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

The aim of this spiritual assessment guide is to increase your awareness and knowledge and to
enhance your assessment skills related to spirituality in working with diverse client groups. The intent of
this tool is to assist you in your own development of self-awareness as to how you may approach the
topic of spirituality with your client after you have established a therapeutic relationship. You are
encouraged to reflect upon your own spirituality in relation to the questions in the assessment guide
before your approach the topic with any client groups.
Spirituality is a multidimensional construct. There is no documented consensus as to how the
construct is defined in the nursing and psychological literature. A number of subconcepts are cited in the
literature and fall under the umbrella construct of spirituality. They include: purpose and meaning,
interconnectedness, faith, forgiveness, hope, religion, creativity, and transcendence. These subconcepts
have been expanded on in order to begin to explore and assess the spiritual dimension of the human
experience with diverse client groups.
Conversations with clients about their spirituality is an area in psychiatric/mental health nursing
which is often either neglected or misunderstood by health care professionals. This in part is related to
feeling uncomfortable with the topic, or partly because health care professionals lack specific knowledge
about spirituality and the required assessment and intervention skills. Spirituality is described as having
many facets of which some may not be directly observable. Health care professionals may agree on
some of these facets and others may not, therefore it is important to seek different ways to describe,
delineate, and develop awareness of the subconcepts and related meaning associated with the
complexity of the spiritual dimension in working with diverse client groups.

ASSESSMENT GUIDE
In assessing the spiritual variable with your client, select a few questions clustered from each of the
subconcepts using your clinical judgment as to the relevance of the questions to the clients lived
experience. For example, clients who present with suicidal ideation often describe feeling worthless as
individuals and hopeless about their future or report having lost their sense of purpose and meaning to
carry on with living.
Expressions of Spirituality
Purpose and Meaning
The idea that to be human is to search for meaning through relationships has emerged as a
pervasive theme in nursing and psychological literature. When an individual experiences an altered state
of health, finding meaning within the experience may be difficult. Meaning is derived from the individual
client when a search for insight and expression of underlying feelings regarding the clients philosophy of
life, values, and beliefs about health and health challenges is explored.
What meaning does life have for you?
What adds meaning to your life (people, activities, animals)?
What do you see as your purpose in life?
How do you go about fulfilling this aspect of your life?
What in life is important to you?
What are your thoughts and feelings about life?
How satisfied are you with your spirituality?
How do you view your present situation in relation to what you value and believe?
What relationship do you believe exists between spiritual/religious beliefs and health and illness?
What events, if any, have affected your beliefs about health and illness?

FIGURE 2-6 Spiritual Variable Assessment Guide. Source: Health Sciences Department of Psychiatric Nursing,
Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada. Copyright Douglas College, June 2006. Used with permission.
 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 65

What beliefs of a spiritual/religious nature do you have about treating illness?

How important is health to you?
What do you believe caused your illness?
What do you believe heals illness?
What did you do at home to treat your illness?
From whom did you seek help/assistance/treatment?
What are some home remedies you routinely use?
What nonmedical practices have you used to deal with illness?
Interconnectedness
The subconcept of interconnectedness is a second major theme in the literature regarding an individuals
sense of love, belonging, and connection to self, others, a higher power, nature, and the cosmos.
Tell me about with whom do you feel a sense of peace and comfort when together?
Who is the most important person to you spiritually?
Tell me what place you go to in order to feel a sense of peace and comfort (near the sea, the
mountains, the forest, the park, your garden)?
Whom do you trust? What are your feelings toward them? What are their feelings toward you?
Describe the relationships you have with others?
How satisfied are you with your relationships with other people?
Who meets your needs for love?
How do you express your feelings of love (words, actions, behaviors)?
How do others express their feelings of love toward you?
How supportive are significant others of your spiritual beliefs and practices?
Tell me how you developed/came to believe what you value about spirituality (within your
family/as a child/adolescent/adult)?
How have your values and beliefs about spirituality changed over time?
How will being here affect your ability to express/practice your spiritual beliefs?
What are your beliefs about the presence of a power greater than yourself?
What is your concept of this power, being or God? How important is this belief to you?
How would you describe your relationship with this power, being, or God?
What influence/role does your belief have on your life, lifestyle, activities, and relationships with
others?
Faith
The subconcept of faith represents a belief in the unseen or unknown. Faith is described in the literature as
a firm belief in the ability to draw on spiritual resources with certainty despite any evidence or proof. Faith
fosters a way of being, living, or imagining, a universal human experience. Faith, only one component of
spirituality, is essential and through ones experience of faith, a deep sense of spirituality is mobilized in
order to take on the challenges of life. Individual faith is delineated into four stages comprising (1) impartial
individuals, (2) institutional individuals, (3) individual seekers, and (4) integrated individuals.
Impartial individuals are described as choosing to participate in activities based on their own
interest and are not involved in any faith communities. Strategies for individuals in this stage may include
readings from sources like the poem Footprints, the Serenity Prayer, or such hymns as Amazing
Grace and Beautiful Savior. Print materials associated with Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous may
be perceived as being helpful.
Institutional individuals are describe as regular worship attendees who adhere to institutional rules,
rituals, rites, and a philosophy of good/bad individuals. Strategies for individuals in this stage may
include the stage one strategies as well as contact with members from their spiritual community, use of
prayer, laying on of hands, music specific to own faith expression.

FIGURE 2-6 (continued)

66 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

Individual seekers are described as persons who have left a formal religious community, seeking
new answers or personal quest to questions, problems, or crises. Strategies for people in this stage are
perceived to be creative and diverse encompassing practices from Eastern and Western spiritual
traditions such as meditation, healing touch, reading, communal prayer, and music.
Integrated individuals are described as internalizing their faith, accepting the rules they abide by,
and believing them to be just and right. They may or may not be aligned with any formal faith group
and are perceived as teachers or mystics. Strategies for this stage comprise the strategies in stage two,
with emphasis on internal meaning. Individuals in this stage may strive to leave a spiritual legacy.
Tell me about your beliefs related to faith and faith practices?
Tell me about any faith practices/rituals important to you?
How often do you engage in faith activities?
What, if any, sanctions, restrictions do you have?
How will being here affect your ability to express/practice your faith beliefs?
Forgiveness
The subconcept and value of forgiveness may not have meaning to all client groups. It is rooted in a
reciprocal dynamic relationship between one or more individuals and / or a higher power. Clients will
describe situations where either they have done something to other people or other people have done
something to them directly or indirectly bringing on feelings of being hurt, angry, resentful, betrayed,
and/or devastated. The idea here is to explore with your client his or her ability to forgive others and/or
their openness to accept forgiveness from others as a starting point of letting go of past feelings of
being hurt, angry, resentful, betrayed, and/or devastated.
What do you believe about forgiveness? What situations, if any, have you experienced where you
needed to forgive someone? What happened? How did you feel/react?
What do you believe interferes with your ability to forgive?
What do you believe about being forgiven? What situations have you experienced where
someone forgave you/didnt forgive you? What happened? How did you feel/react?
What do you believe interferes with their ability to forgive?
When you feel hurt or you have been wronged, how do you feel and react?
What is the outcome?
What kinds of things cause you to feel guilty?
How do you react and/or deal with these feelings?
Religion
The subconcept of religion is often used synonymously with the construct of spirituality. This can be
limiting if the client does not practice or ascribe to any organized religious doctrines. Religion is defined
as a system of organized worship ascribing to a set of doctrines which the person practices. Please note
the practice of religion is only one way an individual may express his or her spirituality.
What is your religion/religious preference? How do you express your religious beliefs?
Tell me about any religious articles, creeds, sayings, or literature important to you?
Tell me about any religious practices, rituals important to you?
How often do you engage in religious activities?
What, if any, religious sanctions or restrictions do you have?
What religious resources do you have/want available to you?
How will being here affect your ability to express/practice your religious beliefs?

FIGURE 2-6 (continued)

 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 67

Creativity
The subconcept of creativity is reported as any activity producing a sense of peace, comfort, and
soulfulness for the individual. Some of these activities may include listening to music or playing a musical
instrument, reading, painting, sculpting, gardening, cooking, swimming, walking, running, kayaking,
sailing, cycling, and skiing. Clients may report that engaging in anyone of these activities provides them
with a sense of peace and comfort within themselves and with nature as being good for their
soul/spirit.
What does creativity mean to you?
How do you express your creativity?
What are your creative/artistic abilities?
What types of activities provide you with a sense of peace and comfort?
What activities do you find personally fulfilling?
How often do you engage in these activities?
How much satisfaction do you get from these activities?
Transcendence
The subconcept of transcendence is described as a process/experience beyond the usual sensory
phenomena. Transcendence is often associated with classical mystic experiences of God; it is not
reserved for religious experience alone, but may be related to aesthetic reactions to art and music or the
response to the majesty of creation (regarding a feeling of wonder or awe).
What does the word transcendence mean to you?
What do you believe happens when a person dies?
What meaning does mind over matter have for you?
What do you believe about pain and suffering?
How would you describe the balance in your life (work, recreation, and relationships)?
What are your personal life views regarding being and relationships which transcend the
material boundaries of life?

FIGURE 2-6 (continued)

Physiological Variable
Altered Neurosensory: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors)
as evidenced by _(data)________________.
Altered Circulation: (specify behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by ___(data)_____________.
Altered Oxygenation: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors)
as evidenced by ______(data) ______________.
Altered Elimination: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by ____(data)___________.
Altered Metabolism: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by _____(data)_______________.

FIGURE 2-7 Department of Psychiatric Nursing (DOPN) Neuman Systems Model taxonomy of nursing
diagnoses. Source: Health Sciences Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Douglas College, British
Columbia, Canada. Copyright Douglas College, June 2006. Used with permission.
68 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

Altered Mobility: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Cellular Dynamics: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal
stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Protection:(specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by _____(data)_______________.
Altered Reproduction/Sexual Function: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-,
extrapersonal stressors) as evidenced by _____(data)_______________.
Altered Physiological Development: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-,
extrapersonal stressors) as evidenced by _____(data)_______________.
Altered Rest/Comfort: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors)
as evidenced by _____(data)_______________.
Psychological Variable
Altered Self-Concept: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors)
as evidenced by ___(data)_________________.
Altered Body Image: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extra-personal stressors)
as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Self-Ideal: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by ___(data)_________________.
Altered Self-Esteem: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Cognition: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by ___(data)____________________.
Altered Emotions: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Coping Patterns: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal
stressors) as evidenced by ___(data)___________.
Altered Roles [AscribedAssumed]: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-,
extrapersonal stressors) as evidenced by ___(data)_________________.
Altered Sexuality: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Identity: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as
evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Perceptions: (specify system behaviour) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors)
as evidenced by ______(data)_________________.
Altered Interpersonal relating: specify system behaviour) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal
stressors) as evidenced by ______(data)_________________.
Altered Activity Patterns: specify system behaviour) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal
stressors) as evidenced by ______(data)_________________.

FIGURE 2-7 (continued)

 Chapter 2 The Client System as an Individual 69

Altered Communication: specify system behaviour) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal

stressors) as evidenced by ______(data)_________________.
Developmental Variable
Altered Growth/Physical Development: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-,
extrapersonal stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Moral Development: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal
stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Spiritual Development: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal
stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Interpersonal Development: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-,
extrapersonal stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Cognitive Development: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal
stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Sociocultural Variable
Altered Health Beliefs: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal stressors)
as evidenced by ___(data)_________________.
Altered Roles with Family & Significant Others: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-,
extrapersonal stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Altered Relationships with Family & Significant Others: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-
, inter-, extrapersonal stressors) as evidenced by ___(data)_____.
Altered Communication Patterns: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-, extrapersonal
stressors) as evidenced by ___(data)_________________.
Altered Cultural Norms and Values: (specify system behavior) related to (intra-, inter-,
extrapersonal stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Spiritual Variable
Alterations in Spiritual Values & Beliefs: (specify system behavior) related to (intra, inter, extra-
personal stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Alterations in Purpose & Meaning: (specify system behavior) related to (intra, inter, extra-personal
stressors) as evidenced by _____(data)_______________.
Alterations in Love: (specify system behavior) related to (intra, inter, extra-personal stressors) as
evidenced by ___(data)_________________.
Alterations in Belonging: (specify system behavior) related to (intra, inter, extra-personal
stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Alterations in Forgiveness: (specify system behavior) related to (intra, inter, extra-personal
stressors) as evidenced by ____(data)________________.
Alterations in Hope: (specify system behavior) related to (intra, inter, extra-personal stressors) as
evidenced by ___(data)_________________.
Alterations in Creativity: (specify system behavior) related to (intra, inter, extra-personal stressors)
as evidenced by ____(data)________________.

FIGURE 2-7 (continued)

    
CHAPTER 3
The Client System as Family,
Group, or Community
Anna Jajic
Hudson Andrews
Claire Winson Jones

The purpose of this chapter is to enhance understanding of the Neuman Systems Model
concept of the client system as a family, group, or community. The chapter, which contin-
ues the discussion of the client system begun in Chapter 2, contains additional work done
by the Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing faculty.

CLIENT SYSTEM AS FAMILY

ANNA JAJIC

A strength of the Neuman Systems Model is in its application to family nursing, where it
provides a useful framework for viewing the family as the client. The systems orientation
of the model easily supports viewing the family as a whole unit and as the central core
unit of the community. The Neuman Systems Model also views family members as sub-
systems of the larger family system, providing a clear example of how the wholethe
familyis greater than the sum of the partsthe individual members.
All individual members of the family, as family is defined by the client, are encom-
passed within the central core. The visual application of the central core of the family as
client is the genogram, an illustration that provides a visualization of the familys structure,
health history, and relationships (McGoldrick, Gerson, & Shellenberg, 1999). The use of
standardized symbols provides a clear picture of the family structure.
The genogram includes the familys genetic structure and shared traits within the
health history of the biological family. Health history of the family includes disorders such
as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or substance abuse. Genetics include eye color, body
shape, height, skin color, and longevity. Personality traits and mannerisms also can be
identified on a genogram. Relationships within the family, who communicates with
whom, and how, can also be depicted on the genogram. The genogram assists users to

70
 Chapter 3 The Client System as Family, Group, or Community 71

view dyads and triads within the family, or family members that are cut off from others.
An example of a family genogram is given in Box 3-1.

Client System Variables

The five Neuman Systems Model client system variables are envisioned within the central
core of the individual client. It is, however, difficult to differentiate distinctly between the
psychological and sociocultural variables within the family as a result of the integrated
role of the family in defining and interpreting those variables. Therefore, in assessing and
synthesizing the family as client, it is more appropriate to assess the family using four
variables: (1) the psychosocial relationships of the family, which integrates the psychoso-
cial and cultural variables, (2) the physical health of the family, (3) the development of
the family, and (4) the spiritual influences on the family (Tarko & Reed, 2004).
The family is the central core structure that the community is built on. The familys
psychosocial practices, behaviors, and traditions have an impact not only on each family
member but also on the community as a whole. The way in which the family interacts with
the physical and cultural community is evaluated through psychosocial relationships.
The physical health of the family as a system is greater than the sum of the health of
the individual family members but is affected by the health of individual members and the
roles the members play within the family unit. The health experience of each family mem-
ber has an impact on the health of the other family members as well as the overall health

BOX 3-1
An Example of a Family Genogram

The family consists of Helen, Chris, Molly, and Helens Background: Helens parents,
Brett. They all live in the same household. Herman and Joyce, were married in 1959.
Helen was closer to her father than to her
Helen, a dental hygienist, married George,
mother. Helen has brothers who are identical
who is Brett and Mollys father, in 1987.
twins, Jason and Jared, who are very close.
George, a civil service worker, was abusive,
Herman was an alcoholic; he died in 1989.
and the couple divorced in 1994. Not much
is known about Georges family, and he has Joyce is very active in her local community.
little contact with Helen. Chriss Background: Chriss parents, Sirus
Brett was born in 1987 and is currently and Mary, were married in 1961, but have
troubled, often running away to his father been separated since 1999. Sirus has health
Georges house. George and Brett continue difficulties due to diabetes and relies heavily
to be close and have weekly visits. on Chris to help him. Chriss sister, Anna, is
in a relationship with Donna, which has dis-
Helen had a miscarriage in 1991; Molly
tanced her from their mother, Mary. Chris is
was born in 1993.
close to Anna.
Helen and Chris, an engineer, married in
The family genogram is illustrated in
1996 and are currently expecting their first
Figure 3-1.
child together.
(continued)
72 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

m. 1959 Sirus m. 1961 a. 1999

Joyce Mary
b. 1941
b. 1945 b. 1942
Diabetic

Heman Active in
b. 1936 local
d. 1989 community
Alcoholic Anna Donna
b.1972 b. 1975
Jason Jared
b. 1968 b. 1968

George Chris
m. 1987 d. 1994 Helen m. 1996
b. 1968 b. 1965
b. 1969
Abusive Engineer

Civil Dental
service hygienist
worker Molly
b. 1993
Miscarriage
Brett 1991
b. 1987
Runs
away

Family Members
Male Female Central Person

Pregnancy Deceased
Abortion F A
Miscarriage Foster/Adopted Child

Fraternal Identical
Twins Twins

Unions
m.1952 m.1975 d.1980
Married Divorced
m.1952 d.1961
Unmarried
Separated Couple
m.1975 d. 1980 m.1984

Multiple Marriages
Relationships
Very close, fused People within
shape are within
Close same household
Conflictual Fused & Conflictual

Distant Cut off estranged

FIGURE 3-1 A sample family genogram.

 Chapter 3 The Client System as Family, Group, or Community 73

of the family. Therefore, when evaluating the physical variable of the family, the health of
each individual member is evaluated against its effect on the health and functioning of the
family as a whole. For example, in a family with small children where the parents have
fixed rolessuch as the mother who does all the cooking, cleaning, and child caregiving;
and the father, who works long hours outside of the home and, therefore, does not help
with cooking, cleaning, and child carethe mothers experience of a new health challenge
will have a greater effect on the overall health of the family than it might if the parents
shared roles in the daily functioning of the family.
Developmental variables of the family can be viewed from the perspective of such
family-focused theories as the Duvalls (1977) family developmental theory, which focuses
on family tasks, and Carter and McGoldricks (1980) theory, which focuses on transition
points and family status changes that most families experience throughout the life span of
the family. When applied broadly, both theories identify basic shared experiences of fami-
lies as they grow and mature, completing family tasks such as raising and launching chil-
dren. Examples of shared family development experiences include sleepless nights of par-
ents with a new baby, the angst of parents of teenage children, the empty nest experience
of parents when children leave the home, or the experience of the sandwich generation
as adults take on double roles of raising their children and providing care for ailing or frail
elderly parents. Relationships and social roles also change over time and with each stage of
family development. In families with small children, the parents role is more focused on
safety and providing for their childrens needs, such as food, clothing, and attachment. In a
family with adolescent and young adult children, the role of parents switches to helping
children gain the skills needed for independent adult life. Although family development
theories are criticized for being biased toward intact nuclear families, if used as general
guides they provide theoretical concepts that nurses can use as a foundation for working
with families to anticipate the developmental tasks and challenges families face. Nurses can
then determine how the theory can be adapted to guide care of individual families.
The spiritual variable includes but moves beyond the structured religious beliefs
and practices of the family. The spiritual variable identifies the familys role and ability to
provide an environment that supports a sense of love and belonging, safety, purpose and
meaning, hope, and the ability to practice forgiveness. Spirituality of the family also in-
cludes creativity, interconnectedness, and transcendence.

Stressors
Stressors emerge internally or externally to the family system (Tarko & Reed, 2004).
Intrafamily stressors are forces derived from within the family boundaries that have the
potential to disrupt the familys system stability, such as illness of a family member, en-
meshment of individuals boundaries, and life changes such as a new baby, retirement, or
a death within the family. Interfamily stressors result from forces occurring external to the
boundary of the family but within the familys immediate environment, such as relation-
ships with in-laws, family vacations, and cultural and religious practices and expectations.
Extrafamily stressors are external and distant to the family boundaries; they have the
potential to affect family functioning but the family has little or no control over these
stressors. This type of stressor includes such socioeconomic and political considerations
as changes in family social assistance, housing costs, employer and employment changes,
and neighborhood and community safety issues.
74 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

Protective Lines
The goals of family health promotion and primary prevention are strengthening of the
flexible line of defense, normal line of defense, and lines of resistance. Assessment of and
interventions for the family focus on retaining, maintaining, and attaining family system
stability and wellness. Application of family theory concepts provides the strategies that
the nurse uses in collaboration with the family to strengthen the familys lines of defense
and resistance. Application of role theory concepts, such as role stress, role strain, role
changes, and formal and informal family roles, provides interventions that can be used to
strengthen the familys protective barrier, that is, their flexible line of defense (Reed, 1993).
The normal line of defense, which demonstrates the familys functioning level over time,
can be assessed and strengthened through family communication patterns, problem-solv-
ing processes, and healthy demonstration of intimacy, caring, and affection within the
family system. Lines of resistance are the last protection against stressors before they pen-
etrate the central core. The lines of resistance protect the health of the family. They repre-
sent the internal factors of the family that can defend against stressors. Changes in family
health practices and awareness of family health risks will increase the size and distance of
the lines of resistance from the family central core and provide increased protection of
the family. In addition, Reed suggested that interrelatedness, independence, and values
and beliefs will support the lines of resistance.

CLIENT SYSTEM AS GROUP

HUDSON ANDREWS

Another strength of the Neuman Systems Model is its ability to guide nursing care of
groups other than families. One of the nuances of applying the Neuman Systems Model
to groups is that generally, groups have a specific focus. Although the focus of the discus-
sion about groups in this chapter is the group work done in the context of counseling,
the content may be applicable to groups formed for many other purposes.
The central goal of counseling groups is remediation and prevention. Moreover,
counseling groups are most often problem or theme oriented; the specific aim is deter-
mined by its members. Group work tends to be growth oriented, which encourages
members to explore and discover their individual strengths and assets. Group concerns
are usually related to development, structure, and transition tasks, as are the concerns of
families. Group members provide emotional support and an environment of safety where
members can explore issues, just as families usually do. Furthermore, members of groups
are helped to develop and strengthen resources so that they can transport these to the
outside world (Corey, 2004).

Central Core
The central core of the group can be seen as the values, ideals, attitudes, and beliefs that
bind together individuals in the group. Defining the central core of a beginning group dif-
fers from that of the individual or family in that the core has yet to be established.
However, the core must become discernable before the group can operate as a whole.
When a group begins, the facilitator must create a form and a structure for the group
so that individuals can feel secure as they get to know one another and learn to function
 Chapter 3 The Client System as Family, Group, or Community 75

effectively as a group. It is critical that the facilitator accurately interprets the evolution of
the group so that the structural role can be given up once the central core clearly forms. A
healthy group will naturally establish norms and rules and can be flexible enough to allow
those norms and rules to grow and evolve. In this way, groups eventually develop and
operate much as families do, that is, as units or client systems (Corey, 2004).

Stressors
Stressors experienced by groups can be categorized as intragroup stressors and extragroup
stressors. Intragroup stressors may consist of confused, rigid, or unclear interaction pat-
terns, particularly if the facilitator is involved. Cultural differences, subjectivity of individ-
ual group members, reaction patterns to stress, degree of flexibility/inflexibility, and role
confusion are other intragroup stressors. If individual needs rather than group goals are
emphasized a loss of energy occurs. Extragroup stressors may include outside environ-
mental pressures such as loss of meeting space or violence in the neighborhood.

Protective Lines
The lines of resistance are partly representative of the degree of trust and internal support
that individual group members, as well as the group as a client system, provide for the
group members. These lines also represent the commitment members have to each other
and to the growth of each member.
At any given point in time, the normal line of defense signifies what the group has
become or developed into over time, which addresses the cohesion that has developed
within the group. As the group matures and works together, coping and problem-solving
strategies emerge. The flexible line of defense deals with environmental factors, including
the physical area in which the group takes place, noise, temperature, ambiance, appropri-
ate refreshment, and possible adjuncts, such as music or artwork utilized during group
sessions (Neuman, 2002).
Areas of assessment of group client systems are listed in Table 3-1. The assessment
focuses on physiological, sociocultural, psychological, developmental, spiritual, and inter-
system variables.

Prevention as Intervention
In keeping with the wholistic approach of the Neuman Systems Model, it is important to
view the whole as stable in the group members and facilitators close relationships with
each other. As the group matures, harmony becomes ever stronger, with groups perceived
as a constellation of values and related meanings. This notion implies an ongoing exchange
of energy in the form of sharing, asking for help, and mutual support. Stability ultimately
depends on the facilitators skill and involvement, along with the skill and commitment
range of the group members. Quite clearly then, whatever happens to one member has an
effect on the rest, and ultimately on the external environment as well. As the group grows
together, each individual within the group helps to define the larger entity by his or her in-
teractions as the individual becomes ever more part of the composite.
Individual needs in groups, as in families, are determined by the chronological age,
gender, developmental stage, and environmental factors of each member. Group dynamics
are analogous to family dynamics as interactions focus on decision making, coping styles,
76 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

TABLE 3-1 Assessing Basic Components of the Client System as a Group

Physiological Variables Vital statistics

Safety
Risk factors
Violence potential
General health status
Available services
Environmental influences
Medications/illicit drugs used
Sociocultural Variables Demographics
Ethnic/cultural influences
Educational level
General lifestyles
Dominant subcultures/themes
Power/control relationships
Economic considerations
Language strengths/barriers
Mobility
Communication patterns/skills
Degree of isolation
Funding considerations
Psychological Variables Intermember emotional support
Coping skills
Common health beliefs
Overall emotional/mental health
Attitudes and belief systems
Self vs. group orientation
Developmental Variables Significant group events
Group maturation
Evolutionary stage of group: New, Developing,
Establishing, or Terminating
Spiritual Variables Spiritual influences and values that are brought to group
by memberscongruence with the group
Intersystem Variables Intragroup: Interaction among members
Intergroup: Interaction with societal systems, influenced
by group boundaries
Some common goals that all groups share are to:
Increase self and other acceptance and trust
Develop a new way of being and to gain self-confidence and respect
Develop a heightened self-awareness and recognize a distinct identity
 Chapter 3 The Client System as Family, Group, or Community 77

TABLE 3-1 (continued)

Recognize themes and experiences that are universal

Grow in empathy and compassion for others
Develop new ways of dealing with old issues and coping strategies for conquering new
challenges
Gain increasing independence and develop self-responsibility
Become aware of the choices that are made and realize that freedom of choice does not absolve
one from freedom of consequences
Learn and adapt socially
Clarify expectations, values, and beliefs that are fondly held
Learn appropriate assertiveness to be able to challenge others in a respectful, honest way
(Corey, 2004)

Note: It is easy to see where there is some overlap in the goals and outcomes for families and groups.
Obviously, increasing acceptance and trust is a goal within families, as is the gaining of self-confidence
and development of respect. Identity and self-awareness along with empathy and compassion combined
with developing coping strategies are also applicable. Developing independence and self-responsibility are
also goals for families. Learning to adapt socially and acquiring values and beliefs along with nurturing
assertiveness and honest communication also apply.
Source: Health Sciences Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada.
Copyright Douglas College, June 2006. Used with permission.

negotiation styles, power distribution, and problem-solving approaches. The astute facilita-
tor assesses and utilizes role relationships, communication styles, and interaction patterns
to foster growth of the group.
The astute facilitator also observes and clarifies group goals, which eventually pro-
vide a sense of group identity. Furthermore, the facilitator needs to determine whether
each member accepts the goals set by the group. In addition, the facilitator closely mon-
itors the rules, values, and beliefs to determine how they may conflict or support individ-
ual needs of group members. The degree to which members feel free to share their per-
ceptions of the rules, values, and beliefs is a measure of the stability of the group as a
client system (Corey, 2004).

CLIENT SYSTEM AS COMMUNITY

CLAIRE WINSON JONES

Still another strength of the Neuman Systems Model is its compatibility with community
health nursing practice. Community health practice extends the continuum of care be-
yond providing care to an individual client within the community to addressing the needs
of aggregate populations in a community. The Douglas College Department of Psychiatric
Nursing faculty believes that the focus of community as client within the curriculum
should be identifying the priority of mental health within a Canadian perspective, which
also is applicable in many other countries. The Neuman Systems Model, together with the
Community as Partner Model (Vollman, Anderson, & McFarlane, 2008), provides a guide
for assessment, analysis, diagnosis, planning, implementing, and evaluating community
78 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

mental health nursing care, which can be extended to all of community health nursing
care. The flexibility of the Neuman Systems Model allows for diverse application and as-
signments associated with the psychiatric nursing community concepts course require-
ments. Topics included in the community portion of the Douglas College Department of
Psychiatric Nursing curriculum are given in Table 3-2.
The facultys decision to focus on mental health from a Canadian perspective was
supported by the current framework for Health Promotion in Canada. The Ottawa Charter
for Health Promotion (World Health Organization, 1986) identified at-risk groups as those

TABLE 3-2 Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing Client

as Community Curriculum Outline

Unit Topics

Unit 1: Exploration of the meaning of community

Introduction to Consideration of the shift to client centered community care and
Community Mental understanding the role of the community psychiatric nurse in this
Health approach to care
Defining the continuum of care for mental health services and the
philosophy of least restrictive environment
Identification of the varied mental health services and programs
within the mental health system framework including crisis response,
advocacy, housing, supportive employment
Introduction to Best Practices Models of Assertive Community
Treatment and Case Management
Exploration of the concept of recovery in mental health, specifically
the recovery model
Unit 2: The history and evolution of the philosophy and policies supporting
Introduction to the concept of health and the foundation of community practice
Community Health Introduction to the framework for health promotion in Canada
Practice Identification of the determinants of health and evidence-based
practice of the adopted population health approach
Introduction to the use of basic epidemiologic, demographic,
and statistical measures of community health, including accepted
descriptive measures of health
A review of the levels of prevention in community practice
Unit 3: A review of the jurisdiction responsibility of federal, provincial, and
Supporting Health municipal government for health and socials service delivery
through an Ecological Introduction to legislation defining principles underlying the health
Perspective care systems of Canada defined as Canadian Health Act (1984)
Identification of the overall determinants of health of all Canadians
and distribution of health status related to such issues as poverty,
education, literacy, and personal health practice
A focus on the ecological perspective of health identifying the roles
of physical and social environments for community well-being
 Chapter 3 The Client System as Family, Group, or Community 79

TABLE 3-2 (continued)

Unit Topics

Unit 4: Introduction to the purpose of models as a guide to health care practices

A Model of Community Introduction to Betty Neumans (2002) Systems Model including the
Practice: Community as Community as Partner Model and the model descriptorscentral
Partner Model core, subsystems, flexible line of defense, normal line of defense,
and lines of resistance
Identification of various community stressors
A focus on the assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and
evaluation in the process of working with the community as partner
approach
Unit 5: Introduction to phase one assessment of Community as Partner Model
A Model of Community Introduction to the use of a model or framework the community
Practice: Community assessment called the community assessment wheel, identifying
Assessment eight subsystems within the community: Economics, Recreation,
Physical Environment, Education, Safety and Transportation, Politics
and Government, Health and Social Services, and Communications
Identification of various sources of community data
A focus on the methods of data collection for accurate assessment
including strengths and weaknesses of approaches
Unit 6: Introduction to phase two of the community process through
A Model of Community analysis and formation of community diagnosis
Practice: Community Identification of the accepted format of a community diagnosis
Analysis and Diagnosis A focus on working with a team to synthesize data through
methods of classification, summarization, and interpretation for
development of a tentative community diagnosis
A review of guidelines and principles conducive to a positive team
environment
Unit 7: Introduction to the varied influences in formulation of community-
A Model of Community focused planning
Practice: Community Identification of the systematic processes and plan for partnering
Partnership for Health with community that allow for prioritizing diagnosis and identifying
Planning goals, collaborative relationships, and potential barriers and
resources that allow for identification of actions to achieve the
desired outcome
Using theories of change to assist in partnering with the community
for planned change
Unit 8: Introduction to the process of intervention and the varied influences
A Model of Community on active participation of the community
Practice: Implementation Identification of the value of community ownership of the plan and
of the Action Phase strategies to facilitate promotion of ownership for successful
implementation
A review of the levels of prevention and a focus on the three types
of intervention: education, engineering through policy formulation,
and enforcement
80 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

TABLE 3-2 (continued)

Unit Topics

Recognition of the agencies such as Health Canada and the role of

Canadian health in implementing community change
Emphasis on the role of social support and social marketing forces
and access to advocacy in the implementation phase
Unit 9: Introduction to the principles, strategies, and processes of the
A Model of Community evaluation of the effectiveness of a program and the multiple
Practice: Evaluation purposes of evaluation
Identification of a model for program evaluation
A review of the components of evaluation of relevancy, progress,
cost efficiency, effectiveness, and outcome
Recognition of the multiple methods of data collection and
evaluation tools and the strengths and weaknesses of approaches
Emphasis on the importance of evaluation for decision making,
revision of plan, and continued funding
A review of the importance of the logic model plan identifying a
plan for evaluation prior to evaluation process being undertaken

Source: Health Sciences Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada.
Copyright Douglas College, June 2006. Used with permission.

suffering from chronic illnesses and defined individuals living with a mental illness as the
predominant health problem among Canadians in all age groups. The aim of health pro-
motion is achievement of health for all, a population health approach. The determinants of
health are income and social status, social support networks, education, employment and
working conditions, social environment, physical environments, personal health practices
and coping skills, healthy child development, culture, gender, biology and generic endow-
ment, and health services (Frankish, Moulton, Quantz, Carson, Casebeer, & Eyles, 2007).
The Neuman Systems Model client system variables and the subsystems identified in
the Community as Partner Model are compatible with the health determinants and pro-
vide a framework for viewing the community from a systems perspective (Table 3-3). The
assessment of these variables allows for the identification of community strengths and
weaknesses and assists in determining priority prevention interventions. Relevant jurisdic-
tional powers and responsibilities of municipal, provincial, and federal levels of govern-
ment also should be assessed to determine which stakeholders and levels of government
to approach to collaborate and advocate for necessary programs and funding for at-risk
communities and aggregate populations.

Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process for the Community

Assignments within the Community as Client course are readily adaptable to numerous
clinical situations but the Community as Partner Model and the Neuman Systems Model
provide the primary focus for assessment, diagnosis, planning, and evaluating communi-
ty mental health. Assignments generally are done in small groups. Students may work to-
gether based on a specific area of interest, such as working with an identified aggregate
 Chapter 3 The Client System as Family, Group, or Community 81

TABLE 3-3 Comparison of the Neuman Systems Model Five Client System
Variables, Health Determinants, and Community Subsystems

Neuman System Model Determinants of Health Community Subsystems

Client System Variables

Developmental Healthy child development Politics and government

Physiological Physical environment Physical environment
Income Economics
Social status
Biology and genetic
endowment
Psychological Employment and working Health and social services
conditions Safety and transportation
Social support networks Communication
Sociocultural Personal health practices and Education
coping Recreation
Health services
Education
Spiritual Culture Social environment
Gender
Source: Health Sciences Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada.
Copyright Douglas College, June 2006. Used with permission.

population. An example is working with clients experiencing delirium in the community.

Alternatively, students may be placed together in a group based on a shared current clin-
ical setting. Students also are often placed in different clinical settings within the same ge-
ographical community or health region. For example, one student may be placed in a
community mental health team; another student, in a forensic outpatient clinic; another,
within a residential facility; another, in a drop-in or an emergency shelter; and another, in
a detoxification or addiction program. Each student identifies the agencys levels of pre-
vention interventions and the client population served. Inasmuch as the students are in a
local geographical area and often the agency serves a similar population, the student
group identifies an aggregate population that they all serve. Examples include an aggre-
gate population of homeless clients suffering mental illness, or clients suffering mental
illness and addiction, within a particular geographical area of a large city in British
Columbia.
The students conduct a thorough community assessment based on the community
assessment wheel and the assessment segment of the Community as Partner Model
(Vollman et al., 2008). The students address strengths and weaknesses within the nine
subsystems of politics and government, physical environment, economics, health and so-
cial services, safety and transportation, communication, education, recreation, and social
environment as they relate to the identified aggregate. In addition, students identify po-
tential intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors. They also gather informa-
tion about the identified aggregate population through numerous sources, including vital
82 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

statistics for age, gender, culture, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. As well, the stu-
dents review current research related to the risk factors of safety, violence, drug and alco-
hol use, and physical and emotional health. Students then are able to assess the Neuman
Systems Model central core, lines of resistance, normal line of defense, and flexible line
of defense (see Table 3-4). The assessment enables the students to identify community di-
agnoses using a template consisting of an actual or potential risk statement for an identi-
fied aggregate population, related to etiological or causative factors, as evidenced by use
of statistics and empirical research.

TABLE 3-4 Assessment of Aggregate Populations: Neuman Systems Model Central

Core, Line of Resistance, Normal Line of Defense, and Flexible Line of Defense

Central Core Age

Sex
Ethnic distribution
Education level
Employment level
Socioeconomic status
Lines of Resistance (LR) Health and social services
The relative strengths, assets, and degree of Politics and government
collaboration between eight subsystems. Education
Tertiary level of prevention interventions Safety and transportation
support the LR.
Physical Environment
Recreation
Economics
Communication
Normal Line of Defense (NLD) Mortality/ Morbidity rates
The level of health the aggregate has Incidence/Prevalence of disease
reached over time. May include the Presence/Prevalence of risk factors
aggregates health status in comparison to Patterns of coping/Problem solving
national health status. Secondary level of
prevention interventions protect NLD.
Flexible Line of Defense (FLD) An example is the collaboration between
The buffer zone to the NLD, a dynamic level medical officer, hospital, emergency health
of health that occurs in times of crisisthe services, shelters, drop-ins, housing, and the
resilience of the community in times of crisis. media when there were eight accidental
Primary level of prevention interventions are overdose deaths among intravenous drug users
viewed as strengthening the FLD. over a two-day period within a city
Community diagnosis: Increased risk for acciden-
tal drug overdose death among IV drug users
related to high-potency drugs as evidenced by
eight deaths in a 48-hour period

Source: Health Sciences Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Douglas College, British Columbia, Canada.
Copyright Douglas College, June 2006. Used with permission.
 Chapter 3 The Client System as Family, Group, or Community 83

Students identify stressors and develop a plan for intervention based on assessment
and community diagnosis and, whenever possible, consult with stakeholders, including
members of the aggregate population to identify priority goals. Community stressors en-
compass intrasystem stressors, which are those stressors among the aggregate population;
intersystem stressors, which are those stressors among the eight subsystems of the
Community as Partner Model (see Table 3-4); and extrasystem stressors, which are those
stressors occurring outside the community subsystems and aggregate population and
might include changes in the priorities of the federal government or upcoming events
such as the Olympic games. Interventions are identified at primary, secondary, and terti-
ary preventions levels. Primary levels of prevention are viewed as interventions strength-
ening the flexible line of defense. Secondary levels of prevention protect the normal line
of defense and the lines of resistance. Tertiary levels of prevention support the lines of re-
sistance and strengthen the flexible line of defense.
A case study of the use of the Neuman Systems Model with a community as the
client system is given in Box 3-2.

BOX 3-2
Case Study: Assessment of an Aggregate PopulationCrystal Methamphetamine
Users in the Fraser Health Region

In June 2005, the Fraser Health Authority and were very broad. In the general population use is
Addictions Services developed A Community low, however, subpopulations can be identified.
Guide: Strategies and Interventions for Deal- Some users unintentionally used crystal metham-
ing with Crystal Methamphetamine and Other phetamine; as an example, youth involved in the
Emerging Drug Trends in response to recognition of club or dance scene thinking they were using ec-
a reemergence of methamphetamine in the com- stasy. Those purposefully taking the drug included
munity. The impetus for the guide included recogni- shift workers, university students, sex trade work-
tion that the effects of the drug on users, families, ers, and homeless persons who desired the drugs
and the community were ill understood, and overall effect on remaining awake and energetic for long
there was a felt need to bring together concerned periods.
individuals, including multidisciplinary and multisys- At-risk populations particularly identified in
tem professionals, to investigate prevalence and im- this study were youth, especially street involved,
pact of the drug in the community and to identify mental health clients, gay populations, pregnant
required services and resources at all levels of pre- women and women with small children, and drug
vention as well as service gaps, and to strategize endangered children who may be living in places
long- and short-term goals. The broad communi- where methamphetamine is produced. Youth
tyincluding mental health specialists, addictions were identified as most likely to be polysubstance
specialists, criminal justice system representatives, abusing. Clients with mental health issues of
child and youth mental health experts, and com- schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder, or simi-
munity services representativeswas part of the lar diagnosis, were identified as requiring the most
task force. This community guide is the resource specialized services. Each of these populations
and provides the content for the case study. often used the drug for diverse reasons, or were
exposed to the drug inadvertently, and a one-size-
The Central Core fits-all approach to prevention, assessment, inter-
It is difficult to define and order described users of vention, and treatment as a response was seen as
crystal methamphetamine in the region as they unlikely to work.

(continued)
84 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

BOX 3-2 (continued)

Lines of Resistance Users were more likely to be involved in the

The Methamphetamine Task Group coming to- criminal justice system, particularly those who were
gether is evidence of the strengths, assets, and concurrently diagnosed, and coordination between
degree of collaboration between the subsystems. the mental health, addiction, and criminal justice
Mental health services, addiction services, criminal systems was identified as required. The use of drug
justice system, and emergency medical services court or community courts was well supported.
were identified as requiring a collaborative effort Advocating to all levels of government for
to come up with a successful approach. increased resources for treatment was highlighted.
The eight subsystems of the community Treatment resources were lacking as were the
assessment wheel are interrelated and often availability of treatment specialists for concurrent-
data could be organized under multiple or differ- ly diagnosed clients. Timeliness of residential pro-
ent headings. The guide identified themes and gram placement is crucial and limited availability
resources for intervention as well as gaps in of detoxification and treatment beds was identi-
services. fied as a stressor.
The Ministry of Child and Families was iden-
tified as requiring the need to revise practice
Health and Social Services
guidelines to have specific protocols/ guidelines re-
Priority issues included all health care professionals garding meeting the needs of children who are
working in addiction and/or mental health need to exposed to methamphetamine due to others
screen for drug use and mental illness. smoking around them or being housed where the
Gaps included identified need for specialized drug is being produced.
treatment approaches with intensive programs. Production and enforcement issues include
Overall, treatment programs must recognize the that methamphetamine is primarily domestically
heterogeneity of users. Treatment needs had to manufactured and may be exported to other
incorporate social determinants of poverty, home- countries such as the United States and Japan.
lessness, employment, family, and health. With- These drugs originally were produced in mom
drawal from methamphetamine use was seen as and pop shops but more recently have expanded
protracted. While the withdrawal from metham- to organized crime, and Asian and outlaw motor-
phetamine is not life-threatening and can safely cycle gangs produce and traffic the drug.
be done at home, detoxification settings need to In 2003 the Precursor Control Regulations
be specialized for those clients with polysubstance under the Controlled and Substances Act came
use and those at risk for medical life-threatening into effect and is seen as a successful approach to
withdrawal, homeless individuals, and/or signifi- reduce the supply of the drug.
cant psychiatric conditions. Public health issues and environmental haz-
More research was identified as a need to ards due to the risk of chemical process involved in
understand long-term effects of methamphet- producing methamphetamine were identified.
amine exposure and to ensure evidence-based Resources to address health risks for those investi-
practice. gating and cleaning up methamphetamine labs
With regard to exposure, methamphetamine were highlighted.
is a safety hazard and those personnel involved in
the investigation and clean up of a production lab Education
require training and examination by medical per- The need for education with identified guidelines
sonnel to ensure decontamination. based on empirical evidence was highlighted.
Screening, assessment, and treatment
Politics and Government guidelines and education for health care profes-
Community partnership and collaboration was a sionals and emergency personnel were identified as
theme throughout the guide. a high priority. First responders (law enforcement,
 Chapter 3 The Client System as Family, Group, or Community 85

paramedics, firefighters, and hospital) were identi- selors/programs overall should be avoided, but the
fied as requiring crucial resources. General practition- use of leverage is of benefit.
ers were also identified as requiring information/
resources as they were likely to be approached by Safety and Transportation
users seeking treatment. Methamphetamine toxicity and resulting psychosis
Personnel need to be able to identify users at can increase user risk of violence and thereby
risk for methamphetamine intoxication, including present a risk to the community, first responders,
those with induced psychosis at risk for violence in health care professionals, families, and children.
the community and emergency department. Some Methamphetamine production is dangerous
clients can be managed in a mental health setting and those living in a place of production test posi-
by those experienced with working with concur- tive in urine drug screens, regardless of whether
rently diagnosed clients. Sedating medication in- they describe themselves as users. As well, chil-
cluding benzodiazepines and short-term use of dren living in homes where methamphetamine is
neuroleptics, assessing vitals and avoiding dehydra- smoked, but not produced, test positive for the
tion in a quiet low-stimulation environment, were drug.
identified as key to treatment of thought disorder. As well, contaminants created during the
Methamphetamine toxicity is on a continuum and making of methamphetamine are absorbed by ex-
uncomplicated management of physiological posed surfaces and pose an unknown health haz-
symptoms may include reduction of body tempera- ard to future occupants. Chemical waste is also
ture together with sedation in a quiet environment. flushed down toilets or dumped outside, which is
Clients exhibiting hyperthermia and convulsions a potential risk to the entire community.
are at risk for coma and death. All emergency per-
sonnel, mental health facilities, and hospital and
Recreation
substance abuse treatment center personnel
should be trained to identify the toxicity continuum Protective factors for avoidance of drug use includ-
and use best practices for treatment. Treatment ed recreational opportunities in and outside of
providers should recognize that admission to an school and feeling supported by a community of
emergency department and similar crisis can often people. Leisure and increased social functioning was
be a catalyst to motivate clients to accept treatment. an identified requirement for good treatment pro-
School-based programs for prevention were grams for all at-risk groups. Identified protective fac-
highlighted especially in their ability to increase tors needed to be incorporated in primary preven-
protective factors. tion programs within schools and the community.

Physical Environment Economics

Treatment environments were diverse and on a Effective management of comorbidity is likely to
continuum, but overall guidelines approaches were be cost-effective and integrated programs were
identified as well as specific barriers for treatment. well supported.
Managing methamphetamine withdrawal Environmental companies trained in haz-
requires psychosocial support in a safe nonthreat- ardous material removal and clean up must be
ening environment. Awareness of barriers to treat- hired to decontaminate buildings that have been
ment is necessary, including lack of programs to used as production labs. The guidelines for clean up
meet needs of specific populations such as rural are included in bylaws and landlords maybe billed.
clients, youth, and concurrently diagnosed per-
sons. Avoidance of homelessness and need for a Communication
continuum of treatment services and options in- Coordination and cooperation among first respon-
cluding drug court programs are seen as beneficial ders and governmental agencies is assumed to be
to the treatment environment. Confrontation and necessary. Social supports, family support, and
punitive communication styles in treatment coun- outpatient counseling are valued. Programs such
(continued)
86 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

BOX 3-2 (continued)

as the Meth Watch Program promote cooperation with birth defects and are higher risk for sudden
and communication between retailers and law en- infant death syndrome. Full-term babies have
forcement to train employees to recognize suspi- difficulty sucking and may be hypersensitive to
cious activity, and in-store measures to reduce stimuli. Issues such as nutrition, poverty, infection,
theft of products for methamphetamine produc- housing, and education were required in antenatal
tion are identified as worthwhile. care and treatment programs for this group of
users.
Normal Line of Defense Children living in home where parent(s) are
using are at increased risk for neglect and abuse.
Overall, methamphetamine users were more likely
Additionally in homes where the drug is produced
than the general population to live in poverty and
and/or smoked children are chemically contami-
have unstable housing, and they or their family
nated, as evidenced by positive urine drug screens.
members had undiagnosed mental health issues;
As well, these children are at increased risk to be
poor family, school, and community connections;
exposed to drug paraphernalia potentially increas-
and prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs. HIV
ing risk for HIV and hepatitis. Children found in
and other sexually transmitted diseases were
homes where the drug is produced require com-
much higher in this population. Clients who were
plete pediatric evaluation within 24 hours.
HIV positive were less adherent to HAART medica-
tion increasing resistance to these drugs.
Methamphetamine users have numerous Flexible Line of Defense
heath risks, including anxiety, suspiciousness con- Primary prevention programs were identified to
fusion, mood swings, compulsive behavior psy- delay or prevent onset of drug use as well as re-
chosis, paranoia, depression, and hallucinations. duce harm associated with drug supply and use.
Physical effects are on a continuum, including Principles of prevention of methampheta-
teeth grinding, sores, numbness, pupil dilation, mine use included: identifying the at-risk groups
SOB, chest pain, nausea, flailing jerky movements, and addressing the needs of at-risk specific popu-
dizziness, insomnia, and increase in heart rate and lations by increasing protective factors. At-risk
blood pressure. Severe effects include hyperther- populations identified were youth, especially street-
mia, seizures, cardiovascular collapse, convulsions, involved youth, mental health clients, gay popula-
coma, and death. After long-term abuse, neu- tions, pregnant women and women with small
rocognitive deficits remain. These include ongoing children, and drug-endangered children.
problems with attention and abstract thinking, Primary prevention programs designed to
lack of motivation, and anhedonia. increase protective factors included family-based
Users often have unsafe sex practices and programs to enhance family bonding and parent-
are at increased risk for hepatitis B and C and ing skills and training in drug awareness.
HIV/AIDS even in comparison to cocaine users. School programs are needed to identify chil-
Additionally, those withdrawing are at higher risk dren at risk for drug use, academic difficulties,
for profound depression and suicidal ideation. poor social skills, and aggressive behaviors.
Crystal methamphetamine withdrawal is protract- Education to focus on self-control, social problem
ed in comparison to cocaine withdrawal; specifi- solving, and academic support were identified.
cally withdrawal from crystal methamphetamine Teenagers required additional support that includ-
use is 23 weeks in comparison to cocaine with- ed drug resistance skills, social competency skills
drawal, which is 13 days. with peers, skills with peers and self-efficacy, and
Pregnant women using crystal metham- assertiveness skills.
phetamine are at high risk for spontaneous abor- Community programs include identification
tion and premature delivery. Children born to of transition stressors that promote bonding and
these women are six times more likely to be born sense of belonging to the community. Community
 Chapter 3 The Client System as Family, Group, or Community 87

prevention programs should include teachers, par- methamphetamine users to reconsider IV drug use
ents, families, and peers. of methamphetamine or encourage the use of
Harm reduction techniques included devel- sterile injection equipment.
oping a plan to stay safe.
Messages include eat, drink water, and Internet Resources
sleep to withstand highs and avoid physiological http://www.fraserhealth.ca/Services/
and psychological consequences of methamphet- MentalHealthandAddictions/AddictionServices/
amine use. Encourage users to plan for safer sexu- Documents/CMCommunityGuide.pdf
al practices given that methamphetamine is a http://www.camh.net/
powerful sexual stimulant and has an impact on http://www.kci.org/meth_info/slang_names.htm.
judgment. And assist users to identify the negative http://www.vch.ca/women/sheway.htm
consequences by dispelling myths about the posi- www.health.gov.bc.ca/library/publications/year/
tive effects of functional use of methampheta- 2005/MHA_meth_strategy_6mo_update.pdf
mine to increase energy, and so on. Encourage www.methwatch.ca/home_en.html

Conclusion
The contents of this chapter enhance under- and health care team members in practice will
standing of the ways in which the client system increase understanding of how the concepts of
can be viewed as a family, a group, or a com- the Neuman Systems Model can be applied
munity. Continued work by faculty, students, with each type of client system.

References
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Learning. health in families: Applying family research and
Duvall, E. (1977). Marriage and family develop- theory to nursing practice (3rd ed., pp. 274338).
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Frankish, C. J., Moulton, G. E., Quantz, D., Carson, Vollman, A. R., Anderson, E.T., & McFarlane, J. (2008).
A. J., Casebeer, A. L., & Eyles, J. D. (2007). Canadian community as partner (2nd ed.).
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Neuman, B. (2002). The Neuman systems model. and the World Health Organization. Retrieved July
In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett (Eds.), The Neuman 15, 2008, from http://www.who.int/hpr/NPH/
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River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
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Web-Based Resources
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2002043351 8. August-Brady, M. (2000). Prevention as inter-
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CHAPTER 4
Reconstitution
Karen Reed Gehrling

Although reconstitution has been part of the Neuman Systems Model since its inception,
it is one of the least described, researched, and understood concepts of the model. As
August-Brady (2000) noted, The process of reconstitution is defined and is understand-
able. However, how one measures or validates reconstitution is not explicated (p. 1305).
The purpose of this chapter is to begin to clarify the process of reconstitution by explor-
ing the origins of the concept, discussing terms used by Neuman and others, and identi-
fying its attributes. The chapter includes a review of research related to each attribute, as
well a case study for each one. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the use of
reconstitution in practice, education, and research.

DEFINING RECONSTITUTION
A definition of the term reconstitute is a starting point for understanding the concept. The
American Heritage Dictionary (2003) lists two definitions:

1. To provide with a new structure

2. To bring (a liquid in concentrated or powder form) to normal strength by adding
water

The Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary (2008) defines reconstitution as:

1. The action of reconstituting or state of being reconstituted

2. Regeneration of an organic form by reorganization of existent tissue without
blastema formation

The Biology Online Dictionary (2008) provides this definition of reconstitution:

A type of regeneration in which a new organ forms by the rearrangement of tissues
rather than from new formation at an injured surface. The restoration to original
form of a substance previously altered for preservation and storage.

89
90 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

General Attributes of Reconstitution

The general attributes of reconstitution, which were extracted from the various defini-
tions, are given here.

Reconstitution is a process of
regeneration
reorganization of structure
adjustments to existing structure

for the purpose of

bringing to normal strength
forming a new organ
restoring to original or normal form
adjusting to new circumstances

Neuman Systems Model Conceptualization of Reconstitution

According to Rae Jean Memmott (personal communication, February 16, 2008) and Betty
Neuman (personal communication, April 21, 2008), a belief in the human potential for
positive change and adaptation was the impetus for including reconstitution as a concept
of the Neuman Systems Model. Fawcett and colleagues (1982) pointed out that Neuman
and Young first introduced the concept of reconstitution in 1972 to describe the events
that occur following the persons reaction to stressors (p. 37). They inferred that the
process of reconstitution is the persons progress to a return to stability and wellness after
a stressor has created a variance from wellness. Hoffman (1982) inferred that reconstitu-
tion is the state of adaptation to stressors in the internal and external environment that
could begin at any degree or level of stressor reaction and in which the range of possi-
bilities may extend beyond the normal line of defense (p. 45). These early interpretations
of reconstitution indicate that reconstitution encompasses intrapersonal, interpersonal,
and extrapersonal factors, and requires that the five client system variables (physiological,
psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual) be taken into account.
Elaborating, Neuman (1989) explained,

Reconstitution is identified as beginning at any point following treatment; it is

the determined energy increase related to the degree of reaction. Complete
reconstitution may progress well beyond the previously determined normal
line of defense or usual wellness level, it may stabilize the system at a lower
level, or it may return to the level prior to illness. . . . Reconstitution may be
viewed as feedback from the input and output of secondary interventions. The
goal is to maintain an optimal wellness level by supporting existing strengths
and conserving client system energy. Reconstitution at this stage (tertiary pre-
vention) is dependent upon the successful mobilization of client resources to
prevent further stressor reaction or regressions. It represents a dynamic state
of adjustment to stressors and integration of all necessary factors toward opti-
mal use of existing resources for client system stability or wellness mainte-
nance. (pp. 3637)
 Chapter 4 Reconstitution 91

Later, Neuman (1995; Neuman & Fawcett, 2002) explicitly defined reconstitution as
the return and maintenance of system stability, following treatment of stressor reaction,
which may result in a higher or lower level of wellness than previously (1995, p. 46).
The same definition is given in Chapter 1 of this book.

NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODELSPECIFIC ATTRIBUTES OF RECONSTITUTION The attributes of

reconstitution when viewed within the context of the Neuman Systems Model are:
Reconstitution follows a reaction to stressors.
Reconstitution is client-initiated in an effort to return to a state of wellness.
Reconstitution incorporates all five client system variables.
Reconstitution may be intra-, inter-, or extrapersonal in nature.

Integrating General and Neuman Systems ModelSpecific

Attributes of Reconstitution
A more complete conceptual image of reconstitution begins to evolve when the general
attributes extracted from the various definitions of reconstitution are integrated with the
Neuman Systems Modelspecific attributes. The more complete image illustrates the
process of reconstitution as follows:
Reconstitution is a regenerative or reconstructive process whereby a client system
undergoes a rearrangement of existing variables at the site of stressor impact.
Reconstitution occurs after the client system has experienced a negative reaction to
a stressor, which required the client system to alter itself to preserve the system and
protect the basic structure.
Reconstitution occurs with or without the implementation of a prevention interven-
tion, although a more favorable outcome, that is, a higher level of return to well-
ness, may be realized if a prevention intervention is provided.
These descriptions of how the client system recovers from stressors and begins to re-
turn to a state of wellness provide guidelines for interpreting experiences of clients who
have encountered all kinds of stressors. However, the descriptions do little to clarify what
reconstitution looks like in a practice situation or how successful completion of the process
is recognized. The descriptions also provide little guidance for measurement of the process.

RECOGNIZING RECONSTITUTION
During the past 20 years, researchers have examined the process of returning to previous
levels of wellness and how client systems have adjusted or changed once the noxious
stressors have been immobilized. Most of the work has, however, focused on individual
experiences: a specific type of stressor; a specific event, such as divorce or loss; an ill-
ness, such as cancer; or a health condition, such as chronic pain. Many studies, for exam-
ple, have been designed to describe the lived experience of . . .. Yet there has been no
effort to examine similarities in experiences across events, illnesses, or health conditions.
If the Neuman Systems Modelspecific attributes of reconstitution are used as a frame-
work for review of such studies, certain patterns begin to appear that are not specific to
the event being studied but are constant as part of a processthat is, the process of re-
turning to a state of wellness, or reconstitution from the event. It may be that clients go
92 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

through the same process whenever any stressor has an impact on the system. If such a
similar progression exists, nursing prevention interventions could be developed to sup-
port the process, which would have a profound effect on nursing practice.

Reconstitution Follows a Reaction to Stressors That

Have Penetrated the Client System
The environment, according to the Neuman Systems Model, consists of known, un-
known, and universal stressors that have potential for disturbing the client systems usual
stability level, or normal line of defense. A stressor, then, is a strain or force that has the
potential to disrupt the client systems usual level of wellness. Noxious stressors are per-
ceived by the client system as unfavorable experiences that may place the system in dan-
ger. Once a stressor has broken through the lines of defense and resistance, the client
system attempts to return to a stable state, which occurs through reconstitution.
Most often, the process of recovering from stressor impact has been described from
a physiological orientation, with an emphasis on how the body physically recovers from
an acute stressor, such as a cardiovascular event. What has not been explored in any
great detail has been the process of reconstructing or reconstituting from stressors that
have lesser physical effects but greater psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and
spiritual effects. Stressors such as divorce, chronic illness, and the death of a family mem-
ber can have profound effects on individuals, perhaps even bringing the client system to
the point of needing to create a different identity in order to survive.
For example, van Schalwyk (2005) interviewed four women in South Africa to as-
certain how they coped and rebuilt their life following divorce. Her premise was that as a
married person, a woman has constructed her life according to a specific set of beliefs,
values and prescriptions of the traditional culture to which she belongs (p. 91). When di-
vorce occurs, there is a change not only in womens position in the community, but also
their sense of identity. Womens management of their personal and professional lives
after divorces is sometimes an extended struggle to reconstruct their selves for the sake of
self-preservation (p. 91). The loss of self as a relational being, that is no longer a wife but
a single person, is one of the largest losses. To reconstitute, the women van Schalwyk in-
terviewed found themselves having to regain a sense of self that has value, focus on new
roles and new relationships, and discover a new sense of direction for life. Van Schalwyk
commented, Reconstructing the self for these women implies a new positioning, a new
language, new memories, and a new sense of personhood that challenges the dominant
discourses (p. 96). Another womans story of reconstitution, told within the context of
the Neuman Systems Model, is given in Box 4-1.

Reconstitution Is Client Initiated in an Effort to Return

to a State of Wellness
According to the Neuman Systems Model, reconstitution may result in a higher or lower
level of wellness than previously experienced. Restoration and adjustment of the lines of
resistance, normal line of defense, and flexible line of defense occur from the inner portions
of the system outward, restoring and adjusting the client system to adapt to changes creat-
ed by the stressors. Whitehead (2005), who studied clients with chronic fatigue
syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), described the impact of chronic illness
stressors and clients experiences of dealing with body changes. The diagnosis of CFS/ME
 Chapter 4 Reconstitution 93

BOX 4-1
Case Study: Reconstitution Follows a Reaction to Stressors
That Have Penetrated the Client System

Even marital difficulties can create a difference in maybe I was just being ungrateful; or
the client system. A colleague who is familiar with maybe a little depressed; or worse yet, was I
the Neuman Systems Model wrote: regretting my decision? But I think that it is
just that I am different now. As the stressors
Since J and I have decided to save our mar-
resolve and my life has returned to system
riage, I would suppose I have been in this
stability I realize that it is not a higher or
process of reconstitution. I spent many
lower level of wellness; it is not even the
years with a broken heart; and while I have
same level of wellness. It is simply different.
been thankful to God for helping me
(L. E., personal communication, March 21,
through this, I have been feeling a little
2006)
off now that the worst is over. I thought

has extreme effects on the physiological, psychological, spiritual, and sociocultural client
system variable. Specifically, all study participants described physiological disruption from
high to low levels of activity. They indicated that identity reconstruction from the old to a
new self incorporated elements of the old life with the new, including reconstructing social
standing, friends, and economic status, such that they were in the process of creating new,
and they believed, better selves. The majority felt that they had transcended the illness, un-
derpinned by a deeper understanding of themselves, others and life in general (p. 1028).
In the cancer experience, life review often results in minimization of minor anxi-
eties that, following diagnosis, appear inconsequential when compared to the illness
(Maher, 1982; Tomich & Hegelson, 2002 as cited in Boyle, 2006). Quotations from a
woman who is a breast cancer survivor appear in Box 4-2.
Inasmuch as the client system can describe not only an individual but also a family
or a community within the Neuman Systems Model, it should follow that the process of
reconstitution also applies to families and communities that experience stressors. For ex-
ample, the intrusion of cancer causes permanent changes in how survivors and families
respond to and cope with the cancer diagnosis, treatment, and sequelae. A new norm
must be constructed for the family unit to move forward. Families facing cancer must re-
construct reality and change their future orientation, manage information, assign meaning
to illness, reorganize roles, manage therapeutic regimes, and evaluate and shift priorities

BOX 4-2
Case Study: Reconstitution Is Client Initiated in an Effort
to Return to a State of Wellness

A Native American woman who survive breast need to thank the Great Spirit. . . . The
cancer commented: biggest thing I had to learn was how to live
life while you are alive. (Pelusi & Krebs,
In each experience that I live . . . I learn to
2005, p. 14)
be grateful for the gifts and live for the
moment. . . . When you receive a gift, you
94 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

(Boyle, 2006). Additional analyses are needed to identify patterns in the reconstitution
process when stressors are encountered by client systems other than individuals.

Reconstitution Incorporates All Five Client System Variables

In some instances, it would seem that only one variable would be affected by stressors.
For example, in the case of a myocardial infarction, it would seem that the physiological
variable is most important in reconstitution. However, upon reflection, reconstitution in
such a case can be viewed as more than physiological. Other variables that are affected
include the psychological aspect of desiring change, the sociocultural aspects of dietary
habits, the developmental process of lifestyle, and the spiritual aspect of the hope or fear
of the recovery process.
Although it is common to have multiple variables involved in the reconstitution
process, the importance of the developmental variable is rarely considered. Christ (2000)
studied 150 childrens experience of mourning of the death of a parent, which can be
viewed as reconstitution within the context of the Neuman Systems Model. Christ found
clear, distinct differences among the childrens responses based on their developmental
stage, and explained, Indeed, the differences in the timing of the most intense mourning,
the defenses used against grief, the very character of the mourning experiences were dis-
cernable (p. 79).
Gerstle, All, and Wallace (2001) found that age was a mediator for quality of life in
study participants with chronic nonmalignant pain. Participants who were older
perceived a better overall quality of life than their younger counterparts. Gerstle et al.
concluded, Older age seems to be advantageous when faced with adversity of chronic
pain and chronic conditions. Perhaps the abilities to cope and adapt to stress, and the
consequences of such become more fully developed over time (p. 105). The researchers,
who used the Neuman Systems Model to guide their study, categorized age and other de-
mographic information as stressors, and quality of life as a reaction to the stressor. It may,
however, be more appropriate to view age and other demographics as part of the client
systems lines of defense and resistance. Age would then represent the developmental
variable, and quality of life would represent reconstitution.
The importance of spirituality to the reconstitution process is highlighted in research
addressing disability and chronic illness. Rittman, Boylstein, Hinojosa, Hinojosa, and
Haun (2007) studied the transitional progress of stroke survivors from discharge to home
care. Study participants used spiritual beliefs to provide continuity in life changes related
to the stroke. Rittman et al. commented that inasmuch as stroke disrupts ones sense of
self because it changes and alters the taken-for-granted body, (p. 25), a belief in God or
a higher power often provides a way to normalize the changes.
Do Rozario (1997) used a sample of individuals with various chronic conditions to
study factors that facilitate coping. Spiritual integrity was found to be essential in develop-
ing a sense of wholeness. A quote from one woman in her study is given in Box 4-3.

Reconstitution May Be Intra-, Inter-, or Extrapersonal in Nature

Reconstitution from mental illness is an area that has only recently been explored.
Mezzina, Davidson, Borg, Marin, Topor, and Sells (2006) describe the process of recovery
from mental illness as highly individualized, but with certain components that are similar
in nature. Based on interviews with persons from a multinational geographical area, the
 Chapter 4 Reconstitution 95

BOX 4-3
Case Study: Reconstitution Incorporates All Five Client System Variables

A woman who had osteoarthritis, stated, the whole relationship between the arts and
spirituality I suppose. That whole area can
Sometimes if I can actually get myself, move
be very energizing . . . remembering the
myself from whatever fairly narrow thing
spiritual creative dimension, my own interior
Im actually involved with, its still a spiritual
journey. (Do Rozario, 1997, p. 433)
level, but its more to do with listening to
music or reading something, reading poetry,

BOX 4-4
Case Study: Reconstitution May Be Intra-, Inter-, or Extrapersonal in Nature

Your relationship to everyone around you arent working. You may want to change
is going to change, says [Susan] Nessim, jobs because youve had this meaningful,
who is a survivor of rhabdomyosarcoma, life-changing experience. (Retrieved
a childhood cancer of the muscles, which January 17, 2005, from http://www.medi-
she developed in 1975 at age 17. You may cinenet. com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=
find yourself cutting off relationships that 51858)

researchers developed themes to describe the process of recovery from psychosis.

Intrapersonal factors included regaining a sense of control over life, self-determination in
decision making, making sense of the disorder, and addressing others perceptions of
themselves. Hope, a sense of meaning and purpose, exercise, and spirituality were some
of the more important symbolic components in a reconstruction of the self that incorpo-
rated illness and limitations into a broader perspective (p. 67).
Mezzina et al. (2006) went on to describe interpersonal factors in recovery that in-
cluded relationships, in which the support person was present over time and through var-
ious circumstances, doing more than the objective nature of the relationship demanded,
and doing things that were not part of the traditional role. Extrapersonal factors included
community arenas where fellowship and activity supported the redefinition of self. A
place to call home, financial stability, and other material resources were critical to the re-
covery process, not only for engaging in meaningful activities but also as instruments for
emancipation from ones illness (p. 69). Interpersonal factors are highlighted in the quo-
tation given in Box 4-4.

PRACTICING RECONSTITUTION
Assessing the Reconstitution Process
Assessment of the process of reconstitution focuses on how the client system experiences
reconstitution. Nurses need to keep in mind that reconstitution is client initiated, not ex-
ternally provided. The nurses role is to support the process. Reconstitution can occur as
a known process, such as repair of cellular damage to a physiological system after stres-
sor damage, or as a more abstract and less clearly defined process, such as mourning the
96 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

loss of a lifestyle. In either situation, assessment of how the client is coping becomes the
first step in knowing how to support the process.
The assessment of all five client system variables is crucial. Too often, nurses and
other health care team members focus primarily on the physiological aspect of returning
to a state of wellness, even after the immediate concern with physiological variables has
subsided. However, the literature provides evidence that psychological, sociocultural, de-
velopmental, and spiritual variables are as important as physiological variables in the
return to a state of wellness. Indeed, it may be that the other variables become increas-
ingly important when a return to the original state of wellness is not likely, such as in
chronic illness.
The Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool (see Appendix C) di-
rects assessment to stressors as perceived by the client and by the caregiver, analysis of
discrepancies, and intra-, inter-, and extrapersonal factors. It is important to point out that
assessment is a continuous process that includes changes in stressors and priorities and
changes in intra-, inter-, and extrapersonal factors, which may require concomitant
changes in goals over time. Reconstitution assessment includes not only assessment of
stressors but of strengths found in the flexible and normal lines of defense and the lines
of resistance; the intra-, inter-, and extrapersonal factors influencing the process, including
all five client system variables; and the change in goals that occur as reconstitution occurs.
The specific areas of assessment of reconstitution listed below are based on Wright
and Leaheys (2005) method of assessing family coping by asking circular questions that
allow the family members to examine their thoughts and feelings regarding the impact of
the stressor on their lives. The areas of assessment are:
The clients perception of what is needed by him or her in order to function
The most and least helpful interventions by health care providers in the past
The greatest challenges facing the client and family
What the client (or family) needs in order to prepare for life following this event

Prevention Interventions for Reconstitution

Prevention interventions need to be designed to support the process of reconstitution and
to help clients understand the process. Clients frequently ask, What is happening to me?
and want to know whether what is happening is normal. Understanding the complicat-
ed process that is necessary to regain not only a physiological return to normal but also a
new sense of self can be extremely helpful to clients who are trying to make sense of a
new body, a new situation, or an altered lifestyle. Health care professionals must incorpo-
rate this information into the health teaching for clients.
Although nurses can assist clients with the intrapersonal process of reconstituting
physiological variables through use of medication, treatments, and various other physical
interventions, it is clear that the inter- and extrapersonal aspects of supporting reconstitu-
tion are equally important for clients return to a state of normal. Being supportive, doing
more than is professionally required, and thinking and doing things that are outside of
the box have been identified, as well as providing community activities and help with
finding meaningful work, and, if necessary, a safe place to call home. Although not all of
these interventions are needed by all clients all the time, and not all may be offered by
nurses, it is clear that health care professionals have a very important role to play in sup-
porting their clients progress toward a state of wellness. Indeed, helping the client to
 Chapter 4 Reconstitution 97

understand the process of reconstitution is probably one of the least documented and yet
most important roles of the health care professional.

Evaluating Reconstitution
Knowing when reconstitution is successful is a challenge for both nurses and client sys-
tems. Some information about the impact of reconstitution on individual client systems is
available, but less is known about the impact on family systems, and even less is known
about how supporting reconstitution affects health care providers.
Although evaluation of reconstitution can be accomplished by asking how recovery
is progressing, a more structured evaluation format will provide a more comprehensive
evaluation. A structured format can also be helpful in organizing an evaluation of out-
comes of prevention interventions.
Drawing from Wright and Leahey (2005), a structure for evaluating reconstitution in-
cludes the four areas listed here:
1. How the clients perception of the situation has changed
2. What interventions have been the most helpful and least helpful
3. What challenges the client continues to confront
4. Where the client system is in the life process following the event

TEACHING RECONSTITUTION
Historically, the concept of reconstitution has only been addressed superficially when
teaching the Neuman Systems Model to students. Although the concept typically is de-
fined, little emphasis has been placed on the importance of nursing care to support the
reconstitution process. One way to enhance students understanding of reconstitution is
to start with the goal of returning the client system to a state of wellness and help stu-
dents to realize that returning to a state of wellness occurs through the process of recon-
stitution. Then students can be helped to devise prevention interventions that support the
five client system variables and the lines of defense and resistance by initiating nursing
care which strengthens and reorganizes variable interactions that may have been dam-
aged by stressors. Such a teaching-learning strategy helps students to understand the cru-
cial role that all client system variables play in the return to wellness, as well as the need
for a partnership between the health care professional and client system and a more ho-
listic approach to providing care.
For example, when teaching students enrolled in a psychiatric mental health course
practicum in a community setting, the teacher could direct students to begin with under-
standing the goal for the client. To do that, an assessment of the clients needs, desires,
strengths, and barriers to achieving the goal is necessary. The assessment could begin by
asking the client what he or she would like to accomplish or what he or she regards as a
long-term goal, which emphasizes the collaborative relationship between the nurse care-
giver and the client. The assessment can continue with identification of the status of phys-
iological variables, such as medication needs, side effects of medications, and comorbidity
issues, such as alcoholism, smoking, and diabetes. Sociocultural variables to be assessed
include whether the client has a safe home and adequate income, and if the client is em-
ployed. Assessment of developmental variables also is important, including the clients age
and developmental stage of reasoning. Although assessment of spiritual variables may not
98 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

seem relevant for a chronically mentally ill person, determining the clients sense of hope
and belief in a higher power, as well as his or her use of art and music to support the
spiritual aspects of life, can provide valuable data. Of course, psychological variables must
be assessed, with emphasis on how the illness has changed the clients ability to relate to
others, to think for himself or herself, and to connect to the outside world, as well as an
identification of what the client thinks might improve his or her situation. Such a teaching-
learning strategy will facilitate students understanding of the interaction of the client sys-
tem variables, the need for complete and holistic assessments of chronically mentally ill
clients, and intervention plans that foster reconstitution of clients to the highest possible
level of system stability based on the Neuman Systems Model.

RESEARCHING RECONSTITUTION
Little research has focused on the Neuman Systems Model concept of reconstitution.
There is, however, extensive research that addresses similar concepts across diverse clin-
ical situations. Concepts such as reconstruction, surviving, transitioning, continuity, and
recovery have been studied extensively. A consistent theme drawn from the various stud-
ies is that findings reflect one or more attributes of reconstitute. What has not yet been
explored in great detail is the pattern of how client systems reconstitute across known
stressors. The necessary next step is to undertake integrative reviews of relevant research,
including metasynthesis of qualitative research and meta-analysis of quantitative research,
that will identify patterns of reconstitution regardless of the type or origin of the stressors.
Knowledge development could be greatly enhanced by asking such questions as:
What is the process of restoration and adjustment to the impact of stressors that
threaten client system stability?
Are there similarities in the processes of adjustment and restoration of persons who
experience different types of stressors?
Can those similarities be identified?
Can those similarities be used to design interventions that will be helpful in moving
clients to stability and wellness?
Such research questions will help to elaborate the Neuman Systems Model and
substantiate its impact on health care delivery. As Hays (2007) maintained, Programs,
theories, measures, policies and teachers adjust to changing circumstances. The critical
strategic decision is never to foreclose the inquiry or the ways of knowing but rather to
invite and embrace all that can be learned from words and numbers (p. 299).

Conclusion
The focus on reconstitution in this chapter ex- reconstitution to an optimum level of system
tends understanding of this important Neuman stability.
Systems Model concept. The needed addition-
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
al work outlined in the chapter should yield
even greater understanding of the concept and The work and contribution of Mr. Dan Zink in
should contribute substantially to design of the development and construction of this
prevention interventions that will foster clients chapter is acknowledged.
 Chapter 4 Reconstitution 99

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Language. (2003). Definition of reconstitute. from cancer. Social Science and Medicine, 16,
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thefreedictionary.com/reconstitute Merriam-Webster Online. (2008). Definition of
August-Brady, M. (2000). Prevention as intervention. reconstitute. Retrieved June 22, 2008, from
Journal of Advanced Nursing, 31, 13041308. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/
Biology Online. (2008). Definition of reconstitution. reconstitute
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biology-online.org/dictionary/reconstituion Topor, A., & Sells, D. (2006). The social nature
Boyle, D. (2006). Survivorship. In R. M. Carroll- of recovery: Discussion and implications for
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Christ, G. (2000). Impact of development on chil- model (3rd ed.) Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange.
drens mourning. Cancer Practice, 8(2), 7281. Neuman, B., & Fawcett, J. (Eds.). (2002). The
Do Rozario, L. (1997). Spirituality in the lives of Neuman systems model (4th ed.). Upper Saddle
people with disability and chronic illness: A cre- River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
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(Ed.), The Neuman systems model: Application to divorce experiences: womens reconstructions
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CHAPTER 5
The Created Environment
Marlou de Kuiper

The concept of the created environment was added to the Neuman Systems Model in
1989 (Neuman, 1989) but its use with client systems in practice has never been described
in detail. The purpose of this chapter is to enhance understanding of the Neuman Systems
Model concept of the created environment and to contribute to the development of
guidelines for practice.

DEFINING THE CREATED ENVIRONMENT

The created environment was initially defined as a dynamic component of the Neuman
Systems Model that represents the clients unconscious mobilization of all system variables,
including the basic structure energy factors, toward system integration, stability, and integri-
ty (Neuman, 1989, p. 32). The function of the created environment is to offer a protective
shield or safe arena for system function that encompasses the internal and external envi-
ronments and is intra-, inter-, and extrapersonal in nature (p. 32).
Over time, the created environment has been interpreted by users of the Neuman
Systems Model to be the client systems construction of reality, which influences the client
systems perception of and reaction to stressors. Furthermore, Neumans (1989) conceptu-
alization of the created environment as a symbolic expression of wholeness (p. 32) can
be interpreted to mean those personal characteristics that client systems perceive as essen-
tial for wholeness or survival.

THE WHOLENESS OF CLIENT SYSTEMS

The content and nature of the exchange of matter, information, and energy between
client systems as they interact leads to differences in perceptions of the wholeness or
uniqueness, or unicity, of personal characteristics (Arendt, 1958). How the unicity of
personal characteristics is perceived depends on the client systems overall construction
of reality, that is, the created environment. Unicity is perceived to be positive or benefi-
cial when an individual client systems personal characteristics are recognized in a unitary
manner, such as when someone comments, You have a lovely smile, or You have
beautiful hair, or I love you even if we sometimes fight. However, unicity is perceived
100
 Chapter 5 The Created Environment 101

to be negative or damaging when clients do not feel understood or acknowledged for

their personal characteristics, such as when someone states, You always make too much
noise or You never clean up your room. When personal characteristics are acknowl-
edged positively, the client systems created environment is a safe and empowering place.
Conversely, when personal characteristics are acknowledged negatively, the client sys-
tems created environment is an unsafe place of loneliness and misunderstandings.
The created environment has been studied extensively in the field of human ecology,
which has been described as:

an interdisciplinary applied field that uses a holistic approach to help people

solve problems and enhance human potential within their near environments
their clothing, family, home, and community. Human Ecologists promote the
well-being of individuals, families, and communities through education, preven-
tion, and empowerment. (University of Alberta, Department of Human Ecology,
http://www.ales.ualberta.ca/hecol/)

COREGULATION AND THE CREATED ENVIRONMENT

When a system is out of balance and moving away from well-being, the system may, as a way
of coping, seek help from nurses and other professional caregivers. According to Timmers-
Huigens (2001), the exchanges between client systems and caregivers can be considered a
process of coregulation aimed at finding dynamic stability for increased well-being. Good-
quality coregulation generates a created environment of safety, security, self-confidence, trust,
openness in relationships, balance, and harmony. Poor-quality coregulation, in contrast, gen-
erates a created environment of insecurity, fear, loneliness, discomfort, and inadequacy.

Coregulation and Empathy

Because coregulation is the essence of every caregiving relationship, professional care-
givers must be able to provide good-quality coregulation. The main skill required for pro-
vision of good-quality coregulation is empathy, which is a persons capacity to recognize
or understand another persons state of mind. Empathy is achieved through the caregiv-
ers intention to understand the client systems created environment. Understanding
anothers created environment requires not only a general feeling of love and caring for
others but also a considerable amount of knowledge of people in general, including
knowledge of the five Neuman Systems Model client system variables in the form of
physical functions, psychological insights, sociocultural influences, developmental issues,
and the meaning of spirituality. This knowledge is achieved through a lifetime of dealing
with other people and formal and informal education.

Coping Strategies
Caregivers can help client systems to mobilize coping strategies, which refer to the specific
efforts, both behavioral and psychological, that people employ to master, tolerate, reduce,
or minimize stressful events (Folkman & Lazarus, 1980). Two general coping strategies have
been distinguished: problem-solving strategies are efforts to do something active to allevi-
ate stressful circumstances, whereas emotion-focused coping strategies involve efforts to
regulate the emotional consequences of stressful or potentially stressful events.
102 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

Some coping strategies are active, and others are considered avoidant. Active coping
strategies are either behavioral or psychological responses designed to change the nature
of the stressor itself or how one thinks about the stressor. Avoidant coping strategies lead
people into activitiessuch as alcohol useor mental statessuch as withdrawalthat
keep them from directly addressing stressful events.
Coping strategies have been studied extensively (Wong, Wong, & Lonner, 2006).
The field of coping studies has moved from Freuds psychoanalytical approach through
the second generation of coping studies, which includes behaviorism; the transactional
approach, which involves cognitive appraisal and taxation of demands and resources;
and the trait approach, which includes the concepts of hardiness and locus of control.
The next generation of coping paradigms includes the study of appraisal and coping be-
havior and its consequences. It has become clear that active, problem-focused strategies
are associated with the best client system outcomes in terms of well-being. The latest gen-
eration of coping studies is not so much oriented toward problems and how people deal
with them but rather toward being happy and healthy and how to stay that way. The
fields of positive psychology and neuroscience have made it clear that happiness and
health are not so much a consequence of ones destiny as positive conscious choices.

THE CREATED ENVIRONMENT AND GOALS OF CAREGIVING

Within the context of the Neuman Systems Model, two general goals are: (1) to assist
client systems to gain insight into the quality of their created environments and the impact
of the perceived created environment on health-related behaviors; and (2) to set mutual,
meaningful, attainable goals. Setting goals requires insight into the client systems patterns
of coping strategies and insight into ways of converting ineffective or negative coping
strategies into effective, positive coping strategies. The required insight is gained through
interpreting the client systems behavior as an expression of his or her created environ-
ment and providing the client with an interpretation of the behavior, that is, feedback.

Feedback
Feedback is the process of sharing observations, concerns, and suggestions between persons
with the intention of improving personal performance (van Schaik & Barkema-Sala, 2008).
Properly given feedback will provide insight into the client systems created environment. In
practice, the caregiver takes on the role of coach, to guide the client system to a different and
more positive way of perceiving a situation. The aim is to change emotion-focused and/or
avoidant coping strategies to problem-focused and/or active coping strategies.
Effective coaching is accomplished by following the five guidelines listed in Box 5-1.
A case study of an interaction between a client system and a nurse acting as a coach is
given in Box 5-2.

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY AND CULTURAL COMPETENCE Effective feedback requires being

sensitive to various influences on the client systems created environment. Cultural, eth-
nic, linguistic, and economic differences influence how individuals and groups access
and use health, education, and social services. Those differences can also be barriers to
effective education and prevention interventions, especially when health educators or
health care practitioners stereotype, misinterpret, make faulty assumptions, or otherwise
 Chapter 5 The Created Environment 103

BOX 5-1
Five Guidelines for Effective Coaching

1. Always ask the client for his or her assess- 3. Face challenges with courage. Handling
ment of the situation first. In other words, before tough issues can be uncomfortable and difficult
the caregiver offers advice or instructions, it is im- for both caregiver and client. The caregiver should
portant to find out what the client is thinking. For ask him- or herself, Does this client deserve my
example, the caregiver could ask the client, How help? Caregivers who care about their clients
do you think that went? need to be honest with them, even when it is
2. Give balanced feedback, starting with the painful.
positive. To be effective, feedback must be 4. Provide specific feedback. Document com-
balanced. If the caregiver focuses only on the ments with concrete examples. In particular, the
negative, the clients likely reaction will be defen- caregiver should provide a detailed description of
siveness. If the client is defensive, he or she will the when, where, and how of the clients specific
shut down, tune out, or rationalize the caregivers behaviors, actions, words, or body language to
feedback as irrelevant. If, however, the caregiver support the feedback.
focuses on the positive, the client may be more 5. Protect the clients confidentiality. When
open to negative feedback later. With balanced giving feedback, the caregiver must be certain
feedback, the client does not assume that the that the setting is private and free from distrac-
caregiver is out to get me. Instead, the client tions, and that the client knows that what is said
views the caregiver as being fair. will not be repeated to others.

BOX 5-2
Case Study: Nurse Coaching

Angela has come to see Mary, who is a nurse prac- compliment, and tells Mary that that is the nicest
titioner at a community clinic. thing anyone has said to her in the last 10 years.
Angela, who is 55 years of age, has a his- Angela is so happy about the compliment
tory of psychiatric care due to recurring depression that she asks Mary to help her to lose weight. Mary
and alcohol abuse. She has type 2 diabetes and is asks her if she has any ideas about how she could
overweight at 220 pounds. She has two sons, accomplish that goal. Angela replies she used to
aged 35 and 37, who live far away; she sees them love to cook for other people but now that she has
only once or twice every year. Angela has been liv- no one to cook for, she does not eat properly. Mary
ing by herself for the last 2 years and seems to finds out that, despite her history of depression and
have been doing reasonably well. alcohol abuse, Angela is a certified cook and has
Angela complains of feeling very tired lately. worked in several good restaurants.
Mary asks her about her diet and insulin adminis- Mary also finds out that the homeless shel-
tration. Angela confesses that she never cooks a ter in their community needs a cook. Angela now
meal and just snacks on fast food. cooks meals at the shelter four days each a week,
Mary compliments her on having lived by which has made her feel useful, talented, and
herself for the last 2 years and having done well by much less lonely. She is eating much healthier
not drinking alcohol and keeping her diabetes meals, and even though she has not yet lost any
under control. Angela is really happy about the weight, she feels much more energetic.
104 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

mishandle their exchanges with individuals and groups who are viewed as different in
terms of their backgrounds and experiences (Leininger, 1985).
The term cultural competence refers to the ability to work effectively with individuals
from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, or in settings where several cultures coexist.
It includes the ability to understand the language, culture, and behaviors of other individuals
and groups, and to make appropriate recommendations. Cultural competence exists on a
continuum from incompetence to proficiency. Cultural sensitivity, which is a necessary com-
ponent of cultural competence, means that health care professionals make an effort to be
aware of the potential and actual cultural factors that affect their interactions with clients.

Conclusion
The promotion of well-being as the main always effective. Nurses may assist client sys-
focus of nursing requires nurses to have ex- tems to develop effective, positive coping
tensive knowledge of the way in which peo- strategies through empathy, cultural sensitivi-
ple create their environment. The field of ty, interpretation of the client systems behav-
human ecology contributes to this knowledge ior, and feedback. Nurses may view their
as well as the body of knowledge of positive main role in this endeavor as that of a coach.
psychology and neuroscience that has been Caring then is viewed as assisting the client
developed over the past decade. Through the system to gain insight into his or her created
created environment, client systems develop environment and coaching the client system
patterns of coping strategies that are not toward effective coping.

References
Arendt, H. (1958). The human condition. Chicago: Timmers-Huigens, D. (2001). Meer dan luisteren.
University of Chicago Press. [Classification of perceptions.] Maarseen, The
Folkman, S., & Lazarus, R. S. (1980). An analysis of Netherlands: Elsevier Gezondheidszorg.
coping in a middle-aged community sample. van Schaik, P., & Barkema-Sala, E. (2008). Effective
Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 21, 219239. feedback. The Netherlands: Academy for
Leininger, M. M. (1985). Transcultural care diversity Counselling and Coaching. Available at http://
and universality: A theory of nursing. Nursing www.counselling.nl/training/feedback.doc
and Health Care, 6, 209212. Wong, P. T. P., Wong, L. C. J., & Lonner, W. J.
Neuman, B. (1989). The Neuman systems model. (2006). Handbook of multicultural perspectives
In B. Neuman (Ed), The Neuman systems model on stress and coping. New York: Springer.
(2nd ed., pp. 363). Norwalk, CT: Appleton &
Lange.
    
CHAPTER 6
Critical Thinking
Opal A. Freiburger

Professional practice and scientific research require high-level critical thinking. This
means that nurses and other health care team members must be able to offer constructive
criticism, engage in logical reasoning, and be willing to share information, ask questions,
consider different perspectives, and construct knowledge from discourse with others.
The purpose of this chapter is to enhance understanding of critical thinking within
the context of the Neuman Systems Model. The chapter starts with a definition of critical
thinking and continues with a discussion of how critical thinking is viewed within the
context of the concepts of the Neuman Systems Model. The chapter concludes with a dis-
cussion and two examples of strategies that can be used to facilitate development of
nurse-learners competency in critical thinking.

DEFINITION OF CRITICAL THINKING

Critical thinking, as defined by Ruggiero (2001), means reviewing the ideas we have pro-
duced, making a tentative decision about what action will best solve the problem or what
belief about the issue is most reasonable, and then evaluating and refining that solution
or belief (p. 151). Two complementary and distinct yet intertwined phases of the mind
are involved in the process of critical thinkinga production phase and a judgment
phase. During the production phase, ideas are brought forth. More adept critical thinkers
tend to see a problem from many perspectives, produce a greater variety of ideas, and
consider more different approaches for resolving a problem than thinkers who judge too
quickly and uncritically. The focus of the judgment phase is on examining and evaluating
what has been produced, making judgments, and refining the thinking. During this
phase, thinking centers on testing the workability and logic of solutions and basing con-
clusions on evidence to support thinking. More proficient thinkers are able to master ap-
proaches to each phase and develop skill in moving back and forth between them
(Ruggiero).

105
106 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

CRITICAL THINKING WITHIN THE CONTEXT

OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL
Critical thinking permeates all aspects of nursing practice and is the means by which a
nurse-learner practices nursing. The nursing process is regarded as a model of critical
thinking (American Nurses Association, 2004). Thus, nurse-learners systematic use of the
Neuman Systems Model nursing process requires the ability to think critically. Application
of the nursing process involves collecting and analyzing data, selecting a nursing diagno-
sis that is validated through evidence from scientific and other sources, identifying ex-
pected client outcomes, planning care, implementing appropriate nursing actions, and
evaluating all components of nursing care each of which may require refinement based
on changing client or environmental conditions. Several Neuman Systems Model con-
cepts are relevant to critical thinking, including the client system; client system variables;
the basic structure; the flexible and normal lines of defense; lines of resistance; internal,
external, and created environments; and stressors.

The Client System

The nurse-learner is considered a client system in the Neuman Systems Model. When view-
ing the nurse-learner as the client system, the teaching-learning process is regarded as an
open system that is in a reciprocal relationship with the environment. The nurse-learner
may influence or be influenced either positively or negatively by the internal environment,
the external environment, and the created environment.

Client System Variables

The Neuman Systems Model client system variables permeate all aspects of the nurse-
learner client system. Examples of relevant variables associated with each of the five client
system variables include:
1. Physiological variablesPhysical status, physical abilities and limitations, manual
dexterity, five human senses
2. Psychological variablesCognitive ability, self-confidence, emotional stability,
perceptions, level of anxiety, learning abilities/disabilities
3. Sociocultural variablesFamily, friends, colleagues, support systems, family and
role responsibilities, language, and cultural beliefs about health, illness, and teaching/
learning
4. Developmental variablesLevel of competency/skill acquisition, experiences,
age, completion of developmental tasks, level of maturity, professional attributes,
learning style
5. Spiritual variablesEgo strength, personal integrity, identity, motivation, quest
for inquiry, caring attitude, meaning of life/value of life

The Basic Structure

The basic structure of the nurse-learner system includes factors that are common to all
practicing nurses. However, degrees of variation exist among individuals. Core compo-
nents include cognitive abilities, psychomotor abilities, response pattern, language and
 Chapter 6 Critical Thinking 107

communication, ego structure, energy resources, and the nurses human senses. Factors in
the basic structure must be considered when teaching nurse-learners to assimilate knowl-
edge and think critically to make sound decisions in practice. Nurse-learners entering
practice as registered nurses are expected to have the ability to use the nursing process.
Nursing diagnoses, a major component of the nursing process, provide the structure for
nursing interventions. Practicing nurses and nurse educators are being challenged to
address the critical need to improve the accuracy of nursing diagnoses (Lunney, 2008).
This is an example of how a nurse-learner system may be influenced by environmental
factors, teaching methodologies, and practice standards.

Flexible Line of Defense

The flexible line of defense acts as the nurse-learners protective buffer against stressors.
Nurse-learners, for example, may be motivated to increase their study time in response to
the stressor of a scheduled exam, a supervised procedure demonstration, or preparation
for a clinical assignment to provide nursing care for a client with diabetes. The nurse-
learners flexible line of defense is strengthened, for example, by a healthy lifestyle and
weakened by too little sleep.
The flexible line of defense represents the nurse-learners beginning knowledge and
skills that require repeated practice for mastery. Course content is introduced through the
flexible line of defense. A nurse-learners flexible line of defense is rich with opportunities
that can be used by educators to facilitate critical thinking. Therefore, it is essential to start
from the first day of the educational program to define critical thinking, engage nurse-
learners in activities to illustrate and evaluate critical thinking, and to articulate expected
critical thinking learning outcomes for each nursing course. By the time that nurse-learners
begin practicum experiences, they have acquired a vast amount of information from other
college courses, personal experiences, observations, and anecdotal reports. However, this
information frequently is fragmented and scattered. Thus, a major critical thinking task for
nurse-learners is to learn to analyze, synthesize, and integrate their previously acquired
knowledge and skills into the content of the nursing practicum courses. Other critical
thinking tasks include discriminating fact from fiction, interpreting and prioritizing data,
and selecting the most appropriate nursing action from a series of optional nursing actions.

Normal Line of Defense

The normal line of defense represents the nurse-learners usual steady state. Factors associ-
ated with the normal line of defense include appropriate developmental level; internalized
repertoire of knowledge, skills, and abilities; self-directedness; acceptance of responsibility
for lifelong learning; spirit of inquiry; and the ability to construct knowledge.
The normal line of defense reflects mastery of certain knowledge and skills. As
learning occurs, the normal line of defense responds by integrating newly acquired
knowledge, skills, and behaviors into its normal or usual state. If the nurse-learner fails to
retain or store information so it can be assimilated into the normal line of defense, over
time the information may be lost. The goal is to embrace the concept of lifelong learning
and use techniques consistent with expansion of the nurse-learners normal line of de-
fense. For example, nurse-learners are expected to integrate knowledge of principles for
sterile technique when performing a urinary catheterization.
108 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

Lines of Resistance
Lines of resistance represent factors that support the basic structure and protect the integri-
ty of the nurse-learner system. When environmental stressors invade the normal line of
defense, the lines of resistance become activated. The nurse-learners lines of resistance
include the ability to transfer and build on previous knowledge and cluster information, un-
derstand principles, standards, and statutes relevant to practice; engage in self-evaluation;
and consistently use productive study habits. Internalizing critical thinking and applying
the nursing process as a model of critical thinking are expected outcome goals for nurse-
learners. Safe and appropriate care of individual, family, group, and community client sys-
tems requires consistent use of critical thinking. Coping effectively with an unannounced
quiz or an unexpected practice situation, for example, reflects the condition of the nurse-
learners lines of resistance.
Educators assume a pivotal role in providing opportunities for strengthening learn-
ers lines of resistance and facilitating their critical thinking through the use of simulated
and actual clinical practice experiences. Computer-programmed mannequins can be used
to simulate a wide variety of situations through which nurse-learners practice nursing, re-
ceive feedback, evaluate their performance, and refine their responses in a safe environ-
ment (Hodge, Martin, Tavernier, Perea-Ryan, & Houten, 2008; Overstreet, 2008). In actual
clinical situations, faculty support for nurse-learner experiences includes such techniques
as reviewing procedures with students prior to actual performance, fostering perceptions
that students are expected to do appropriate procedures with guidance and supervision
rather than observe the procedures, initiating self-evaluation of performance, and giving
feedback to students after procedures are completed.

Internal, External, and Created Environments

The environment encompasses factors that are internal and external to the nurse-learner
system and are the source of stressors. The internal environment incorporates forces that
are contained within the nurse-learner system and is the source of intrapersonal stressors.
An example is a nurse-learner with diabetes struggling to keep her/his blood sugar under
control, while trying to juggle family and educational responsibilities. The external envi-
ronment refers to forces outside the nurse-learner system and is the source of interperson-
al and extrapersonal stressors. An example is a nurse-learner having difficulty working
with a team leader in the practice setting.
The nurse-learners created environment is dynamic, purposeful, and representa-
tive of unconscious mobilization of all system variables. Inasmuch as a major objective
of the created environment is to stimulate the nurse-learners critical thinking skills, it is
advisable for nursing educators to be aware of situations that might interfere with the
educational process. For example, some nurse-learners may not recognize their limita-
tions and unconsciously deny problems experienced when previously performing a pro-
cedure or may not be aware that they are exhibiting an unusually high level of anxiety
in a situation. Educators can utilize the benefits of the created environment by guiding
the nurse-learners energies and abilities within a learning environment that fosters
a sense of mutual trust, collaboration, mutual respect, openness, and authenticity
(Freiburger, 1988).
 Chapter 6 Critical Thinking 109

Stressors
Intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors may disrupt nurse-learner system
stability and may produce a positive or a negative outcome. Relevant stressors encoun-
tered by nurse-learners include inadequate or disrupted sleep, work overload, family
and/or work responsibilities, lack of time or poor time management, high level of anxiety,
lack of motivation, unrealistic expectations, misconceptions about decision making, and
lack of basic knowledge.

TEACHING AND LEARNING CRITICAL THINKING

Critical thinking is most efficiently taught within the realm of domain knowledge rather
than through critical thinking programs. Guidelines for teaching nursing students to think
critically include the use of nursing content that is appropriate for the knowledge level of
the learners with the expectation that all students have the ability to think critically.
Educators should also identify and give explicit examples of how critical thinking strate-
gies apply to course content, proceed in stages, and provide ample opportunity for prac-
tice (Willingham, 2007).
Teaching nurse-learners to think critically is a high priority in nursing education. As
nurse-learners progress through each course, their abilities to think critically and the qual-
ity of their thinking are progressively challenged through a variety of educational activi-
ties in the classroom and in various practice settings. Critical thinking skills typically im-
prove as nurse-learners become competent at one level of nursing and advance to more
complex practice situations. At each level, nurse-learners encounter challenges that can
be overcome with practice and motivation to improve. Over time, thinking critically be-
comes habitual, and the overall quality of thinking is enhanced (Ruggiero, 2001).
Nursing education programs typically emphasize critical thinking through teaching
and learning activities that foster nurse-learners abilities to analyze, prioritize, diagnose,
synthesize, and evaluate as they learn to apply the nursing process in practice. Strategies
such as the use of inquiry and assisting students to discover knowledge are effective
methods for teaching nursing students to think critically (Freiburger, 1998).
A wide variety of methodologies are used to assimilate clinical situations and apply
nursing theory to practice. The amount of time and the availability of appropriate pro-
cedures for students to perform in clinical settings are limited. Advanced simulation tech-
nology currently is the most effective and efficient way to provide experiential learning
opportunities that incorporate aspects of critical thinking, psychomotor skills, emotional
issues, and ethical issues in programmed situational experiences (Hodge et al., 2008; Over-
street, 2008). Numerous benefits and innovative ways to use computerized simulated pro-
grams for hands-on practice are readily available in the nursing literature. In addition, the
International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (www.inacsl.org) is
a valuable resource for the use of simulation in education.
Reflective thinking is a technique that can be used to teach learners to be self-directed
in evaluating and identifying ways to improve their performance and critical thinking
abilities. Educators use reflective teaching methods in multiple situations, such as debrief-
ing after simulation or actual performance, writing and examining personal experiences,
110 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

and presenting various contextual situations requiring specific appropriate responses

(Forneris & Peden-McAlpine, 2007; Tanner, 2006). The examples of nurse-learner self-
evaluations in this chapter are rooted in the use of reflective teaching.
Inasmuch as registered nurses are expected to evaluate their own practice in rela-
tion to current professional nursing practices, identify their strengths, and determine areas
for improvement (American Nurses Association, 2004), it is imperative that nurse-learners
learn to evaluate their performance and be actively involved in their own learning. In ad-
dition to providing the basis for determining the ability to perform various tasks and the
need to seek assistance, self-evaluation plays a major role in developing self-confidence
(Freiburger, 2002). When nurse-learners review their actions, identify their strengths, and
determine goals to improve their performance, they tend to emphasize a critical and re-
flective approach to learning.
Encouraging nurse-learners to constructively criticize their own performance of pro-
cedures is facilitated by use of periodic written self-evaluations. This teaching-learning
strategy provides opportunities for nurse-learners to express their thinking in writing and,
therefore, make the connection between thinking clearly and writing clearly. The written
self-evaluation also provides concrete evidence of thinking and reasoning that can be
used to track nurse-learners progress. And, when descriptions of practice situations are
the focus of the self-evaluation, the nurse-learner has an opportunity to convey the mean-
ing of the situation to self and others. Moreover, a written self-evaluation helps nurse-
learners to organize, clarify, and rethink aspects of their performance.
Examples of nurse-learner self-evaluation of critical thinking within the context
of the Neuman Systems Model are given in Boxes 6-1 and 6-2. An example of the
use of quizzes as a self-evaluation strategy that can foster critical thinking is presented
in Box 6-1. An example of a holistic critical thinking professional and personal plan as
another self-evaluation strategy that fosters critical thinking is given in Box 6-2 and
Table 6-1.

BOX 6-1
Use of Quizzes to Foster Critical Thinking

Quizzes can be used for self-evaluation of clinical or instructor that was an especially helpful
experiences for nurse-learners in any course. The learning experience.
example given here is for nurse-learners enrolled in Learning experiences and stressors
the first nursing practicum course. The quiz encom- Intrapersonal stressor: Describe a situation
passes five componentsnursing activities, learn- involving a client, staff member, or instructor
ing experiences, stressors, strengths, and goals. that you found to be stressful.
StrengthsLines of resistance: Identify two
Nursing activitiesFlexible line of defense:
of your strengths for application of nursing
Briefly describe the types of nursing inter-
knowledge to practice.
ventions you have performed. List any un-
GoalsNormal line of defense: List two
usual or special activities that were included
goals for improving your practice that you
in your practice experience.
want to attain this semester.
Psychological variable learning experiences
and stressorsInterpersonal stressor: Describe The quiz stimulates critical thinking through
an interaction with a client, staff member, the judgment phase of mental functioning. During
 Chapter 6 Critical Thinking 111

this phase, the nurse-learner examines and evalu- identifying positive aspects of performance that
ates what has been produced, makes judgments, are satisfying and tend to build self-confidence,
determines need for refinement, and supports his recognizing limitations and areas of concern, and
or her responses with evidence (Ruggiero, 2001). establishing goals to improve performance.
Self-evaluation is an excellent strategy for
thinking critically about learning experiences,

BOX 6-2
Use of Holistic Professional and Personal Plan Development
to Foster Critical Thinking

An assignment to develop a holistic professional I am surprised to see a person that I hardly

and personal plan based on self-evaluation in a know.
senior year nursing course can be incorporated Believe that strengthening the core of holis-
into a take-home final examination or given as a tic health is very important.
separate assignment. The assignment requires Holistic health: balance of physiological,
nurse-learners to prepare a self-assessment (My psychological, sociocultural, developmental,
Perceptions of Me) and use the self-assessment re- and spiritual aspects of life; my life contains
sults as the basis for a plan of care that addresses all of these aspects; on my way to having
their professional and personal development. The holistic health, but havent got the balance I
plan of care includes four sectionspersonal and would like to have.
professional goals, stressors that may affect goal I believe that my face reflects my holistic
attainment, strengths and areas of improvement, health; I am trying to build my own face
and prevention interventions. with responsibility.
Examples from the My Perceptions of Me
An example of a holistic professional and per-
self-assessment are listed here:
sonal development plan is displayed in Table 6-1.
Strong-willed, stubborn person who is easily
stressed.

TABLE 6-1 Holistic Professional/Personal Development Plan

List personal and List stressors/potential Identify strengths and Develop realistic
professional goals; stressors that may affect areas for improvement; interventions that you
include all five variables attainment of your goals list strategies to can use to promote
of the Neuman Systems Gained 10 pounds in 2 strengthen your flexible holistic health and
Model: physiological, years line of defense achievement of your
psychological, socio- Eat too many meals at Lose weight goals
cultural, spiritual, and fast-food restaurants Do not skip meals Record food intake
developmental less time to prepare and Join weight-loss
Avoid eating late at
Improve health habits clean up night program after
Develop plan for Use eating as a coping Eat healthy, well graduation
exercise mechanismsnack while balanced meals Plan weekly menu
studying Decrease consumption healthy, well balanced
Craving for chocolate of caffeine meals
(continued)
112 Section 2 Toward an Enhanced Understanding of the Neuman Systems Model

TABLE 6-1 (continued)

Addicted to caffeine Exercise regularly Have fruits, vegetables,

helps me stay alert for Take time for myself low-fat snacks available
studying Time management Make and adhere to
No time to exercise Family approach to grocery list for meals
study; work 23 days household chores Schedule grocery
each week; 2 children shopping (rather than
Develop healthy coping
6 and 8 years old; help quick stops on way
mechanisms to reduce
children with homework; home)
stress
study after they go to Increase water intake
bed
Go to bed no later than
10 p.m.
Listen to relaxing music
to promote sleep
Develop family
schedule for help with
routine chores
Have children help with
clean-up after evening
meal
Take 2-hour walks 34
times each week
Maybe have family
walks after dinner to
walk and talk
OTHER SAMPLE ENTRIES
Pass licensure Inexperience in nursing Maintain realistic Journal to help clear
examination Role change from expectations my mind and use
Seek full-time student to registered Do not take on more entries for future self-
employment nurse than I can handle introspection
Pay off loans Facing decisions alone Seek balance in life Pat self on back for
Pursue balance in all Not passing boards Take time to relax and jobs well done and
my roles rejuvenate strive to improve skills
Comparison of self to
that need to be
Develop a social life others with experience Start taking care of
improved
that revolves around Working weekends myself
my family instead of Remind myself daily
Low self-esteem and Develop a normal
school that I will be loved and
low confidence schedule
accepted even though I
Feel more confident Parents health and Be direct and assertive cannot help everyone
Cope effectively with aging Learning to say no Use a nicotine patch to
lifestyle changes Inability to accept death when I need to help me quit smoking
Continue to express as a reality Need more self- Make and follow a
hope in and value of Want to please discipline to take care of budget
my belief system and everyone at expense of my physical and spiritual
inner resources Schedule special dates
myself needs
with my husband
 Chapter 6 Critical Thinking 113

TABLE 6-1 (continued)

Continue to find Fear of not recognizing Maintain family support Do gardening: it is

meaning and purpose declining patient system creative, physical, and
in life conditions Maintain my sense of spiritual
Decorate and paint Do not stand up for humor Travel to see some
interior of house myself to avoid conflict Continue to have a natural beauty
Become a professional Frequent feelings of positive attitude and be a Practice mindfulness,
and good registered being overwhelmed self-motivator staying focused on the
nurse Financial responsibilities present, one thing at a
Have a closer Organizational skills time
relationship with God Ask for help when I
Enhance relationship need it
with husband and
children
Quit smoking

Conclusion
The content of this chapter expands under- the ideas presented in this chapter can be uti-
standing of how the Neuman Systems Model lized in other teaching and learning situations,
can be used to enhance nurse-learners ability to such as graduate nursing education and con-
think critically. Although written from the per- tinuing education in practice settings.
spective of undergraduate nursing education,

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Ruggiero, V. R. (2001). The art of thinking: A guide 204211.
to critical and creative thought (6th ed.). New Willingham, D. (2007). Critical thinking: Why is it so
York: Addison Wesley Longman. hard to teach? American Educator, 31(2), 819.
 SECTION THREE
    

Neuman Systems Model

Guidelines for Education,
Practice, Administration,
and Research
This page intentionally left blank
    
CHAPTER 7
Neuman Systems ModelBased
Education for the Health
Professions: Guidelines
and Educational Tools
Diana M. L. Newman
Karen Reed Gehrling
Lois Lowry
Rilla Taylor
Betty Neuman
Jacqueline Fawcett

The Neuman Systems Model was developed as a way to organize nursing specialty course
content (Neuman & Young, 1972). The potential of the models use as a guide for an entire
curriculum was soon recognized. Later, the potential of the model to serve as a guide for
education in other health care disciplines was also recognized (Toot & Schmoll, 1995).
When used as a guide for education, the focus of the four nursing metaparadigm concepts
is modified. Human beings become the learners in the educational program, and
environment becomes the surroundings of the learners, the teacher-learner interactions,
and the settings in which education for the health professions takes place. Health becomes
the curriculum that promotes teachers ability to communicate content effectively and effi-
ciently, and learners ability to comprehend and apply content, as well as the advancement
of the health care discipline of interest, and nursing becomes the teaching, learning, and
advising strategies used by teachers.
In this chapter, guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased education are identi-
fied, as are the educational tools that have been derived from the model. The chapter in-
cludes a discussion of each guideline and an explanation of how the Neuman Systems
Model facilitates wholistic education for the health professions.

117
118 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL EDUCATION GUIDELINES

Rudimentary guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased nursing education were extracted
from the content of the model several years ago (Fawcett, 1989) and were refined over time
(Fawcett, 1995, 2000; Newman, Neuman, & Fawcett, 2002). The refinements in the guide-
lines were the direct result of the growing literature about the use of the Neuman Systems
Model in nursing education programs (see especially Johnson, 1989; Lowry, 1988, 1998;
Mirenda, 1986; Neuman, 1985, 1995; Ross, Bourbonnais, & Carroll, 1987; Strickland-Seng,
Mirenda, & Lowry, 1996). The most recent refinements, which are the result of dialogue
among the authors of this chapter, are presented in Table 7-1. Although the guidelines ini-
tially were targeted to nursing education, our interest in the use of the Neuman Systems

TABLE 7-1 Guidelines for Neuman Systems ModelBased Education

for the Health Professions

1. Focus of the Curriculum The focus of a Neuman Systems Modelbased

educational program is on the client systems reaction
to environmental stressors. The purpose of education
for the health professions is to facilitate the design
and use of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention-
as-intervention modalities by learners and teachers
to assist client systems in retaining, attaining, and
maintaining optimal wellness.
2. Nature and Sequence of Content The content of a Neuman Systems Modelbased
curriculum encompasses all of the concepts of the
model. The sequence of content may be guided by
the complexity of interactions among the concepts
or by the prevention-as-intervention modalities.
3. Settings for Education for the Education can occur in vocational and technical
Health Care Professions programs, hospital-based nursing diploma programs,
associate degree programs, baccalaureate programs,
and graduate programs. The concepts of the Neuman
Systems Model can be used to guide the sequence
and timing of program offerings, such as a generic
or an accelerated curriculum, as well as the mode
of delivery of content, such as traditional classroom,
Web-enhanced, or distance learning using various
telephone, television, and online Internet technologies.
4. Characteristics of Learners Learners who meet the requirements for any type of
health professions educational program must have
the ability to engage in high-level critical thinking.
Learners also must be willing to engage in both
cooperative and independent learning.
5. Teaching-Learning Strategies Teaching-learning strategies include a variety of
modalities that foster critical thinking, as well as
cooperative and independent learning.
 Chapter 7 Neuman Systems ModelBased Education for the Health Professions 119

Model across diverse health care fields of study called for the extrapolation of the guide-
lines to education for all health professions. Consequently, the guidelines listed in Table 7-1
have been written for educators and students in all fields of health care.

Focus of the Curriculum

The first guideline stipulates that the focus of a Neuman Systems Modelbased education-
al program is on the client systems reaction to environmental stressors. This means that
the curriculum must emphasize clients perceptions of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and
extrapersonal stressors, and that the curriculum must take into account the possibility of
both noxious and beneficial stressors. The first guideline also stipulates that the purpose
of education for the health professions is to facilitate the design and use of primary, sec-
ondary, and tertiary prevention-as-intervention modalities by learners and teachers, and
to assist client systems in retaining, attaining, and maintaining optimal wellness. This
means that, in concert with the first aspect of this guideline, the ultimate goal of the cur-
riculum is to help learners implement prevention interventions that will strengthen
clients lines of defense and resistance against environmental stressors.

Nature and Sequence of Content

The second guideline stipulates that the content of a Neuman Systems Modelbased cur-
riculum encompasses all of the concepts of the model. This means that program content
encompasses individual, family, and community client systems; physiological, psycholog-
ical, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual variables; the central core; the flexible
and normal lines of defense and the lines of resistance; the internal, external, and creat-
ed environments; intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors; client system
stability, variances from wellness, and reconstitution; and primary, secondary, and tertiary
prevention interventions.
The second guideline also stipulates that the sequence of content may be guided by
the complexity of interactions among the Neuman Systems Model concepts or by the pre-
vention-as-intervention modalities. This means that the content of the Neuman Systems
Model should direct the sequence of content. For example, the concepts of the Neuman
Systems Model can be introduced in first-level courses and then explored in depth in sub-
sequent courses. The emphasis on concepts varies according to the focus of each course
and the client system of interest. Integration of concepts occurs from the beginning to the
end of the program and increases in complexity toward the final course. The final course
in the program emphasizes the complex integration of all Neuman Systems Model con-
cepts in a wholistic manner.

Settings for Education for the Health Care Professions

The third guideline stipulates that although the Neuman Systems Model was initially de-
veloped within a university setting as a guide for professional nursing education, its use
has extended to technical education. Thus, Neuman Systems Modelbased education
now occurs in vocational and technical programs, hospital-based nursing diploma pro-
grams, associate degree programs, baccalaureate programs, and graduate programs. This
guideline alerts educators to consider how best to ensure consistency between a Neuman
Systems Modelbased curriculum and the terminal objectives of the program.
120 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

When considered in conjunction with the second guideline, the third guideline also
stipulates that the concepts of the Neuman Systems Model can be used to guide the se-
quence and timing of program offerings, such as a generic or an accelerated curriculum.
The model concepts also can be used to guide the mode of delivery of content, such as
traditional classroom, Web-enhanced, or distance learning using various telephone, tele-
vision, and online Internet technologies.

Characteristics of Learners
The fourth guideline stipulates that learners who meet the requirements for any type of
Neuman Systems Modelbased educational program for the health professions must have
the ability to engage in high-level critical thinking. Depending on their educational back-
ground, some learners may require guidance and support to develop critical thinking
skills. Learners also must be willing to engage in both cooperative and independent
learning. This means that learners must be able to offer constructive criticism and engage
in logical reasoning. They also must be willing to share information, ask questions, con-
sider different perspectives, and construct knowledge from discourse (see Chapter 6 for a
discussion of critical thinking within the context of the Neuman Systems Model).

Teaching-Learning Strategies
The fifth guideline stipulates that teaching-learning strategies include a variety of modali-
ties that foster critical thinking, as well as cooperative and independent learning. Specific
strategies include the use of a visual representation of the content of the Neuman Systems
Model (Johnson, 1989), and The Nurse Theorists: Portraits of ExcellenceBetty Neuman
videotape or CD (Neuman, 1988). Classroom teaching-learning strategies include lectures
and discussion about the individual, the family, and the community as client systems;
small-group activities, such as games, crossword puzzles, and simulation games (Busch &
Lynch, 1998); keeping a journal of thoughts and questions about the model; and case
studies of simulated client situations to test learners assessment and decision-making
skills. Clinical experiences occur in various hospital-, home-, and community-based settings
and focus on use of the Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process Format with diverse indi-
vidual, family, and community client systems.

NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODELBASED EDUCATIONAL TOOLS There is a long-standing and

strong link between the Neuman Systems Model and educational tools. The model initial-
ly was designed as an educational tool to help students organize the content of clinical
nurse specialist courses at the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles (Neuman & Young,
1972). As Neuman (1995) explained:

In 1970 I developed the Neuman Systems Model to provide unity, or a focal

point, for student learning. . . . Since my major concern was how to provide
structure to best integrate student learning in a holistic manner, I personally
developed the model design as it still exists today. . . . The model was developed
strictly as a teaching aid. (p. 674)

Since 1970, the teaching aid has become one of the most widely used models in
nursing education (Lowry, 1998, 2002).
 Chapter 7 Neuman Systems ModelBased Education for the Health Professions 121

Educational tools have been developed to guide students learning regarding the
Neuman Systems Model, to examine students progress in courses based on the model,
and to examine model-based course materials and curricula. All educational tools are, in
their broadest sense, teaching strategies. Therefore, it is possible that some educational
tools may be used to help students organize and understand Neuman Systems Model ter-
minology but may not be used to evaluate student progression though the curriculum.
Such tools are categorized as nonevaluative. Neuman Systems Modelbased educational
tools, with citations to publications about the tools, are listed in Table 7-2. A detailed dis-
cussion of each tool is given in Reed (2002).
Two other tools are presented here for the first time. Diana M. L. Newman has de-
veloped a care plan that can be used to evaluate student learning in acute care, long-term
care, and community settings (Figure 7-1). Beginning students who may not yet have the
required knowledge and practical skills to implement prevention interventions may use
Parts A, B, C, and D of the care plan and add Part E when they are ready to implement
prevention interventions. Part C of the care plan is adapted from Zieglers (1982) early
work on a taxonomy of Neuman Systems Modelbased nursing diagnoses, and Part E is
adapted from the Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process Format (see Appendix C).
Rilla Taylor has developed a tool, called the Guidelines for Application of the
Neuman Systems Model, to introduce the Neuman Systems Model to students enrolled in
registered nurse to baccalaureate (RN to BSN) degree educational programs (Figures 7-2
and 7-3). The tool is a cognitive organizer, or decision tree, used as the nurse interacts
with a new client and begins to gather the assessment results, impressions, comments,

TABLE 7-2 Neuman Systems ModelBased Educational Tools

Educational Tool and Citation Purpose of Tool System of Focus

Variable and Intervention Tool (Tollet, 1982; NonevaluativeStudent learning Student

Reed, 2002)
Assessment and Analysis Guideline Tool NonevaluativeStudent learning Student
(McHolm & Geib, 1998; Reed, 2002)
Nursing Assessment Guide (Beckman NonevaluativeStudent learning Student
et al., 1998; Reed, 2002)
Student Clinical Performance Evaluation EvaluativeStudent learning Student
(Beckman et al., 1998; Reed, 2002)
Clinical Evaluation Instrument (Strickland-Seng, EvaluativeStudent clinical Student
1998; Reed, 2002) performance
Summary of Clinical Evaluation Tool (Strickland- EvaluativeCumulative Student
Seng, 1998; Reed, 2002) summaries of student behaviors
Profile of Clinical Evaluation (Strickland-Seng, EvaluativeStudents progression Student
1998; Reed, 2002) through program
Lowry-Jopp Neuman Model Evaluation EvaluativeCourse, curriculum, Curriculum,
Instrument (Lowry, 1998; Reed, 2002) end of program, employer program evaluation
satisfaction
122 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL GUIDELINE FOR

COLLECTING AND PRESENTING DATA
Student Name____________________ Date______________
PART A
Patient initials_____
1. Overview of client (summary of current problem)
Age:
Sex:
Ethnicity/race:
Affect:
When admitted to facility:
Past medical history:
Past surgical history:
2. Primary medical diagnosis: How is patient information linked to specific medical diagnosis?
(Give a brief definition and explanation of the pathophysiology)
3. Physiological variable (refers to body structure and function). List intrapersonal,
interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors (stressors are tension-producing stimuli or forces
occurring within the internal and external boundaries of the client system).
Intrapersonal Stressors:
Interpersonal Stressors:
Extrapersonal Stressors:
4. Psychological variable (refers to mental processes and interactive environmental effects both
internally and externally). List intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors.
Intrapersonal Stressors:
Interpersonal Stressors:
Extrapersonal Stressors:
5. Sociocultural variable (refers to combined effects of social cultural conditions, and
influences). List intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors.
Intrapersonal Stressors:
Interpersonal Stressors:
Extrapersonal Stressors:
6. Developmental variable (refers to age-related developmental processes and activities). List
intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors.
Intrapersonal Stressors:
Interpersonal Stressors:
Extrapersonal Stressors:
7. Spiritual variable (refers to spiritual beliefs, and values and influences). List intrapersonal,
interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors.
Intrapersonal Stressors:
Interpersonal Stressors:
Extrapersonal Stressors:

FIGURE 7-1 A Neuman Systems Model care plan.

 Chapter 7 Neuman Systems ModelBased Education for the Health Professions 123

Part B
1. Physical Findings
Vital signs:
Skin assessment:
Respiratory assessment:
Abdominal assessment:
Cardiovascular assessment:
Neurological assessment (including mental status):
Other:
2. Pertinent laboratory data
Lab value Normal range Interpretation
3. Significant X-ray and/or other diagnostic tests:
4. Summary of perceptual differences between client and caregiver:
5. List current nursing diagnosisPrioritize according to the five variables (see Part A).

6. Client goals (as stated by the client):

Part C
Nursing diagnosis (one or more may be described).
Related to ____________________ as manifested by:__________________

Client Source of Type of

Subsystem System Being : Level of Stressor Stressor
Responding: Diagnosed Response: Etiology: Etiology:
Physiological Individual Primary Intrasystem Physiological
Psychological Family Group Secondary Intersystem Psychological
Developmental Community Tertiary Extrasystem Developmental
Sociocultural Sociocultural
Spiritual Spiritual

FIGURE 7-1 (continued)

124 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

Part D
Medications

Adverse
Reactions
Rationale (list the
(why the Action most
client is and common
receiving Thera- and
Name of Medication the med- peutic threat-
Medication Dose Route Frequency Classification ication) Effect ening)

Part E
Prevention as Intervention
Primary Prevention as Interventions
Goal:
Intervention:
Outcome:
Evaluation:
Revision:
Secondary Prevention as Interventions
Goal:
Intervention:
Outcome:
Evaluation:
Revision:
Tertiary Prevention as Interventions
Goal:
Intervention:
Outcome:
Evaluation:
Revision:

FIGURE 7-1 (continued)

 Chapter 7 Neuman Systems ModelBased Education for the Health Professions 125

Form A

Is the client functioning normally?

Before answering, consider physiological,
psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and
spiritual aspects of his/her functioning.

If no, If yes,
normal line of defense has been violated. normal line of defense is intact.
What signs of reaction can you identify? Does the client feel that he/she is
(Consider physiological, psychological, sociocultural, close to the edge or nearing
developmental, and spiritual aspects.) his/her limits?

1. What 1. What lines of resistance If yes, If no,

stressor(s) have been activated? the flexible line no intervention
contribute to the How is this client system of defense may beyond normal
clients less-than- organizing itself to combat be thinning. good health
optimal the stressors and repair Recommend careful practices is
functioning? the damage? application of good indicated.
(Consider (Consider possible health practices:
interpersonal, physiological, psychological, nutritious diet,
intrapersonal, and spiritual, sociocultural, and extra sleep,
extra-personal developmental factors) exercise, stress
stressors.) reduction
(Consider known techniques, etc., to
stressors and 2. How can the lines of expand the flexible
probable stressors.) resistance be supported? line of defense.
(Consider interpersonal,
2. How can these intrapersonal, and extra-
be reduced, personal resources.)
weakened, (Support the created
distanced, or environment in so far as you
eliminated? can identify it as protective.)

Once the reaction is controlled,

how can the lines of resistance and of defense
be reconstituted so that a normal level of
functioning is again possible?
(Consider interpersonal, intrapersonal, and
extrapersonal resources.)

FIGURE 7-2 Guidelines for Application of the Neuman Systems ModelForm A.

126 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

Guidelines for Application of the Neuman Systems Model

Form B
Is the client functioning normally?
Consider physiological, psychological, sociocultural, development, and spiritual aspects of
his/her functioning; problems may only be present in one or two areas, but all should be
considered in the nurses mind.
If no, in any area, the normal line of defense has been violated.
What signs of reaction can you identify?
Consider physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual aspects
of the bodys resistance mechanisms, although some may seem to be uninvolved.
What stressor(s) contribute to the clients less-than-optimal functioning?
Consider interpersonal, intrapersonal, and extrapersonal stressors.
Consider known stressors and probable stressors.
Remember that some stressors may be long standing and others recent; some may be
severe and others mild.
Which of these can be reduced, weakened, distanced, or eliminated, and how can this be
done?
What lines of resistance have been activated? How is this client system organizing itself to
combat the stressors and repair the damage?
Consider physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual aspects
of the bodys resistance mechanisms, although some may seem to be uninvolved.
How can these lines of resistance be supported?
Consider interpersonal, intrapersonal, and extrapersonal resources.
Take care to support the created environment so far as you can identify it as protective.
Once the reaction is controlled, how can the lines of resistance and defense be reconstituted so
that a normal level of functioning is possible?
Consider interpersonal, intrapersonal, and extrapersonal resources.

FIGURE 7-3 Guidelines for Application of the Neuman Systems ModelForm B.

and intuitions that form the foundation for a care plan. The tool was specifically designed
to (1) provide an experience with the application of the Neuman Systems Model as a
basis for subsequent understanding of the content of the model, and (2) demonstrate the
practice relevance of the Neuman Systems Model, particularly its flexibility for use in both
relatively simple and complex health care situations.

IMPLEMENTING THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL

IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The Neuman Systems Model is an appropriate framework for health professions educa-
tion in the 21st century. In particular, the Neuman Systems Model provides an organized,
specific, cohesive, and systems-based framework to guide the design and implementation
of health professions education programs within the context of a market-driven economy
 Chapter 7 Neuman Systems ModelBased Education for the Health Professions 127

and health care environment marked by the increased use of technology, multicultural-
ism, a continuing knowledge explosion, and changing requirements of accrediting organ-
izations for undergraduate and graduate education. Key challenges to health professions
education in the 21st century include the knowledge base needed for health professions
practice, the development and design of technology-driven curricula for various types of
entry-level and graduate education programs, accreditation criteria, and education for in-
terdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary practice.

The Challenge of Knowledge for Practice

In the United States, the Institute of Medicine (IOM; 2001) identified goals for safe, effective,
patient-centered care that is timely, efficient, and equitable (Box 7-1). The Neuman Systems
Model provides an organized and systematic knowledge base for health professions educa-
tion curricula to address the IOM goals and similar goals identified in the strategic health
care plans of other countries. The Neuman Systems Model is especially responsive to the
goal of patient-centered care. For example, the focus on clients perceptions of stressors en-
ables students to consider the particular concerns of each client, which promotes client will-
ingness to exercise choices in making health care decisions. In addition, use of the Neuman
Systems Model leads to safe, timely, and efficient care because fewer misunderstandings
and greater coordination occur when both client system and caregiver perceptions are
taken into account. Effective care is a natural outcome of use of the Neuman Systems Model
due to identification of the type of scientific evidence-based prevention interventions need-
ed for each client at each point of encounter with the health care system. Equitable care is
a hallmark of use of the Neuman Systems Model in that consideration of the sociocultural
variable fosters consideration of each clients personal characteristics.

The Challenge of Curriculum Design

Some health professions have multiple levels of entry into practice. Nursing students in some
countries may, for example, enroll in an entry-level hospital-based diploma program, or an
associate degree program, or a baccalaureate degree program, or even a post-baccalaureate

BOX 7-1
United States Institute of Medicine Goals

Safe Care: Avoid injuries to clients from Timely Care: Reduce waiting time and
the care that is intended to help them. sometimes harmful delays for both those
Effective Care: Provide services based on who receive and those who give care.
scientific knowledge to all who could bene- Efficient Care: Avoid waste of equipment,
fit and refrain from providing services to supplies, ideas, and energy.
those not likely to benefit, thereby avoiding Equitable Care: Provide care that does not
underuse and overuse of services. vary in quality because of personal charac-
Patient-Centered Care: Provide care that teristics of clients, such as gender, ethnicity,
is respectful of and responsive to individual geographic location, and socioeconomic
client system preferences, needs, and val- status.
ues, and ensure that clients values guide all
treatment decisions.
128 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

degree entry-level program. Such an array of entry-level programs tends to promote frag-
mentation of educational programs and frequently leads to unrealistic expectations of grad-
uates of the various types of programs. Furthermore, some health professions offer various
types of graduate education programs, such as masters degree, professional doctoral degree,
and research doctoral degree programs. And, virtually all health professions offer continuing
education programs. Use of the Neuman Systems Model provides a structure for the curricu-
lum of each type of program, which can be adjusted according to the terminal objectives
of the program, the learning needs of the students, and the timing and mode of content
delivery.
The Neuman Systems Model provides a strong organizing structure for degree pro-
grams that offer options for time to completion, such as a traditional four-semester associ-
ate degree program, a generic 4-year baccalaureate program, or an accelerated associate or
baccalaureate degree program. Given the increasing demand for accelerated programs
(Wink, 2005), such an organizing structure is crucial to ensure that essential content is not
left out of the curriculum.
Furthermore, educators in the health professions are challenged to structure learning
experiences in an environment of rapidly changing technology (Lindeman, 2000), which
has revolutionized both professional and nonprofessional education. Distance learning
that involves telephone, television, and online Internet technologies are increasingly com-
mon teaching-learning strategies, as is the use of clinical simulation. The Neuman Systems
Model provides the structure needed to foster selection of those learning experiences best
addressed by different technologies. For example, many procedures used as secondary
prevention interventions can be learned using clinical simulation, whereas the content and
teaching techniques used for primary and tertiary prevention interventions can be learned
via course Web site materials and discussion boards. Concept mapping may be used as a
teaching-learning strategy to enhance the application of the model in the classroom, as
well as when using distance learning and Web-based discussions and discussion boards.

NURSING EDUCATION Ideally, the curriculum of any Neuman Systems Modelbased

nursing education program reflects the model content in every course throughout the entire
curriculum. General education and science courses should be selected to enhance students
understanding of client system variables. Examples of courses that are relevant for each
variable are listed in Table 7-3.
Discipline-specific nursing courses can be offered in traditional practice specialties,
such as pediatric and adult medicine and surgery, maternity and womens health, mental
health, and community health. Alternatively, essential content can be organized in cours-
es addressing the Neuman Systems Model concepts. For example, some courses could
focus on intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors, and other courses
could focus on primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention-as-intervention modalities.

The Challenge of Accreditation

Educators working in health professions education programs assign great value to accredi-
tation of those programs by the relevant accrediting organization. Multiple entry-level edu-
cational programs pose considerable challenges for both educators and the accrediting
organizations, inasmuch as such programs may require different standards and criteria for
the same basic outcomeeducation of students who will be safe and effective practitioners.
 Chapter 7 Neuman Systems ModelBased Education for the Health Professions 129

TABLE 7-3 Examples of Relevant Types of General Education

and Science Courses for Each Client System Variable

Client System Variable Relevant Types of Courses

Physiological Variable Biology

Chemistry
Microbiology
Anatomy and physiology
Pathophysiology
Pharmacology
Psychological Variable Psychology
Humanities
Sociocultural Variable Sociology
World cultures
Humanities
Developmental Variable Individual growth and development
Family studies
Spiritual Variable Religious studies
Holistic health studies

Accreditation of various types of nursing education programs, for example, currently

is carried out by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the accrediting
arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2008, 2009), and the
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC; 2006). The CCNE accredits
baccalaureate, masters, and doctor of nursing practice degree programs; the NLNAC ac-
credits associate, baccalaureate, and masters degree programs. Each organization uses
somewhat different standards and criteria for accreditation, which has resulted in lack of
standardization of the focus and essential content of each type of educational program.
The Neuman Systems Model provides a comprehensive framework that nurses can
use regardless of particular accreditation standards. For example, the content of a
Neuman Systems Modelbased baccalaureate curriculum is consistent with the AACN
Essentials for Baccalaureate Nursing Education (Box 7-2). Similarly, the content of a
Neuman Systems Modelbased doctor of nursing practice program curriculum is consis-
tent with the Essentials of Professional Nursing Doctorate Education (Box 7-3).

The Challenge of Education for Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary,

and Transdisciplinary Practice
As noted in the practice guidelines (Chapter 8), interdisciplinary practice calls for col-
laboration among practitioners from two or more health care fields to resolve client sys-
tem problems using discipline-specific conceptual models or an integration of concepts
from the various conceptual models. Multidisciplinary research focuses on client system
problems requiring the attention of members of diverse health care fields though use of
130 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

BOX 7-2
Essentials for Baccalaureate Nursing Education
Essential I: Liberal Education for Bacca- Essential VI: Interprofessional Communi-
laureate Generalist Nursing Practice cation and Collaboration for Improving
Essential II: Basic Organizational and Systems Patient Health Outcomes
Leadership for Patient Safety and Quality Essential VII: Clinical Prevention and Pop-
Care ulation Health for Optimizing Health
Essential III: Scholarship for Evidence-Based Essential VIII: Professionalism and Professional
Practice Values
Essential IV: Information Management and Essential IX: Baccalaureate Generalist Nurs-
Application of Patient Care Technology ing Practice
Essential V: Health Care Policy, Finance, and
Regulatory Environments
Source: AACN, 2008.

BOX 7-3
Essentials of Professional Nursing Doctorate Education
Essential I: Scientific Underpinnings for Essential V: Health Care Policy for Advocacy
Practice in Health Care
Essential II: Organizational and Systems Essential VI: Interprofessional Collaboration
Leadership for Quality Improvement and for Improving Patient and Population Health
Systems thinking Outcomes
Essential III: Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Essential VII: Clinical Prevention and Popula-
Methods for Evidence-Based Practice tion Health for Improving the Nations Health
Essential IV: Information Systems/Technology Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice
and Patient Care Technology for the Improve-
ment and Transformation of Health Care
Source: AACN, 2008.

discipline-specific conceptual models as the client is treated sequentially by practitioners of each

field. Transdisciplinary practice again focuses on common client system problems but the practices
of members of various health care fields are guided by a single conceptual model. Interdisciplinary,
multidisciplinary, or transdisciplinary education for the health professions is regarded as a way to in-
tegrate the concepts of client-centered care, evidence- based practice, quality improvement, and the
use of informatics (Barger, 2004). Use of the model in formal education programs, as well as in ac-
ademic practice centers, service learning courses, and disaster preparedness courses and programs,
can be an effective way to promote interprofessional communication and collaboration that will im-
prove patient health outcomes (AACN, 2009).

ACADEMIC PRACTICE CENTERS Academic Practice Centers typically are designed to combine
teaching and practice, using information technology to communicate, manage knowledge, and
 Chapter 7 Neuman Systems ModelBased Education for the Health Professions 131

make decisions regarding client health issues (Barger, 2004). Interdisciplinary, multidisci-
plinary, and transdisciplinary health care teams collaborate to provide integrated client
care. For example, the Neuman System Model was used successfully in an academic nurs-
ing center by nurses and students working collaboratively to assess and intervene with
clients (Newman, 2005). In addition, discussions about interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary,
and transdisciplinary Neuman Systems Modelbased education were held with physical
therapy and business administration faculty and students. The model provided a strong
foundation for development of the information management system and for research at
the center (Newman, 2005).

SERVICE LEARNING Service learning, which combines community service with specific
learning objectives (Galantino, House, Olsen, Fayter, & Frank, 2006), is a teaching-
learning strategy that may involve interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, or transdisciplinary
health care teams. Service-learning experiences may provide an opportunity for students
to work with culturally diverse populations (Hunt, 2007) and learn about the health needs
of communities (Gupta, 2006). Interdisciplinary service learning can involve nursing, ele-
mentary or secondary education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work,
and medical students. Table 7-4 presents an example of a proposal for a Neuman Systems
Modelguided curriculum for an interdisciplinary service-learning course.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Emergency preparedness, which is described as the

knowledge and skills required to actively respond to natural and human-created disasters

TABLE 7-4 Example of a Neuman Systems ModelBased Curriculum

for an Interdisciplinary Service Learning Course

Neuman Systems Model Client System Variable Course Content

Physiological Variable Caregiverclient communication

Health and well-being
Nutrition
Client systems stressors
Sociocultural Variable Poverty
Culture, race, ethnicity, heritage
Civic engagement and strategies for change
Affordable housing
Developmental Variable Perceptions of development stressors for
clients and families
Spiritual Variable Ethics
Social and economic justice
Psychological Variable Violence
Abuse
Neglect
132 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

(Slepski, 2005), is increasingly important for health professionals. The Neuman Systems
Model provides an appropriate framework for teaching emergency preparedness to inter-
disciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary health care teams, including students
and practitioners. The content of the model facilitates understanding of client and care-
giver perceptions of sources of stressors and their impact on the client system during an
emergency. Moreover, the physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental,
and spiritual client system variables, when applied to individuals, families, and communi-
ties, provide a structure that facilitates assessment of client system and caregiver safety.
Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions can be used for clients who
experience various emergency situations, including but not limited to exposure to chemi-
cal, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive agents, as well as natural disasters, such
as earthquakes and severe storms. Psychomotor skills related to each specific health care
discipline are addressed according to the prevention-as-intervention modalities. Nurses,
for example, may provide primary prevention interventions, such as administration of
medications and immunizations. Secondary prevention interventions include appropriate
protection, isolation, and decontamination due to exposure to chemicals or other agents,
and tertiary prevention interventions include maintenance of client system safety through
transport, splinting, immobilization, monitoring, therapeutic interventions, and end-of-life
care (Stanley, 2005).
Accurate communication between caregivers and clients in any disaster, especially
when the disaster involves mass casualties, is crucial. The Neuman Systems Model pro-
vides a unified language that can facilitate communication, appropriate documentation,
and resource referrals after a mass casualty incident or other disaster (see Table 7-5).

TABLE 7-5 Neuman Systems ModelBased Documentation for a Mass Casualty Incident

Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Client System

Prevention Interventions

Physiological, psychological, developmental, Threats, potential impact on the client system

sociocultural, and spiritual assessments based Emergency nursing and medical system
on intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extra- Resource acquisition and preparedness
personal environmental stressors planning
Assess the extrapersonal environment, the What is the potential for exposure to
community in which the client system resides contaminated water, air, food?
What shelter and protection are available for
displaced persons?
Tertiary Prevention Intervention Authority of public health agencies to protect
the community from threats
Management of public reactions to bioterrorism
Implementation of control measures
Isolation
Quarantine
Identify how the mass casualty incident
reduces access to pharmaceuticals and medical
supplies
 Chapter 7 Neuman Systems ModelBased Education for the Health Professions 133

TABLE 7-5 (continued)

Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Client System

Prevention Interventions

Secondary Prevention Intervention Intentional biological attack

A natural disease outbreak
Principles of containment and decontamination
Treatment of casualties
Primary and Secondary Prevention Interventions Physiological and psychological stressors that
have invaded the flexible and normal lines of
defense
Detection and reporting of unusual out break
or syndrome

Conclusion
Guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased identified and described. Additional discussion
education were discussed in this chapter, and of Neuman Systems Modelbased practice is
educational tools derived from the model were provided in Chapters 11, 12, 13, and 14.

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CHAPTER 8
Neuman Systems ModelBased
Practice: Guidelines and
Practice Tools
Barbara T. Freese
Jan Russell
Betty Neuman
Jacqueline Fawcett

Although the Neuman Systems Model was developed as a way to organize the content
of clinical nursing courses (Neuman & Young, 1972), the use of the model as a guide
for nursing practice was recognized almost immediately. Later, the use of the model as
a guide for practice in the full array of health care fields was recognized (Neuman,
1982).
When the Neuman Systems Model is used as a guide for practice, the nursing meta-
paradigm concept human beings is the client system. The metaparadigm concept
environment encompasses the internal, external, and created environments. The meta-
paradigm concept health refers to optimal client system stability. The metaparadigm
concept nursingor the concept that refers to another health care discipline, such as
physical therapyfocuses on development and utilization of primary, secondary, and
tertiary prevention as intervention.
In this chapter, guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased practice are identified,
as are several practice tools that have been derived from the model for use with individ-
uals, families, communities, and organizations. A special feature of this chapter is a
discussion of how the Neuman Systems Model can be used to guide nursing care of an
entire health care team as the client system, which was contributed by chapter author
Barbara Freese. All of the guidelines are applicable to practice in any health care field.
The chapter includes a discussion of each guideline and an explanation of how the
Neuman Systems Model facilitates wholistic, interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and trans-
disciplinary practice.

136
 Chapter 8 Neuman Systems ModelBased Practice: Guidelines and Practice Tools 137

THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Rudimentary guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased nursing practice were extract-
ed from the content of the model several years ago (Fawcett, 1989) and were refined over
time (Fawcett, 1995a, 2000, 2005; Freese, Neuman, & Fawcett, 2002). The most recent re-
finements, which are the result of dialogue among the authors of this chapter, are pre-
sented in Table 8-1. Although the guidelines initially were targeted to nursing, interest in
the interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary use of the Neuman Systems
Model calls for extrapolation of the guidelines to other disciplines concerned with the
health of individuals, families, and communities. The guidelines listed in Table 8-1 have
been written for practitioners of all health care fields.
According to Grey and Connolly (2008), interdisciplinary practice calls for collabo-
ration among practitioners from two or more health care fields to resolve client system
problems using discipline-specific conceptual models or an integration of concepts from
the various conceptual models. Multidisciplinary research focuses on client system prob-
lems requiring the attention of members of diverse health care fields though use of disci-
pline-specific conceptual models as the client is treated sequentially by practitioners of
each field. Transdisciplinary practice again focuses on common client system problems
but the practices of members of various health care fields are guided by a single concep-
tual model.

Purpose of Practice
The first guideline stipulates that the purpose of practice is to assist clients in retaining, at-
taining, or maintaining the optimal system stability achievable at a given point in time.
Optimal stability means that there is harmony among the five client system variables
physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual. The clients po-
tential for optimal system stability varies with time and across the life span.

Practice Problems of Interest

The second guideline stipulates that practice problems of interest are the clients actual or
potential reactions to stressors, which may arise from within the client (intrapersonal
stressor), from interactions between the client and others (interpersonal stressors), or
from the external environment (extrapersonal stressors). Although stressors are intrinsi-
cally neutral, they are typically perceived as positive or negative by the client. Actual
stressors are those that already have occurred; potential stressors are those that may
occur. The clients perception of and reaction to stressors determines the extent of system
stability.

Settings for Practice

The third guideline stipulates that practice occurs in any health care or community-based set-
ting, as well as in situations that involve virtual contact between clients and caregivers using
distance technology and the Internet. Thus, practice is not limited to designated health care
facilities, but occurs in any physical or virtual setting in which health care team members are
engaged in helping clients to retain, attain, or maintain optimal system stability.
138 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

TABLE 8-1 Guidelines for Neuman Systems ModelBased Practice

Guideline Description

1. Purpose of Practice The purpose of practice is to assist clients in retaining,

attaining, or maintaining the optimal system stability
achievable at a given point in time.
2. Practice Problems of Interest Practice problems of interest are the clients actual or
potential reactions to stressors.
3. Settings for Practice Settings for practice include any health care or community-
based setting, as well as situations that involve virtual
contact between clients and caregivers using distance
technology and the Internet.
4. Participants in Practice Participants in practice include client systems who are faced
with actual or potential stressors, along with their health
professional or layperson caregivers, who come together in
physical or virtual spaces. Individuals, families, groups,
communities, and entire health care teams are regarded as
client systems.
5. ClientCaregiver Relationship The client system and the caregiver are engaged in a
reciprocal partnership, the goal of which is to assist the client
to achieve the highest possible level of system stability.
6. The Practice Process and Practice Tools The practice process is the Neuman Systems Model Process
Format, which encompasses three componentsdiagnosis,
goals, and outcomes. (Neuman Systems Modelbased
practice tools are listed in Table 8-2.)

Participants in Practice
The fourth guideline stipulates that participants in practice include clients who are faced
with actual or potential stressors, along with their caregivers. Individuals, families, groups,
and communities are regarded as clients, as are entire health care teams. The caregiver may
be a professional person, such as a nurse, or a layperson who has acquired the health care
information needed to care for a particular client in a particular situation. In keeping with the
third guideline, clients and caregivers may come together in both physical and virtual spaces.

ClientCaregiver Relationship
The fifth guideline stipulates that the client system and the caregiver are engaged in a
reciprocal partnership, the goal of which is to assist the client to achieve the highest
possible level of system stability. Inclusion of both client and caregiver is based on the be-
lief that ownership of the clients health belongs to the client. Consequently, if health care
is to be effective, it must involve the client as an active participant, to the extent possible.

The Practice Process and Practice Tools

The sixth guideline stipulates that the practice process is the Neuman Systems Model Process
Format, which encompasses three componentsdiagnosis, goals, and outcomes. Caregivers
 Chapter 8 Neuman Systems ModelBased Practice: Guidelines and Practice Tools 139

TABLE 8-1 (continued)

Guideline Description

7. Diagnostic Taxonomy Diagnoses may be classified in a taxonomy, using five

organizing principles derived from the Neuman Systems
Model(1) client system (individual, family, group,
community), (2) level of response (primary, secondary,
tertiary), (3) client variable responding to the stressor
(physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental,
spiritual), (4) source of the stressor (intrasystem, intersystem,
extrasystem), and (5) type of stressor (physiological,
psychological, sociocultural, developmental, spiritual).

8. Goals Goals for practice are determined through a process of

negotiation between client and caregiver that involves the
client as a full participant in determining the desired
result(s), to the extent possible.
9. Typology of Caregiver Actions Caregiver actions used to assist the client in achieving
optimum system stability occur as primary, secondary, or
tertiary prevention interventions, in accord with the degree to
which stressors have penetrated the client systems lines of
defense and resistance.
10. Typology of Outcomes Outcomes may be general or specific to the particular client
systemgeneral outcomes are statements about the concepts
of the Neuman Systems Model that are derived from the
content of the model; client systemspecific outcomes involve
application of the general statements to particular situations.
11. Practice and Research Practice effectiveness depends on the application of research
findingsthat is, evidenceto direct practice. In turn, problems
encountered in practice give rise to new research questions.

use the Neuman Systems Model Process Format to assist clients to reach their unique system
stability level at a particular time in the life span and to document their actions. The term
process format is used to connote use by practitioners in all health care fields. When partic-
ularized for a certain health care field, the name of that field is added as the modifier for each
process component. For example, the components are nursing diagnosis, nursing goals, and
nursing outcomes for nursing practice. Similarly, the components are physical therapy diag-
nosis, physical therapy goals, and physical therapy outcomes for physical therapy practice.
The process format is compatible with use of the scientific method to solve problems and to
achieve desired outcomes across the array of health care practices.

NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODELBASED PRACTICE TOOLS The Neuman Systems Model

Process Format is operationalized in whole or part in several practice tools. Those tools
and their functions are listed in Table 8-2. Detailed explanations about many of the tools
listed in Table 8-2 are available in Russell (2002).
The development of practice tools derived from the Neuman Systems Model has
been a natural evolution of this wholistic perspective. The first practice tools derived from
140 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

TABLE 8-2 Practice Tools Derived from the Neuman Systems Model

Tools and Citations Description

Individual as Client System

Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Guides client assessment and permits documentation
Intervention Tool (Mirenda, 1986; Neuman, 1989, of goals, intervention plan, and outcomes from the
1995, 2002; Russell, 2002) perspective of both clients and caregivers.
Nursing Assessment Guide (Beckman et al., 1998; A modification of the Neuman Systems Model
Russell, 2002) Assessment and Intervention Tool.
Nursing Assessment Form (Burke et al., 1989; Guides identification of clients and nurses
Russell, 2002) perceptions of stressors and coping mechanisms,
using open-ended questions.
Assessment Tool (Fulbrook, 1991; Russell, 2002) Guides assessment and documentation of clients
(or advocates) and nurses perceptions and
provides a framework for nursing diagnoses;
fosters assessment of client and family.
Assessment and Analysis Guideline Tool (McHolm & Guides health assessment and formulation of
Geib, 1998; Russell, 2002) nursing diagnoses.
Guide for Assessment of Structural Components of Permits documentation of the status of the basic
a System (Johnson et al., 1982; Russell, 2002) structure and the lines of defense and resistance
across variable areas for individuals, groups,
families, or communities.
Maternal/Fetal Assessment Tool (Dunn & Trpanier, Guides assessment of a pregnant woman and
1989; Trpanier et al., 1995; Russell, 2002) her fetus.
Perinatal Risk-Grading Tool (Trpanier et al., 1995; Permits categorization of perinatal risks.
Russell, 2002)
Early Weaning Risk Screening Tool (Murphy, 1990; Permits identification of pregnant women at risk
Russell, 2002) for early weaning from breast-feeding.
Depression Symptom Assessment Checklist (Clark, Guides assessment and documentation of
1982; Russell, 2002) depression.
Nursing Assessment of the Elderly Form (Gunter, A modification of the Neuman Systems Model
1982; Russell, 2002) Assessment and Intervention Tool for use with
elderly clients.
Systematic Nursing Assessment Tool for the Guides assessment of continuous ambulatory
CAPD Client (Breckenridge et al., 1982; peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) clients.
Russell, 2002)
Grid for Stressor Identification (Johnson et al., Guides assessment of types and sources of
1982; Russell, 2002) stressors.
Client Perception of Transfer as a Stressor Tool Measures a clients perception of readiness for
(Dunbar, 1982; Russell, 2002) transfer from a surgical intensive care unit.
Interdisciplinary High-Risk Assessment Tool of Permits prediction of adult rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Inpatient Falls (Cotten, 1993; inpatients at risk for falling.
Russell, 2002)
 Chapter 8 Neuman Systems ModelBased Practice: Guidelines and Practice Tools 141

TABLE 8-2 (continued)

Tools and Citations Description

Occupational Health Nursing Risk Profile (McGee, Guides assessment of environmental stressors
1995; Russell, 2002) and stressor impact on workers lines of defense
and resistance, along with calculation of relative
risk and attributable risk.
Assessment/Intervention Tool (Beitler et al., 1980; Guides assessment, using an interview format,
Russell, 2002) and documents associated interventions.
Assessment/Intervention Tool for Postrenal Guides assessment of stressors and lists
Transplant Clients (Breckenridge, 1982; Russell, appropriate interventions for clients who have
2002) had a renal transplant.
Modified Assessment/Intervention Tool for Critical A modification of the Neuman Systems Model
Care (Dunbar, 1982; Russell, 2002) Assessment and Intervention Tool for use in the
critical care setting.
Nursing Health Assessment Tool and Nursing Care A modification of the Neuman Systems Model
Plan (Felix et al., 1995; Russell, 2002) Assessment and Intervention Tool for use with
elderly residents of chronic care facilities.
Guide for Data Synthesis to Derive Nursing Permits documentation of client system responses
Diagnosis (Johnson et al., 1982; Russell, 2002) to stressors and etiology of each stressor.
Neuman Systems Model Nursing Diagnosis Provides a taxonomy of nursing diagnoses directly
Taxonomy (Ziegler, 1982; Russell, 2002) derived from the Neuman Systems Model;
permits documentation of nursing diagnoses
based on the Neuman Systems Model.
Decision Matrix for Nursing Intervention (McGee, Facilitates planning of nursing interventions.
1995; Russell, 2002)
Guide for Planning Theoretically Derived Nursing Permits documentation of nursing diagnoses;
Practice (Johnson et al., 1982; Russell, 2002) theoretically derived plan, goals, and intervention;
and expected outcomes and evaluation.
Care Plan (Fulbrook, 1991; Russell, 2002) Permits documentation of problems, goals,
interventions, and evaluation of interventions.
Nursing Process Tool (Stepans & Knight, 2002) Provides a structure for organizing and analyzing
client assessment data in terms of client
boundaries, a physiological variable within the
boundaries, environmental stressors affecting the
boundaries, and the clients responses and
reactions to the stressors affecting the boundaries,
and the clients responses and reactions to the
stressors in terms of variance from wellness, as
well as a structure to record a nursing diagnosis,
nursing goals and outcome criteria, nursing
interventions, and evaluation of outcomes.
Summary of PractitionerClient Goals and Presents a list of goals and associated prevention
Rationale in Treating Depressed Clients (Clark, interventions goals for depressed clients.
1982; Russell, 2002)
(continued)
142 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

TABLE 8-2 (continued)

Tools and Citations Description

Intervention Plan to Support Goals (Clark, 1982; Presents a list of prevention interventions for
Russell, 2002) depressed clients.
Minimum Data Set Format (Schlentz, 1993; Presents a minimum data set for prevention
Russell, 2002) interventions in long-term care facilities.
Patient Classification Worksheet (Hinton-Walker & Permits classification of patients in terms of
Raborn, 1989; Russell, 2002) personnel required for treatments within the
context of physiological, psychological,
sociocultural, and developmental variables.
Spiritual Care Scale (Carrigg & Weber, 1997; Measures spiritual care for clients and
Russell, 2002; Young, Taylor, & McLaughlin- distinguishes spiritual care from psychosocial care.
Renpenning, 2001)
Format of Care Planning for the Acute Cardiac Presents a comprehensive nursing care plan for
Surgical Client Using the Neuman Systems Model clients who have had cardiac surgery.
(McInerney, 1982; Russell, 2002)
Protocol of Potential Interventions for the Presents a list of psychological needs and
Psychological Needs of the Patient with COPD associated nursing interventions for clients with
(Baker, 1982; Russell, 2002) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Nursing Protocol for Management of Presents a list of goals and associated
Immobilization (Cardona, 1982; Russell, 2002) interventions, rationales, and outcomes for clients
at risk for complications from immobilization due
to skeletal traction for treatment of a hip fracture.
Nursing Protocol for Management of Mental Presents a list of goals and associated
Confusion (Cardona, 1982; Russell, 2002) interventions, rationales, and outcomes for clients
who are mentally confused.
Protocol for Pain (Cunningham, 1982; Russell, Presents a list of interventions, rationales, and
2002) outcomes for reduction of pain experienced by
clients who do not request pain relief due to
attitudes toward pain relief measures and cultural
group affiliation.
Clinical Evaluation of the Nursing Care Plan Tool Measures a nurses perception of a nursing care
(Dunbar, 1982; Russell, 2002) plan.
Theoretical Evaluation of the Nursing Care Plan Measures a nurses perception of a nursing care
(Dunbar, 1982; Russell, 2002) plan in terms of the concepts of the Neuman
Systems Model.
Format for Evaluation (McGee, 1995; Russell, Permits documentation of evaluation of
2002) outcomes of nursing interventions.
Format for Evaluation of Theoretically Derived Permits documentation of evaluation of expected
Nursing Practice (Johnson et al., 1982; Russell, and actual outcomes in terms of each nursing
2002) diagnosis, goal, and intervention.
Guide to Critical Thinking with the Neuman Provides specific nurse and client guidelines for
Nursing Process (Sohier, 2002) assessment.
 Chapter 8 Neuman Systems ModelBased Practice: Guidelines and Practice Tools 143

TABLE 8-2 (continued)

Tools and Citations Description

Family as Client System
Guide for Family Assessment (Reed, 1982; A modification of Neuman Systems Model Assess-
Russell, 2002) ment and Intervention Tool for use with families.
Neonatal/Family Assessment Tool (Dunn & Trpanier, Guides assessment of neonates and families.
1989; Trpanier et al., 1995; Russell, 2002)
FAMLI-RESCUE (Flannery, 1991; Russell, 2002) Guides collection and evaluation of data on family
functioning and resources for use by neuroscience
nurses working in acute care settings.
Family Health Assessment/Intervention Tool Guides assessment and documentation of family
(Mischke-Berkey et al., 1989; Russell, 2002) and caregiver perceptions of family health.
Family Systems Stressor-Strength Inventory: Family Guides assessment of a familys perceptions of
Form (Mischke-Berkey & Hanson, 1991; Russell, general and specific family system stressors and
2002) family system strengths.
Family Systems Stressor-Strength Inventory: Guides assessment of a clinicians perceptions of
Clinician Form (Mischke-Berkey & Hanson, 1991; general and specific family system stressors and
Russell, 2002) family system strengths.
Community as Client System
Community Assessment Guide (Benedict & Sproles, Guides assessment of communities, including
1982; Russell, 2002) intracommunity, intercommunity, and
extracommunity factors, and communitys and
health planners perceptions of stressors.
Community-as-Client Assessment Guide Guides collection of data about geopolitical and
(Beddome, 1989, 1995; Russell, 2002) aggregate needs, community resources, and
resource utilization patterns from the perspective
of clients and caregivers.
Organization as Client System
Neuman Systems Management Tool for Nursing Permits a nurse administrator to assess, resolve,
and Organizational Systems (Kelley & Sanders, prevent, and evaluate stressors in any type of
1995; Kelley et al., 1989; Neuman, 1995; Russell, administrative setting; measures the total system
2002) response to an environmental stressor.
Systems-Based Assessment Tool for Child Day-Care Guides assessment of stressors in child day care
Centers (Bowman, 1982; Russell, 2002) centers.

the model emphasized systematic, wholistic assessment of individual clients. The goal of
assessment was identification of prevention interventions. Neuman first presented the
Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool in 1974, and she has continued
to use the tool ever since then (Neuman, 1974, 1982, 1989, 1995, 2002). The tool includes
guidelines for assessment of stressors; a form for documenting goals and the rationale for
those goals, categorized by type of prevention intervention (primary, secondary, tertiary);
and a form for documenting the prevention-as-intervention plan. This tool is presented in
Appendix C.
144 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

As the contents of Table 8-2 demonstrate, several other assessment and intervention
tools have been developed as modifications of the original Neuman Systems Model
Assessment and Intervention Tool. In the early 1980s, nurses developed Neuman Systems
Modelbased assessment tools for a wide variety of individual clients. Most of those as-
sessment tools focused on assessment of client system strengths and weaknesses, identi-
fication of stressors, and development of prevention interventions (see Table 8-2). Based
on a decade of use and experience, Neuman (1989) altered the content of the Neuman
Systems Model in four important ways. First, she added the spiritual variable, which orig-
inally was subsumed within the sociocultural variable. Second, she expanded the concept
of environment to include the created environment, in addition to the internal and exter-
nal environments. Third, she explicitly identified health promotion as a part of primary
prevention as intervention. Fourth, she described a process of determining a nursing
diagnosis that is consistent with the model. These changes facilitated clear and more com-
prehensive client system assessment and data for relevant prevention interventions.
Subsequently, nurses developed several new tools that were tailored for the specific
client populations served by particular clinical agencies. In addition, some practice tools
have been developed by nurse educators to facilitate students use of the Neuman
Systems Model as a guide for nursing practice.
A taxonomy of nursing diagnoses, which is discussed later in this chapter as the sev-
enth practice guideline, has been derived directly from the Neuman Systems Model
(Ziegler, 1982). And, as can be seen in Table 8-2, the Neuman Systems Model has been
used to guide development of protocols for practice.
Neuman (1989, 1995, 2002) provided a case example to demonstrate the use of
her Assessment and Intervention Tool when the family is the client system. The family case
example features assessment of the familys major stressors; documentation of the familys
perception of their condition and the caregivers perception of the familys condition; the
statement of a nursing diagnosis based on the familys variance from wellness; and preven-
tion interventions to stabilize the family. Other tools for assessment of families, as well as
for communities and organizations, also have been developed (see Table 8-2).

Diagnostic Taxonomy
The seventh guideline stipulates that diagnoses may be classified in a taxonomy, using
organizing principles derived from the Neuman Systems Model. A diagnostic taxonomy es-
tablishes a common language for communication among health care providers across disci-
plines and can provide a uniform approach for computer-based client information systems.
The five organizing principles of the Neuman Systems Model diagnostic taxonomy are:
(1) client system (individual, family, group, community), (2) level of response (primary, sec-
ondary, tertiary), (3) client variable responding to the stressor (physiological, psychological,
sociocultural, developmental, spiritual), (4) source of the stressor (intrasystem, intersystem,
extrasystem), and (5) type of stressor (physiological, psychological, sociocultural, develop-
mental, spiritual) (D. M. L. Newman, personal communication, June 15, 2000; Ziegler, 1982).

Goals
The eighth guideline stipulates that goals for optimal client system stability are deter-
mined through a process of negotiation between client and caregiver that involves the
client as a full participant in determining the desired result(s), to the extent possible.
 Chapter 8 Neuman Systems ModelBased Practice: Guidelines and Practice Tools 145

Typology of Caregiver Actions

The ninth guideline stipulates that caregiver actions to assist the client to achieve optimum
system stability occur as primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention interventions, in accord
with the degree to which stressors have penetrated the client systems lines of defense and
resistance. According to the Neuman Systems Model, prevention interventions vary in ac-
cord with the degree to which stressors have threatened or affected client system stability.
Thus, prevention interventions are selected based on the actual or potential impact of
stressors on client system stability. Primary prevention interventions should help clients to
retain optimal system stability when stressors have not yet occurred but threaten them.
Secondary or tertiary prevention interventions should help clients to attain or maintain
optimal system stability when they have already experienced the impact of stressors.

Typology of Outcomes
The tenth guideline stipulates that outcomes may be general or specific to a particular
client system. General outcomes are statements about the concepts of the Neuman
Systems Model, such as strengthened flexible line of defense or higher level of client
system stability that are derived from the content of the model. A comprehensive list of
general outcomes remains to be developed. Client systemspecific outcomes involve ap-
plication of the general statements to particular situations, such as The client drank addi-
tional fluid with replacement electrolytes prior to exercise on a hot day.

Practice and Research

The eleventh guideline stipulates that practice must be directed by the use of research
findings, that is, evidence, to be fully effective. This concept has been well documented
in health care literature. Coopey, Nix, and Clancy (2006) emphasized the importance of
translating research findings into actions and usable tools that can be implemented into
care delivery at the local setting (p. 195). Newman (2005) pointed out that the identifi-
cation of a nursing model . . . offers a strong foundation for research (p. 223). Neuman
Systems Modelbased studies should advance nursing knowledge by increasing under-
standing of how the model can be used in practice to promote optimal client system sta-
bility (Fawcett, 1995b). More specifically, research findings can serve as the evidence
needed for recommendations regarding use of particular prevention interventions in prac-
tice (Louis, 1995). In turn, problems encountered in practice give rise to new research
questions. For example, if a prevention intervention did not have the expected outcome,
a retrospective case study could be conducted to determine what factors in the internal,
external, or created environment might have contributed to the unexpected outcome.

IMPLEMENTING THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL

IN INTERDISCIPLINARY, MULTIDISCIPLINARY,
AND TRANSDISCIPLINARY PRACTICE
Use of a conceptual model by members of various health care fields requires that the
model provide a comprehensive and systematic approach to the care of client systems.
The Neuman Systems Model is ideal because its wholistic systems focus allows all health
care team members to coordinate their individual efforts.
146 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

Three of the many issues that have an impact on the delivery of care in the current
health care arena support and even mandate the use of the Neuman Systems Model in
practice. These issues are (1) an emphasis on productivity and efficiency, (2) perspectives
that represent functional diversity rather than unity, and (3) fragmented specialization in-
stead of wholistic care.
All three issues are impediments to practitioners efforts to implement a practice ap-
proach that requires a considerable amount of time for comprehensive assessment and
determination of client system goals. The Neuman Systems Model can be used to advan-
tage in such situations because it enables health care team members to work within a
common framework to motivate and empower the client to retain, attain, and maintain
optimal system stability over time. Furthermore, use of the Neuman Systems Model makes
it possible for each health care team member to focus on concepts of particular interest,
such as one of the five client system variables or a particular type of stressor. Acting as the
care manager or care coordinator (Anderson, 1999), the nurse ensures that all five client
system variables and all stressors are taken into account in a coordinated manner. The
case study presented in Box 8-1 illustrates multidisciplinary use of the Neuman Systems
Model with an adolescent boy who experienced orthopedic trauma.

BOX 8-1
Case Study: Application of the Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for
Practice to a Client System

Victor, a 13-year-old Mexican American boy, has the multiple stressors that have affected all five
been hospitalized for 5 weeks due to multiple in- client system variables.
ternal and orthopedic injuries sustained in a motor Victor is now being released from the hospi-
vehicle accident. Victor lives with his mother and tal to home care. Following discharge, Victors
three younger siblings. His mother is employed mother will be the primary caregiver; the home
full-time at minimum wage. The familys primary health nurse will coordinate services for home care.
language is Spanish.
During hospitalization, Victors physician, Application of Neuman Systems Model
respiratory therapist, and physical therapist, re- Practice Guidelines
spectively, have been concerned with his physical 1. Purpose of Practice: The purpose of practice
injuries, respiratory status, and physical rehabilita- is to assist Victor to attain full stability in all
tion (physiological variable). His counselor has variables, and to assist the family to main-
been concerned with helping him deal with the tain system stability.
experience as a situational crisis (psychological 2. Practice Problems of Interest: During hospi-
variable). His social worker has been concerned talization, Victor experienced problems in
with home care planning and discharge coordina- each variable.
tion (sociocultural variable). His minister has been 3. Settings for Practice: Victors case illustrates
concerned with pastoral care for the young boy and practice in the hospital and in his home fol-
his family (spiritual variable). His teacher has been lowing discharge.
concerned with helping him adjust to hospital- 4. Participants in Practice: Victors caregivers in
based schooling and to achieve age-appropriate the hospital included his physician, nurse,
academic progress (developmental variable). The respiratory and physical therapists, coun-
nurses role as care manager or coordinator during selor, social worker, minister, teacher, and his
hospitalization has been to ensure that Victors mother. Following discharge, his caregivers
care was coordinated appropriately to deal with will include his mother, his home health
 Chapter 8 Neuman Systems ModelBased Practice: Guidelines and Practice Tools 147

nurse, and all health care providers who as- primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention
sist after he leaves the hospital. interventions. For example, his respiratory
5. ClientCaregiver Relationship: Victors case therapist has helped him to retain normal
illustrates multiple caregivers. It is important respiratory function (primary). His minister
for each caregiver to collaborate with Victor has helped him to deal with the experience
and his mother. as a situational crisis (secondary). His physi-
6. Practice Process: The practice process en- cal therapist has helped him to maintain full
compasses diagnosis, goals, and outcomes range of joint mobility following orthopedic
for each problem of interest in Victors case. trauma (tertiary).
7. Diagnostic Taxonomy: Victors case illus- 10. Typology of Outcomes: Outcomes relate to
trates multiple possible diagnoses, due to the goals for each diagnosis, and should be
the impact of his injuries on all five vari- client centered and measurable. They may
ables, as well as on both Victor and his be general or specific to the particular client.
family. Each diagnosis would include client For example, for the goal of pain relief, an
system, level of response, client variable, outcome might be, Client reports pain re-
source of stressor, and type of stressor. For lief within 30 minutes following use of pain
example: Acute pain due to extensive soft relief measures.
tissue injury as evidenced by clients report 11. Practice and Research: To be fully effec-
of pain illustrates client system (individ- tive, practice must be guided by the use of
ual/Victor), level of response (secondary), research findings. For Victors case, the care-
client variable responding to stressor (physi- givers should be able to apply current find-
ological), source of stressor (intrasystem), ings related to pain relief, mobility following
and type of stressor (pain/physiological). orthopedic injuries, impact of home school-
8. Goals: The goal for each diagnosis is deter- ing on early adolescent development, and
mined through negotiation between the so on. In turn, problems encountered in
client and caregiver. For example, using the practice engender new research questions.
diagnosis of acute pain, the goal might be For example, Victors nurse may question
that Victor would experience pain relief. how best to coordinate future home care
9. Typology of Caregiver Actions: Victors case for a Spanish-speaking family across cultural
illustrates the need for caregiver actions as barriers.

The Health Care Team as a Client System

The fourth practice guideline stipulates that one participant in practice is a client system
made up of an entire health care team. Indeed, the Neuman Systems Model provides a
useful tool to lead and support an entire health care team as a client system. The client as
the focus of concern is the health care professionals and any laypersons who are team
members. All five client system variables are relevant when considering the health care
team as a client system, and effective leadership involves supporting the teams wellness
in each variable area. When viewing the health care team, the physiological variable in-
cludes the physical status and abilities of each team member. The psychological variable
includes the emotional status of each team member, and how that emotional status is
influenced by the teams work environment. The sociocultural variable includes the inter-
personal relationships among team members and the effects of each members cultural
background on team processes. The developmental variable includes the impact of gen-
erational differences on the teams relationships and age-based differences in stamina and
abilities. The spiritual variable includes differences among team members in spiritual
awareness and in denominational beliefs and practices.
148 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

A health care team is vulnerable to stressors that can disrupt its stability. The teams
flexible line of defense is its ability to respond quickly to stressors that threaten its effec-
tive functioning, such as the unplanned absence of one member. The normal line of de-
fense is the usual wellness level of the team as a system, which depends on the usual
wellness level of all persons on the team. A stressor that could threaten the normal line of
defense would be the simultaneous long-term illnesses of several team members. The
teams lines of resistance are the resources that support its ability to function following
disruption of the normal line of defense, such as having team members who could as-
sume the responsibilities of colleagues experiencing an extended absence. Stressors that
could threaten the lines of resistance would be factors such as administrative policies or
conflicting time demands that interfere with mobilization of these resources.
Prevention as intervention for a health care team includes actions to promote the
teams wellness before, during, and after reactions to stressors. An example of a primary
prevention intervention is providing education to protect against known stressors in the
workplace. An example of a secondary prevention intervention is screening for early
symptoms of workplace-related illnesses. An example of a tertiary prevention interven-
tion is policies that support team members in returning to wellness following workplace-
related illnesses.
A case study of the health care team as the client system is given in Box 8-2. The
case study is a description of use of the Neuman Systems Model as a guide to leading a
medical mission team to Honduras. The case study also includes a summary of Neuman
Systems Modelbased nursing care, including diagnoses, goals, and outcomes. The model
served as a powerful tool for working with the diverse group of health care professionals
and laypersons that comprised this medical team. The model enabled the team leader to
conceptualize the group as a client, and to use prevention as intervention to address
stressors related to each client system variable.

BOX 8-2
Case Study: The Health Care Team as a Client System

The people who made up the mission team com- medicine on schedule) and against food poisoning
prised the aggregate client system. There were 22 (by avoiding the offending bacteria).
persons from six states, including physicians, nurse Potential psychological stressors included
practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, fear of the unknown and frustration due to living
students, and laypersons. The team ranged in age and working in difficult conditions. To address
from 14 to 70+. The trip leaders responsibilities these stressors, team members were given infor-
included helping this diverse group to unite as a mation and structure ahead of time in order to re-
team, and helping each person to perform the ac- duce the fear of the unknown and to diminish
tivities associated with his or her role on the team. frustration caused by unrealistic expectations. To
Numerous potential physiological stressors strengthen the psychological variable, it was im-
threatened the team, including tropical diseases portant to help each person to find a role on the
(such as malaria) and gastroenteritis caused by team in which he or she could contribute and feel
noxious bacteria. Team members needed to pro- valued.
tect themselves against malaria (by preventing Sociocultural stressors included language
mosquito bites and by taking the appropriate barriers and cultural differences (such as time
 Chapter 8 Neuman Systems ModelBased Practice: Guidelines and Practice Tools 149

management). Team members who had not in terms of work assignments and recreational
traveled previously in Honduras needed to know activities.
about the cultural differences they would Potential spiritual stressors included distress
encounter and about potentially dangerous that the team was not able to do more for the pa-
situationssuch as walking alone or displaying tients they treated, and discomfort when con-
expensive jewelry. Providing adequate translators fronted with the difference between life in
who could speak both Spanish and English fluent- America and life in Honduras (including access to
ly and had some medical background also helped basic health care). Group discussions helped team
address this stressor. members to share and debrief about their daily ex-
The developmental levels for this health periences, and to come to grips with the reality of
care team reflected an age range of 14 to the mid- what could be accomplished in a short time frame
70s. Potential developmental stressors included in- in Honduras. Daily devotionals and opportunities
tergenerational differences, such as the needs of to share and discuss experiences supported spiri-
adolescents to answer such questions as Who tual growth.
am I? and of adults to answer such questions as Neuman Systems Modelbased nursing care
How can I make a difference? The team also had for the medical mission team, including nursing di-
significant differences in physical stamina. Planning agnoses, goals, and outcomes, is summarized
is needed to accommodate physical differences below.

Nursing Diagnosis Nursing Goals Nursing Outcomes

(Primary Prevention) Client wellness will be Team members will

Knowledge deficit concerning supported by education experience no mosquito-
vector-borne diseases in tropical regarding protection from borne illnesses during and
regions mosquito bites. following travel in
Honduras.
(Secondary Prevention) Early symptoms of food Team members will
Potential for fluid and poisoning will be managed experience no lost days
electrolyte depletion related to appropriately to prevent fluid from clinic or recreational
ingestion of toxic bacteria and electrolyte loss. activities as the result of
food poisoning.
(Tertiary Prevention) Clients will have an opportunity Team members will report
Potential for spiritual distress to grow spiritually from positive spiritual
related to impact of experiences experiences shared on the development as a result
with health discrepancies mission trip. of experiences in
encountered among patients in Honduras.
Honduras

For more information about medical missions, see Volunteers in Medical Missions at http://www.vimm.org.

Conclusion
Guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased identified and described. Additional discus-
practice were discussed in this chapter, and sion of Neuman Systems Modelbased prac-
practice tools derived from the model were tice is provided in Chapters 15, 16, and 17.
150 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

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and interventions (pp. 115154). Baltimore: Mosby.
Williams & Wilkins. Stepans, M.B.F., & Knight, J.R. (2002). Application
Murphy, N. G. (1990). Factors associated with breast- of Neumans framework: Infant exposure to en-
feeding success and failure: A systematic integra- vironmental tobacco smoke. Nursing Science
tive review. Masters Abstract International, Quarterly, 15, 327-334.
28, 275. Trpanier, M. J., Dunn, S. I., & Sprague, A. E.
Neuman, B. (1974). The Betty Neuman health-care (1995). Application of the Neuman systems
systems model: A total person approach to model to perinatal nursing. In B. Neuman (Ed.),
patient problems. In J. P. Riehl & C. Roy (Eds.), The Neuman systems model (3rd ed., pp.
Conceptual models for nursing practice (pp. 309320). Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange.
99114). New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Young, A., Taylor, S.G., & McLaughlin-Renpenning,
Neuman, B. (1982). The Neuman systems model: K. (2001). Connections: Nursing research,
Application to nursing education and practice. theory, and practice. St. Louis: Mosby.
Norwalk, CT: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Ziegler, S. M. (1982). Taxonomy for nursing diagnosis
Neuman, B. (1989). The Neuman systems model derived from the Neuman systems model. In B.
(2nd ed.). Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange. Neuman (Ed.), The Neuman systems model:
Neuman, B. (1995). The Neuman systems model Application to nursing education and practice
(3rd ed.). Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange. (pp. 5568). Norwalk, CT: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
    
CHAPTER 9
Guidelines for Neuman
Systems ModelBased
Administration of Health
Care Services
Barbara F. Shambaugh
Betty Neuman
Jacqueline Fawcett

Although the Neuman Systems Model was developed as a way to organize clinical course
content and wholistic nursing practice (Neuman, 1982; Neuman & Young, 1972), the model
is easily adapted by administrators for the management of health care services in all fields,
including nursing, medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy,
and so on. Consequently, both practitioners and administrators from all health care fields
can use the same frame of reference for their activities, which strengthens interdisciplinary,
multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary communication. Moreover, the use of a common
conceptual model, common language, and a common commitment to wholistic health care
offers a unique opportunity for provision of the highest quality of health care, as well as for
managerial excellence.
Recall from Chapter 8 that interdisciplinary practice calls for collaboration among
practitioners from two or more health care fields to resolve client system problems using
discipline-specific conceptual models or an integration of concepts from the various con-
ceptual models. Multidisciplinary research focuses on client system problems requiring
the attention of members of diverse health care fields though use of discipline-specific
conceptual models as the client is treated sequentially by practitioners of each field.
Transdisciplinary practice again focuses on common client system problems but the prac-
tices of members of various health care fields is guided by a single conceptual model.
The application of the Neuman Systems Model for use in the administration of
health care services requires a modification in the focus of the four nursing metaparadigm
concepts. Human beings become the staff of a clinical agency, the department of nursing

153
154 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

as a whole, and the entire clinical agency, as well as any larger health care organization
with which the clinical agency is affiliated. Environment becomes the surroundings of the
staff and the setting in which nursing administration occurs, as well as the relevant sur-
roundings of the department, agency, and organization. Health becomes the wellness or
illness state of the staff, as well as of the entire clinical agency and the larger health care
organization. Nursing (or other health care field) becomes the management strategies and
the administrative policies used by administrators on behalf of or in conjunction with the
staff and the entire health care organization.
In this chapter, guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased administration of
health care services are identified. These guidelines are applicable to the administration
of services in any field of health care. The chapter includes a discussion of each guideline
and an explanation of how the Neuman Systems Model facilitates implementation of
wholistic administration of health care services.

THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL ADMINISTRATION GUIDELINES

Guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased nursing practice were extracted from the
content of the model several years ago (Fawcett, Botter, Burritt, Crossley, & Fink, 1989).
Those guidelines were refined by Sanders and Kelley (2002), further refined as the result
of earlier dialogue among the authors of this chapter (Shambaugh, Neuman, & Fawcett,
2002), and still further refined for this chapter. Although the guidelines initially were tar-
geted to nursing, our interest in the use of the Neuman Systems Model across all health
care fields called for the extrapolation of the guidelines for use by administrators of all
health care services. Consequently, the guidelines listed in Table 9-1 have been written
for the administrators of all health care services.

Focus of Health Care Services

The first guideline stipulates that the focus of Neuman Systems Modelbased health care
services is the client system, which can be individuals, families, groups, and communities.
The administrator regards the collective staff as a client system that is a composite of phys-
iological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual variables. The admin-
istrator also may regard each department of a health care institution as the client system.
The client system is the focal point for the administrators activities. Thus, the iden-
tification of a particular entity as the client system of interest to the administrator is a cru-
cial first step in the use of the Neuman Systems Model as a guide for the administration of
health care services. The client system most likely is identified by virtue of the administra-
tors particular role in the health care organization. For example, the chief executive offi-
cer most likely would identify all personnel in the entire health care organization as the
client system, whereas a nurse manager most likely would identify the staff of a particu-
lar clinical unit in the organization as the client system.
Regardless of the client system of interest, the administrator realizes that that the
system is made up of human beings and attends to the physiological, psychological, soci-
ocultural, developmental, and spiritual aspects of that client system. In addition, the ad-
ministrator always remembers that health care is directed to human beings, so that the
services exist for the sake of those human beings rather than for the organization per se.
Chapter 9 Guidelines for Neuman Systems ModelBased Administration of Health Care Services 155

TABLE 9-1 Guidelines for Administration of Neuman Systems ModelBased

Health Care Services

Guideline Description

1. Focus of Health The focus of Neuman Systems Modelbased health care services is
Care Services the client system, which can be individuals, families, groups, and
communities. The administrator regards the collective staff as a
client system that is a composite of physiological, psychological,
sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual variables. The administrator
also may regard each department of a clinical agency or the larger
health care institution as the client system.
2. Purpose of The purpose of the administration of health care services is to
Administration of facilitate the delivery of the primary, secondary, and tertiary
Health Care Services prevention interventions that will best help client systems to retain,
attain, and maintain optimal stability.
3. Characteristics Health care personnel, including administrators and practitioners,
of Health Care must have knowledge of the content of the Neuman Systems Model,
Personnel as well as a willingness to implement this conceptual model as a
guide for administration and practice. Personnel also must appreciate
systems thinking.
4. Settings for Health Each setting is regarded as a health care client system. Health care
Care Services services are located in settings in which primary, secondary, and
tertiary prevention is appropriate, including but not limited to
ambulatory clinics, acute care medical centers, community hospitals,
rehabilitation units, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and
universities, prisons, retirement communities, life care communities,
assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospices, clients homes,
community centers, and neighborhood streets and sidewalks.
5. Management Management strategies and administrative policies focus on the
Strategies and staff, the departments, or the total institution as the client system
Administrative of the administrator, who uses management practices that take into
Policies account the impact of stressors on the client system and promote
optimal client system stability.

Purpose of Administration of Health Care Services

The second guideline stipulates that the purpose of the administration of health care serv-
ices is to facilitate the delivery of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interven-
tions that will best help client systems to retain, attain, and maintain optimal stability. This
guideline focuses attention on the need to think within a prevention perspective. That is,
all interventions are directed toward preventive practices that will foster optimal client
system stability and prevent the occurrence or extension of stressor reactions. Moreover,
this guideline focuses the administrators attention on the management strategies and ad-
ministrative policies that best facilitate the delivery of prevention interventions.
156 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

Characteristics of Health Care Personnel

The third guideline stipulates that health care personnel, including administrators and
practitioners, must have knowledge of the content of the Neuman Systems Model, as well
as a willingness to implement this conceptual model as a guide for administration and
practice. Comprehensive understanding of the content of the Neuman Systems Model is,
of course, mandatory for any application. Readers are referred to the primary source
Chapter 1 of this bookas well as to Fawcetts (2005) analysis and evaluation of the
Neuman Systems Model.
The willingness to implement the Neuman Systems Model as the guide for adminis-
tration and practice requires a commitment to a particular wholistic frame of reference
and a particular way of thinking about the administration of health care services and the
focus of those services. It follows, then, that the third guideline also stipulates that per-
sonnel also must appreciate systems thinking. Indeed, the key to successful Neuman
Systems Modelbased administration of health care services is comprehensive under-
standing of general systems theory, as explained by Bertalanffy (1968) in his landmark
treatise on living open systems. Successful administration also is facilitated by under-
standing knowledge from various adjunctive disciplines that contributed to the devel-
opment of the Neuman Systems Model, such as de Chardins (1955) philosophical beliefs
about the wholeness of life and various perspectives of stress (Lazarus, 1981; Selye, 1950).

Settings for Health Care Services

The fourth guideline stipulates that each setting is a health care client system, and that
health care services are located in settings in which primary, secondary, and tertiary pre-
vention is appropriate, including but not limited to ambulatory clinics, acute care medical
centers, community hospitals, rehabilitation units, elementary and secondary schools, col-
leges and universities, prisons, retirement communities, life care communities, assisted
living facilities, nursing homes, hospices, clients homes, community centers, and neigh-
borhood streets and sidewalks. This means that administration of health care services is
not limited to designated health care organizations but also is needed in any setting in
which all members of the health care team are engaged in helping clients to attain, retain,
or maintain optimal system stability.

Management Strategies and Administrative Policies

The fifth guideline stipulates that management strategies and administrative policies focus
on the staff, the departments, or the total institution as the client system of the administra-
tor, who uses management practices that take into account the impact of stressors on the
client system and promote optimal client system stability. Optimal stability means that
there is harmony among the five client system variablesphysiological, psychological,
sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual. The client systems potential for optimal sta-
bility may vary with events that occur within a particular department or health care organ-
ization, as well as events and policies that affect the delivery and financing of all health
care services. Thus, the administrator must devise and use dynamic management strate-
gies and administrative policies that are sensitive to changes in the organization, the client
system, and the larger health care arena.
Chapter 9 Guidelines for Neuman Systems ModelBased Administration of Health Care Services 157

IMPLEMENTING THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL IN

HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
A turbulent health care landscape provides both challenges and opportunities for the ad-
ministration of health care services. Changes in practice sites, payment methods, insur-
ance programs, and population demographics have upset the vision of established organ-
izations and clinicians. New visions must be bold and progressive. The administration
and delivery of health care services require a new web of relationships between and
among multidisciplinary administrators and clinicians, new services to constituents, and a
business environment focused on wholistic services. Use of the Neuman Systems Model
by administrators can greatly facilitate development of requisite relationships, services,
and a humanistic business environment. In particular, the Neuman Systems Model guides
identification of political, regulatory, and ethical stressors that affect the administration
and delivery of health care services. The economic viability of the health care organiza-
tion is protected when such stressors are identified and appropriate prevention interven-
tions are developed.
The Neuman Systems Model can guide articulation of the philosophy, vision, and
mission of the health care organization and each unit of that organization. Management
practices and administrative policies, which can be structured according to primary, sec-
ondary, and tertiary prevention interventions, follow from those statements. For example,
primary prevention administrative interventions could include recruitment and retention
of well-qualified personnel for all positions in an organization, in-depth education and a
strong orientation program for all administrators and staff, promotion of ongoing profes-
sional development of all administrators and staff through attendance at local seminars
and national and international conferences, clear lines of communication, promotion of
effective interpersonal relations, and responsible and equitable use of economic re-
sources. Secondary prevention administrative interventions could include clarification of
communications to all client systems, early identification of noxious stressors, problem
solving by individuals and groups within the organization, and use of economic and
other resources to support the organization, administrators, and staff. Tertiary prevention
administrative interventions could include articulation of a renewed commitment to the
Neuman Systems Model and the promotion of optimal client system stability, use of nego-
tiation as a management strategy, continued education of administrators and staff, and,
once again, clear communication.
The cost containment measures undertaken by health care organizations during the
past several years have resulted in a flattening of organizational structures through re-
moval of various layers of managers and supervisors. Consequently, there is considerable
need for further development of the leadership capabilities of staff through continuing
education, mentoring, and coaching. The Neuman Systems Model is an ideal conceptual
model for such activities because its wholistic perspective fosters a broad view of situa-
tions, events, and services that can accommodate changes in policies, while at the same
time inform policy.
Moreover, inasmuch as the systems perspective in which the Neuman Systems
Model is grounded is prevalent in many contemporary health care organizations, it is eas-
ily understood and accepted by administrators and practitioners of all health care fields.
Furthermore, the systems perspective of the Neuman Systems Model provides a context
158 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

for processing the large amounts of critical and sometimes conflicting information that
come to the administrator. The Neuman Systems Model goal of optimal client system sta-
bility provides an additional and more specific context for information processing. Thus,
the administrator does not have to wonder what to do with all the informationthe goal
of information processing is decisions that will promote optimal stability of the client sys-
tem of interest. As Neuman (1982) pointed out many years ago, We must emphatically
refuse to deal with single components, but instead relate to the concept of wholeness. We
need to think and act systematically. Systems thinking enables us to effectively handle all
parts of a system simultaneously in an interrelated manner, thus avoiding the fragmented
and isolated nature of past functioning in [health care] (p. 1).
The strength of the Neuman Systems Model for administration of health care services
is the organizing framework it provides for administrative activities. Paraphrasing Tylers
(1949) admonition to educators, administrators are encouraged to recognize that [admin-
istrative] experiences need to be organized to achieve continuity, sequence, and integra-
tion, and that major elements must be identified to serve as organizing threads for these
[administrative] experiences. It is also essential to identify the organizing principles by
which these threads shall be woven together (p. 95). Excellent organizing principles flow,
of course, from the content of Neuman Systems Model.

Conclusion
Guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased Chapters 19 and 20. A list of health care organ-
administration of health care services were pre- izations that have used the Neuman Systems
sented in this chapter. Discussion of Neuman Model as a guide for health care services is
Systems Modelguided administration of health given in Appendix F.
care services in two hospitals is provided in

References
Bertalanffy, L. (1968). General system theory. (pp. 143154). Boston: Blackwell Scientific
New York: Braziller. Publications.
de Chardin, P. T. (1955). The phenomenon of man. Lazarus, R. (1981). The stress and coping paradigm.
London: Collins. In C. Eisdorfer, D. Cohen, A. Kleinman, &
Fawcett, J. (2005). Contemporary nursing knowl- P. Maxim (Eds.), Models for clinical psy-
edge: Analysis and evaluation of nursing models chopathology (pp. 177214). New York: SP
and theories (2nd ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis. Medical and Scientific Books.
Fawcett, J., Botter, M. L., Burritt, J., Crossley, J. D., Neuman, B. (1982). The Neuman systems model:
& Fink, B. B. (1989). Conceptual models of Application to nursing education and practice.
nursing and organization theories. In B. Henry, Norwalk, CT: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
M. DiVincenti, C. Arndt, & A. Marriner-Tomey Neuman, B., & Young, R. J. (1972). A model for
(Eds.), Dimensions of nursing administration: teaching total person approach to patient prob-
Theory, research, education, and practice lems. Nursing Research, 21, 264269.
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Sanders, N. F., & Kelley, J. A. (2002). The Neuman Shambaugh, B. F., Neuman, B., & Fawcett, J. (2002).
systems model and administration of nursing Guidelines for Neuman systems model-based
services: An integrative review. In B. Neuman & administration of health care services. In B.
J. Fawcett (Eds.), The Neuman systems model Neuman & J. Fawcett (Eds.), The Neuman sys-
(4th ed., pp. 271287). Upper Saddle River, NJ: tems model (4th ed., pp. 265270). Upper Saddle
Prentice Hall. River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Selye, H. (1950). The physiology and pathology of Tyler, R. (1949). Basic principles of curriculum and
exposure to stress. Montreal: ACTA. instruction. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
    
CHAPTER 10
Neuman Systems ModelBased
Research: Guidelines and
Instruments
Margaret Louis
Eileen Gigliotti
Betty Neuman
Jacqueline Fawcett

The Neuman Systems Model was initially envisioned as an organizing schema for clinical
courses (Neuman & Young, 1972). Within just a few years, however, the model was being
used to direct nursing research. When used as the basis for research, the focus of the four
nursing metaparadigm conceptshuman beings, environment, health, and nursing
must be modified. Human beings become the research participants and the researchers;
environment becomes the setting in which the research takes place or the situation that
is required for a prevention intervention; health becomes the wellness or illness state of
the research participants; and nursingor the concept that refers to another health care
disciplinebecomes the research procedures(s) employed in the resolution of the prob-
lem under study, which results in the data collected and analyzed to answer the study
questions or test the study hypotheses.
In this chapter, guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased research are identified, as
are many research instruments that have been derived directly from the Neuman Systems
Model to measure various concepts of the model. The guidelines are applicable to research
in any health care discipline and to interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary
research. The chapter includes a discussion of each guideline and an overview of the re-
search instruments, as well as an explanation of how use of the Neuman Systems Model
leads to middle-range theory development, which is the essence of evidence-based practice.

THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL RESEARCH GUIDELINES

Guidelines for using Neuman Systems Modelbased nursing research were extracted from
the content of the model several years ago (Fawcett, 1989) and were refined over time
160
 Chapter 10 Neuman Systems ModelBased Research: Guidelines and Instruments 161

(Fawcett, 1995a, 2000, 2005; Louis, Neuman, & Fawcett, 2002). The refinements were
initiated by a conversation among the Neuman Systems Model trustees (personal communi-
cation, April 24, 1993) and discussions of Neuman Systems Modelbased research found in
the literature (Gigliotti, 1997; Grant, Kinney, & Davis, 1993; Neuman, 1996). The most recent
refinements are the result of dialogue among the authors of this chapter. The guidelines ini-
tially were targeted to nursing but they can be used by other disciplines concerned with the
study of the health of individuals, families, and communities. Consequently, the guidelines
listed in Table 10-1 have been written for researchers in all health care disciplines.

Purpose of Research
The first guideline stipulates that the purpose of Neuman Systems Modelbased research
is to predict the effectiveness of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions
on retention, attainment, and maintenance of client system stability. This means that the
ultimate focus of the research is to determine whether prevention interventions are effec-
tive ways to retain, attain, or maintain the stability of a client system. This guideline must
be considered within the context of the progression of research necessary for building the
knowledge base of a discipline. To build a strong Neuman Systems Modelbased science,
tests of prevention interventions should be based on or follow adequate descriptions and
explanation of the phenomena being studied. In other words, descriptive and correction-
al research is needed prior to quasi-experimental or experimental research to test the ef-
fectiveness of prevention interventions (Fawcett, 1999).
The first guideline also stipulates that Neuman Systems Modelbased research is
used to determine the cost, benefit, and utility of prevention interventions with attention
paid to the efficiency of prevention interventions. Efficiency is best viewed within an eco-
nomic context. Fawcett and Russell (2001) explained that the economic principle of effi-
ciency demands that the services produced by a society have the highest attainable total
value, given limited resources and technology (p. 111).
To adequately assess efficiency, both production and allocative efficiency must be
considered. Production efficiency refers to producing or delivering effective prevention
interventions at the lowest possible cost, focuses attention on the costs of delivering par-
ticular preventions interventions associated with Neuman Systems Model practice
processes, and is determined by cost-effectiveness analysis. This type of economic analy-
sis involves the systematic study of effects and costs of alternative methods or programs
for achieving the same objective. In the case of Neuman Systems Modelbased research,
the objective is optimal client system stability.
In contrast, allocative efficiency refers to maximizing population health given
existing constraints; and it focuses attention on the level of personnel, technology, and ex-
penditures that produce the maximum effect, as well as on the frequency and dose of
prevention interventions that produce the maximum effect and are determined by cost-
benefit analysis. This type of economic analysis involves study of one or more methods or
programs for achieving a given objectiveoptimal client system stability in the case of the
Neuman Systems Modeland measurement of both benefits and costs in monetary units.

Phenomena of Interest
The second guideline stipulates that the phenomena to be studied encompass the concepts
of the Neuman Systems Model: physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental,
162 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

TABLE 10-1 Guidelines for Neuman Systems ModelBased Research

Guideline Description

1. Purpose of One purpose of Neuman Systems Modelbased research is to predict the effec-
Research tiveness of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions on reten-
tion, attainment, and maintenance of client system stability. Another purpose is
to determine the cost, benefit, and utility of prevention interventions.
2. Phenomena The phenomena of interest encompass the physiological, psychological,
of Interest sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual variables; the properties of the
central core of the client/client system; the properties of the flexible and
normal lines of defense and the lines of resistance; the characteristics of
the internal, external, and created environments; the characteristics of
intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors; and the elements
of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions.
3. Problems to The precise problems to be studied are those dealing with the impact of
Be Studied stressors on client system stability with regard to physiological, psychological,
sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual variables, as well as the lines of
defense and resistance.
4. Research Research designs encompass both inductive and deductive research using
Methods qualitative and quantitative approaches and associated instruments.
(Instruments directly derived from the Neuman Systems Model are listed in
Table 10-2.) Data encompass both the client systems and researchers
perceptions, and may be collected in inpatient, ambulatory, home, and
community settings.
5. Research Research participants can be a client system of individuals, families, groups,
Participants communities, organizations, or collaborative relationships between two or
more individuals. The researcher also is a participant in the research and
contributes his or her perceptions of the client systems perceptions and
responses.
6. Data Analysis Data analysis techniques associated with both qualitative and quantitative
Techniques research designs are appropriate. Quantitative data analysis techniques
should consider the flexible line of defense as a moderator variable and the
lines of resistance as a mediator variable. Secondary data analysis techniques
may be used to recast existing research findings within the context of the
Neuman Systems Model.
7. Contributions Neuman Systems Modelbased research findings advance understanding of
to Knowledge the influence of prevention interventions on the relation between stressors
Development and client system stability.
8. Research and Research is linked to practice through the use of research findings to direct
Practice practice. In turn, problems encountered in practice give rise to new research
questions.
 Chapter 10 Neuman Systems ModelBased Research: Guidelines and Instruments 163

and spiritual variables; the central core of the client system; the flexible and normal lines of
defense and the lines of resistance; the internal, external, and created environments; inter-
personal, intrapersonal, and extrapersonal stressors; and primary, secondary, and tertiary
prevention interventions. Although the most comprehensive studies would incorporate all
of those concepts, any one study may involve one, two, or a few of the concepts.
Accordingly, a description of types of stressors or an explanation of the relation between a
particular type of stressor and a physiological stressor reaction, for example, is appropriate
subject matter for Neuman Systems Modelbased research.

Problems to Be Studied
The third guideline stipulates that the precise problems to be studied are those dealing
with the impact of stressors on the stability of the client system with regard to physiolog-
ical, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual variables, as well as the
flexible and normal lines of defense and the lines of resistance. This guideline should not
be interpreted to mean that descriptive and/or correlational studies cannot be conducted.
Rather, the guideline directs researchers to consider how the types of stressors encoun-
tered by a person, a family, or a community might be used in future research designed to
examine the impact of those stressors on one of the lines of defense, the lines of resist-
ance, and/or one or more of the client system variables.

Research Methods
The fourth guideline addresses research methods. It stipulates that research designs en-
compass both middle-range theorygenerating and testing research using qualitative,
quantitative, and mixed method designs, as well as relevant samples, instruments, and
data collection procedures. To date, no specific research methodologies have been de-
rived from the Neuman Systems Model. Consequently, any qualitative, quantitative, or
mixed method research design that is logically compatible with the model may be used.
Here, it is important to recognize the need to uncouple or separate the particular meth-
ods from the frame of reference from which it was derived when used within the context
of the Neuman Systems Model. For example, grounded theory methods were developed
within the context of a sociological frame of reference that encompasses a basic social
problem, a social process, and a trajectory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). If a researcher wished
to use grounded theory methods to study Neuman Systems Model phenomena, the
techniques of grounded theory, such as theoretical sampling and constant comparative
analysis, would have to be uncoupled or separated from the original sociological frame of
reference. If a particular research technique cannot be separated from its original frame of
reference, it would not be appropriate for use with the Neuman Systems Model.
Furthermore, the methods selected must take into account another aspect of this
guideline, namely, that data encompass both the clients and the researchers perceptions.
This aspect of the fourth guideline is a direct derivative of the Neuman Systems Model
Process Format, which takes into account both the clients and the caregivers perceptions
when formulating diagnoses, goals, and outcomes.
Still another aspect of the fourth guideline stipulates that data may be collected in
inpatient, ambulatory, home, and community settings. This aspect is a direct derivative of
the sites considered appropriate for Neuman Systems Modelbased practice.
164 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS DERIVED FROM THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL Finally, the
fourth guideline stipulates that research instruments should be appropriate measures of
Neuman Systems Model concepts. Knowledge is developed and expanded through the
generation, testing, and utilization of middle-range theories. Every theory-development
effort is guided by a particular conceptual model that provides the sociohistorical and
intellectual context for thinking about theories, for conducting research to generate and
test the theories, and for utilizing the theories in practice. The success of every theory-
development effort depends in large part on the selection of appropriate research meth-
ods, especially the instruments that measure the concepts of the theory. Instruments used
with qualitative research designs should yield word data that are dependable and credi-
ble, and instruments used with quantitative designs should yield numerical data that are
reliable and valid (Fawcett & Garity, 2009). The research instruments that have been di-
rectly derived from the Neuman Systems Model are listed in Table 10-2. Detailed explana-
tions about many of the instruments listed in Table 10-2 are available in Gigliotti and
Fawcett (2002).
To date, 25 different instruments have been directly derived from the Neuman
Systems Model. As can be seen in Table 10-2, instruments derived from the Neuman
Systems Model can be used to measure stressors, client system perceptions, client system

TABLE 10-2 Research Instruments Derived from the Neuman Systems Model

Research Instruments and Citation Description

Measurements of Stressors
Smoking Questionnaire (Cantin & Mitchell, Measures stressors in the form of nurses age,
1989; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) sex, education, work area, and setting.
Smoking Habits Questionnaire (Stepans & Measures the smoking habits of the mothers as
Fuller, 1999; Stepans & Knight, 2002) an indicator of their infants exposure to
environmental tobacco smoke.
Needs Assessment Interview Schedule (Decker & Measures caregivers (of home hospice
Young, 1991; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) patients) life situation.
Neuman Stressors Inductive Interviews (Blank, Measures home care needs and stressors of
Clark, Longman, & Atwood, 1989; Gigliotti & cancer patients and their caregivers.
Fawcett, 2002)
Telephone Interview Schedule and Health Measures physical, mental, social, economic,
Interview Schedule (Bowdler & Barrell, 1987; and general health of homeless persons and
Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) care providers.
Self-identified Needs Questionnaire (Grant & Measures self-identified needs of caregivers of
Bean, 1992; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) head-injured adults.
Hospital and Home Visits (Johnson, 1983; Measures stressors and coping patterns.
Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002)
Semi-structured Interview Guide (Maligalig, Measures parents (of children who had day
1994; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) surgery) perceptions of stressors.
 Chapter 10 Neuman Systems ModelBased Research: Guidelines and Instruments 165

TABLE 10-2 (continued)

Research Instruments and Citation Description

Logs of Problems, Solutions, Actions Measures physical and psychological problems

(Skipwith, 1994; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) of caregivers of elders.
Cancer Survivors Questionnaire (Loescher Measures physiological, psychological, and
et al., 1990; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) sociocultural changes and problems/concerns
of long-term cancer survivors.
Interview Schedule (Gries & Fernsler, 1988; Measures perception of the intubation
Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) experience of mechanically ventilated patients.
Neuman Model Nursing Assessment Guide Measures the impact of aging and retirement.
(Hoch, 1987; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002)
The Perceived Stress Level Tool (Open-Ended Measures stressors of wives of alcoholics.
Stressor Rank) (Montgomery & Craig, 1990;
Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002)
Patient Stressor Scale (Wilson, 1987; Gigliotti Measures patients perceptions of surgical
& Fawcett, 2002) intensive care unit stressors.
Measurement of Coping Strategies
Coping with Breast Cancer Threat Instrument Measures primary prevention and early
(Lancaster, 2004) detection coping strategies used by women with
family histories of breast cancer in response to
their appraised breast cancer threat.
Measurement of Lines of Defense
and Resistance and Client System
Responses
Semi-structured Interview Schedule (Semple, Measures stressors and experiences of
1995; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) family members of persons with Huntingtons
disease.
Cancer Survivors Questionnaire (Loescher et Measures needs of long-term cancer survivors.
al., 1990; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002)
Needs Assessment
Semi-structured Interview Guide (Bass, 1991; Measures needs of parents of infants in a
Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) neonatal intensive care unit.
Measurement of Various Neuman Systems
Model Concepts
The Safety Assessment Tool (Gellner et al., Records demographic data and risk factors,
1994; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) safety issues, and incident prevention/
intervention for community health nurses.
Measurement of Client System Perceptions
Semi-structured Interview Guide (Cava, 1992; Measures long-term cancer survivors major
Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) stress area, coping strategies, changes in
lifestyle, views of the future, and expectations
of support from others.
(continued)
166 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

TABLE 10-2 (continued)

Research Instruments and Citation Description

Patient Perception Interview Guide Measures end-stage renal disease patients

(Breckenridge, 1997b; Gigliotti & Fawcett, perceptions of why, how, and by whom dialysis
2002) treatment modality was chosen.
Elder Abuse Questionnaire (Kottwitz & Measures perception of abuse of elderly
Bowling, 2003) persons; items reflect the five client system
variables.
Measurement of Client System Variables
Structured Interview Guide (Clark et al., 1991; Measures trust, support, and respect.
Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002)
Client Perception Interview Guide Measures factors influencing dialysis treatment
(Breckenridge, 1997a; Gigliotti & Fawcett, modality decision.
2002)
Demographic Profile (Montgomery & Craig, Records demographic information.
1990; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002)
Measurement of Prevention Interventions
Telephone Counseling Intervention (Skipwith, Protocol for telephone counseling primary,
1994; Gigliotti & Fawcett, 2002) secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions
for caregivers of elders.
Documentation of Nursing Care Spiritual Care Measures spiritual care and psychosocial care
Scale (Carrigg & Weber, 1997; Gigliotti & given by nurses.
Fawcett, 2002)

needs, the five client system variables, coping strategies, the lines of defense and resist-
ance, and client system responses. In addition, one instrument is a protocol for a preven-
tion intervention, and another is an instrument used to document Neuman Systems
Modelguided nursing care. Most of the instruments yield quantitative data. A few, such
as the Patient Perception Interview Guide, the Semi-Structured Interview Guide, and the
Neuman Stressors Inductive Interviews, yield qualitative data.
Two of the instruments appear more than once in Table 10-2. The Patient
Perception Interview Guide was used to measure patients perceptions of why, how, and
by whom dialysis treatment modality was chosen in one study. Data from the same in-
strument, but labeled the Client Perception Interview Guide, was used to measure factors
influencing dialysis treatment modality decision in another study. The Cancer Survivors
Questionnaire was used in the same study to measure cancer survivors physiological,
psychological, and sociocultural changes and problems/concerns, as well as their needs.
Many other existing instruments, which were not derived from the Neuman Systems
Model, have been explicitly linked to specific concepts of the model, including stressors,
 Chapter 10 Neuman Systems ModelBased Research: Guidelines and Instruments 167

lines of defense and resistance, client system variables, client system responses, environ-
mental factors, and health. In addition, several existing instruments have been used to
measure outcomes of prevention interventions. Details about the linkages of existing in-
struments to concepts of the Neuman Systems Model are provided in Gigliotti and
Fawcett (2002).

Research Participants
The fifth guideline stipulates that research participants can be client systems composed of
individuals, families, groups, communities, or organizations. This means that the legiti-
mate participants in Neuman Systems Modelbased research encompass all client systems
of interest in the model. Care must be taken to clearly identify the client system of inter-
est. For example, if families are to be the study participants, then each family is consid-
ered the unit of analysis, rather than the individuals who comprise the family. Feetham
(1991) and Sullivan and Fawcett (1991) note that the responses of individuals who are
members of particular families should not be considered family data; rather they refer to
those responses as family-related or individual-level data. In contrast, family data are the
responses of the family unit as a whole or the conversion of data from two or more mem-
bers of each family into a single score. Similarly, if the client system is a group or a com-
munity, the entire group or community must be considered the unit of analysis, rather
than the individuals who happen to be members of the group or community.
In addition, the fifth guideline stipulates that the researcher also is a study partici-
pant. This portion of the guideline follows from the fourth guideline, which specifies that
both clients and researchers perceptions should be taken into account. Accordingly, the
researcher must be a participant in the study. Although researchers participate in all stud-
ies by virtue of their selection of the research questions and methodology, the Neuman
Systems Model requires researchers to document their perceptions of client systems re-
sponses to the questions posed. For example, if a study focuses on clients levels of anx-
iety about an extrapersonal stressor, such as laboratory test, the researchers must record
the clients responses to the instrument that measures anxiety, as well as their own per-
ceptions of each clients level of anxiety.

Data Analysis Techniques

The sixth guideline stipulates that data analysis techniques associated with both qualita-
tive and quantitative research designs are appropriate. This guideline requires that care
must be taken to select the data analysis technique that is logically compatible with the
particular research design used and also with the Neuman Systems Model. As noted in the
discussion of the fourth guideline, it is important to uncouple the data analysis technique
from its parent frame of reference. Furthermore, in keeping with the fifth guideline, data
analysis techniques must permit comparisons of study participants own perceptions and
the researchers perceptions of the study participants.
The sixth guideline also stipulates that quantitative data analysis techniques should
consider the flexible line of defense as a moderator variable that cushions or reduces the
impact of stressors. Gigliotti (1997) explained that inasmuch as the flexible line of defense
is a cushion or buffer that is activated in response to a stressor, any variable representing
168 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

this line of defense should be regarded as a moderator variable, which specifies the con-
ditions under which effects will hold and has no correlation to the predictor or outcome
variable (pp. 138139). Quantitative data analysis techniques also should consider the
lines of resistance as a mediator variable that comes between or blocks the stressor from
having effect on the central core response. Gigliotti (1997) explained that inasmuch as the
lines of resistance are viewed as coming between a stressor and the central core, or
blocking the stressor from entering the central core, any variable representing these lines
should be regarded as a mediator variable, which enhances understanding of why cer-
tain effects occur (p. 141). In particular, a mediator variable specifies the following linear
path: x (the stressor) m (the lines of resistance) y (the central core). The term
variable as used here should not be confused with the five client system variables. Here,
variable is used in the research sense of empirical data. For example, the flexible line of
defense might be represented in a study by the number of hours of sleep during the past
24 hours experienced by each individual in a study. The research variable in this exam-
ple would be number of hours of sleep in the past 24 hours. The number of hours of
sleep in the past 24 hours then would be treated as a moderator variable in the data
analysis.
In addition, the sixth guideline stipulates that secondary data analysis, which in-
volves reanalysis of data collected for another purpose, can be used. More specifically,
secondary data analysis is a data analysis technique that can be used to recast data from
an existing study into the context of the Neuman Systems Model. Making use of existing
data for a different research purpose has economic benefits, in that the time, effort, and
personnel required for data collection are not necessary. Although frequently used for re-
analysis of quantitative datadata that are numberssecondary data analysis also can be
used for reanalysis of qualitative datadata that are words. An example of secondary
data analysis is given in Box 10-1.

BOX 10-1
Example of Secondary Data Analysis

The purpose of the original study was to identify of the secondary analysis for the psychological,
parishioners needs as the basis for evidence- sociocultural, and developmental variables are
based parish nursing. Responses to a survey ques- given in Table 10-3.
tionnaire were obtained from 2,565 individuals Further analysis revealed that programs and
who attended weekend church services. The ques- services in and for the parish reflected the Neuman
tionnaire included several multiple-choice items, Systems Model internal environment. The high rate
as well as two open-ended items. The purpose of of participation in parish activities indicated strong
the secondary analysis study was to identify flexible and normal lines of defense. The analysis
Neuman Systems Model concepts in the data, in- also revealed that the internal environment of the
cluding recoding of some data using the five client parish social ministry is a main reason for existence
system variables as a priori categories. of the parish. The social ministry is particularly vul-
Analysis of the data addressing the client sys- nerable to penetration of the central core, which
tem variables revealed that no questionnaire data would be reflected in an inability of the parish to
addressed the physiological variable. The results meet the spiritual needs of the parishioners.
 Chapter 10 Neuman Systems ModelBased Research: Guidelines and Instruments 169

TABLE 10-3 Results of a Secondary Analysis of Data*

Client System Variable and Questionnaire Item n %

Psychological Variable
Help with life changes (n = 1,836)
Family illness 210 11.4
Elder parent 126 6.9
Parenting classes/guidance 221 12.0
Loss 226 12.3
New child in family 92 5.0
Multiple areas 961 52.3
Sociocultural Variable
Race/ethnicity (n = 2,574)
African American 74 2.8
Asian 139 5.4
Caucasian 1,290 50.1
Filipino 521 20.4
Hispanic 311 12.1
Pacific Islander 49 1.9
Multiple 190 7.4
Developmental Variable
Age in years (n = 2,565)
<18 148 5.8
18 to 30 329 12.8
31 to 50 908 35.4
51 to 70 905 35.3
71 and older 275 10.7
Spiritual Variable
Participate in faith programs other than weekly services (n = 2,394)
Yes 534 2.3
Motivation to participate in faith programs other than weekly
services (n = 2,325)
Increased spiritual growth 1,083 46.6
Multiple reasons 782 33.6
Give service to others 172 7.4
Make new friend 169 7.3
Needs of my children 119 5.1
*Sample size varies for each item.
170 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

Contributions to Knowledge Development

The seventh guideline stipulates that Neuman Systems Modelbased research findings,
which are in the form of implicit or explicit middle-range theories (Fawcett & Garity,
2009), advance understanding of the effects of prevention interventions on the relation
between stressors and client system stability. Such an understanding is the ultimate goal
of Neuman Systems Modelbased research. It must not be forgotten, however, that each
of the many steps required to attain understanding of the effects of prevention interven-
tions contributes in its own equally valuable way to knowledge development. That is,
descriptive research designed to generate and test descriptive theories, and correlational
research designed to test explanatory theories, are as valuable in terms of knowledge
development as is experimental research designed to test predictive theories of the out-
comes of prevention interventions.

Research and Practice

The eighth guideline stipulates that research is linked to practice through the use of re-
search findings to direct practice, and that, in turn, problems encountered in practice give
rise to new research questions. This guideline means that the findings of Neuman Systems
Modelbased studies can be used to formulate recommendations regarding use of particu-
lar prevention interventions in clinical practice (Fawcett, 1995b; Louis, 1995). Furthermore,
practice problems can serve as a catalyst for new questions to be studied.

ISSUES IN THE APPLICATION OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS

MODEL RESEARCH GUIDELINES
Interdisciplinary, Multidisciplinary, and Transdisciplinary Research
The Neuman Systems Model is a conceptual model that is appropriate for use by members
of all health care disciplines; it is truly a transdisciplinary perspective that fosters collabora-
tion among members of various health care disciplines. Furthermore, the models transdis-
ciplinary perspective is in keeping with the promotion of interdisciplinary and multidiscipli-
nary approaches in contemporary practice and research and transdisciplinary approaches
to research (Grey & Connolly, 2008; McCloskey & Maas, 1998). Interdisciplinary research
calls for collaboration among researchers from two or more disciplines on a single study of
a common problem that is guided by discipline-specific conceptual models or an integra-
tion of concepts from the various conceptual models (Grey & Connolly). This approach to
research is thought to be superior to single-discipline research when the quality and cost of
health care are being considered (McCloskey & Maas).
Multidisciplinary research also focuses on problems that are common across disci-
plines but that researchers from various disciplines have examined in concurrent parallel
studies or one after the other using discipline-specific conceptual models (Grey &
Connolly, 2008). This research approach also has merit when health care quality and cost
are of concern, as well as when members of diverse disciplines contribute to identification
of client system diagnoses, design of prevention interventions to attain client system goals,
and evaluation of client system outcomes.
Transdisciplinary research again focuses on a common problem but the study is
conducted by a team of researchers from the various disciplines who are guided by a
 Chapter 10 Neuman Systems ModelBased Research: Guidelines and Instruments 171

single conceptual model (Grey & Connolly, 2008). This approach to research is thought
to hold great potential for development of new methodologies that will decrease the time
usually taken for translating research findings into practice (Grey & Connolly).
Despite considerable long-standing enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and multidisci-
plinary research, and more recent emphasis on the merits of transdisciplinary research, all
three approaches are not without risks to advancement of the discipline of nursing. As
McCloskey and Maas (1998) explained:

Nurses who always have wanted to be an equal partner on a health care team
are eagerly participating in and promoting the team approach. . . . [However,]
some nurses are abandoning discipline-specific successes because they have
been led to believe that a disciplinary focus is not consistent with an interdis-
ciplinary approach. We believe that a real danger for the profession of nursing
exists if this happens and that patient care will suffer from the loss of the nurs-
ing perspective and the accountability of nurses for their interventions. (p. 157)

Elaborating, Grey and Connolly (2008) noted: For our discipline, the use of trans-
disciplinary approaches might be seen as a threat because nursing science is still so new
and often needs to be defined for and defended to scientists from other fields. The poten-
tial exists for nursings unique contribution to the solution of complex problems to be
lost (p. 106).
Use of the Neuman Systems Model should help nurses avoid the risks and con-
tribute clearly and directly to the advancement of nursing knowledge. Although the
Neuman Systems Model research guidelines can and should be used to study the out-
comes of interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research, it is important
that the members of each discipline tailor the research guidelines to their discipline to
identify the distinctive outcomes of their disciplines prevention interventions, thereby ad-
vancing knowledge in all disciplines. For example, the first guideline directs all health re-
searchers to focus on the costs, benefits, and utility of prevention interventions. This
guideline can be tailored by nurse researchers to their special interest in identifying
nurse-sensitive outcomes and documenting those as outcomes of nursing practice to jus-
tify the utility of and payment for nursing services. This guideline can be considered a
mandate for nurse researchers to design studies that include the collection and analysis of
data related to the costs and benefits of nursing prevention interventions for individuals,
families, and communities.
The ideal Neuman Systems Modelbased study would clearly reflect all eight
Neuman Systems Model research guidelines and would be conducted by a team of re-
searchers from diverse health care disciplines. Such a study would consider all five client
system variables, the three types of stressors, the lines of defense and resistance, the cen-
tral core, and one or more types of prevention interventions. In addition, such a study
would include the clients perceptions as well as the researchers perceptions of the
clients.

Evidence-Based Practice
The current emphasis on evidence-based practice in all health care fields focuses on a tech-
nical-rational model of empirical research methods and evidence and denies or ignores the
172 Section 3 Neuman Systems Model Guidelines for Education, Practice, Administration

existence of the conceptual and theoretical components of research (Fawcett & Garity,
2009). Lack of attention to the conceptual model component of research prevents under-
standing of the sociohistorical and intellectual context of a study. Lack of attention to the
middle-range theory component of research prevents understanding of the type of evi-
dence generated or tested. Specifically, empirical research and other forms of inquiry yield
evidence in the form of empirical, aesthetic, ethical, personal knowing, and sociopolitical
middle-range theories (Fawcett & Garity; Fawcett et al., 2001). Lack of attention to the the-
oretical component of research also prevents understanding of why one variable is related
to another variable or why a particular prevention intervention is related to a particular
client system outcome. Acknowledging the conceptual and theoretical components of re-
search and thinking about theory as evidence removes any gap between theories and
practice and expands thinking from evidence-based practice to conceptual modelbased,
theory-guided practice, as evidence-based practice is equivalent to theory-guided practice
(Fawcett & Garity; Walker & Redman, 1999).

Conclusion
Guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased Model. Readers are referred to that chapter for
research were discussed in this chapter, and a diagram depicting linkages between the
research instruments derived from the model Neuman Systems Model, middle-range theory,
were identified and described. Inasmuch as and empirical indicators for a theory-testing
the ultimate goal of all research is to develop study of multiple role stress in mothers attend-
conceptual modelbased middle-range theo- ing college (Figure 21-1), and a diagram of the
ries (Fawcett & Garity, 2009), the contributions linkages for a theory-testing study of the etiol-
of the Neuman Systems Model to theory devel- ogy of maternal-student role stress (Figure 21-2).
opment are highlighted in Section Seven of Chapter 22 focuses on strategies used to link
this book. Chapter 21 in that section focuses an existing middle-range nursing theory with
on derivation and empirical testing of a mid- the Neuman Systems Model.
dle-range theory from the Neuman Systems

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 SECTION FOUR
    

The Neuman Systems Model

and Nursing Education
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CHAPTER 11
Nursing Education at Loma
Linda University
Margaret A. Burns

External environmental stressors are often a catalyst for change (Bennis, Benne, & Chin,
1969; Lewin, 1951). The purpose of this chapter is to describe the response of the Loma
Linda University School of Nursing faculty to the stressor of a recommendation that a
nursing curriculum framework be documented, which stemmed from an external review
of the baccalaureate nursing program curriculum.

LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY

Loma Linda University is a coeducational, Seventh-Day Adventist educational health-sci-
ences institution with more than 4,000 students. The university, which is located in
Southern California, was founded in 1905. The School of Nursing offers various options
for undergraduate and graduate study in nursing.

EVOLUTION OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS

MODELBASED CURRICULUM
During the 19891990 school year, the nursing faculty began to review several nursing
conceptual models that could be used as a guide for the baccalaureate nursing curricu-
lum. The process of choosing a nursing conceptual model began in small groups. Each
group chose a model framework the members thought would be useful as a structure to
guide the nursing curriculum and would be consistent with the School of Nursing mission
and philosophy.
In the spring of 1990, each group presented one conceptual model and identified
reasons why it should be selected. Following lengthy discussions, faculty came to a con-
sensus that the Neuman System Model fit best with the school mission and philosophy
and was congruent with the facultys perception of the focus of nursing in the future.
In keeping with the literature about change (Benne et al., 1969; Lewin, 1951), the
importance of involving the entire faculty was underscored. Without buy in by all faculty,
177
178 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

implementation of the model would not be successful. A recognized restraining force

(Lewin, 1951) was the need for faculty to think outside the box of a more traditional
medically oriented curriculum. Accordingly, the curriculum committee members spent
time discussing how to involve the whole faculty as much as possible. Subsequently, dur-
ing the next 2 years (19901991, 19911992), all-faculty meetings were held at the end of
quarters, during breaks, and at the end of the school year to work on ideas and cope with
the change.
Initial work focused on developing a working model, which took most of a school
year. Dialogue about how the Neuman Systems Model concepts would appear in the cur-
riculum, what curriculum strands should be included, and what were the appropriate lev-
els were central to the discussions. The working model for the curriculum is illustrated in
Figure 11-1.
The faculty discussed how current courses could be adapted and new courses
developed within the context of the Neuman Systems Model and level objectives
throughout most of the 19921993 school year. Initially, it was thought that the nursing
prevention-as-interventions modalities (primary, secondary, tertiary) would be a way to
organize the sequence of the curriculum. However, it became clear that courses could not
be leveled according to the prevention-as-intervention modalities, as all three modalities
frequently have to be considered in the same situation. Dialogue then focused on cate-
gories of illness and optimal wellness as a way to organize courses, but that approach
was not deemed feasible. The faculty finally determined that most feasible and logical lev-
eling of courses was the client system of interestindividuals, families, and communities.

Core content

Synthesis
Catastrophic illness Community
Altered lines of resistance/lines Responsibility for resources
of defense Primary/secondary/tertiary change
Population-based health care
management

Secondary/tertiary
Acute/chronic illness
Rehabilitation Family
Altered lines of resistance/lines Primary/secondary Variations in family structure
of defense Childbearing/child rearing
Cultural diversity
Environment
Student empowerment
Management/nursing process
Teaching/learning process
Professional responsibility
Research
Communication

Optimal wellness Individual

Intact lines of resistance/lines Life cycle
of defense Family systems
Care of self
Individual-based health care
management

Liberal arts/science base

FIGURE 11-1 Diagram of the Loma Linda University nursing curriculum model.
 Chapter 11 Nursing Education at Loma Linda University 179

Beginning students work primarily with individuals; at the next level, students work with
individuals as members of families and entire families; and at the senior level, students
work with communities and groups.
As the curriculum evolved, faculty identified concept strands that should be incor-
porated throughout the curriculum, such as research, communication, cultural diversity,
management, and leadership. The content for each strand is expanded at each level of
the curriculum (see Figure 11-1).
At that time, the only community-as-client system experience was in the senior year
last-quarter community health nursing course. In recognition of nursings increasing em-
phasis on community-based care settings, and the Neuman Systems Model concept of op-
timal wellness, the faculty decided that students should have community-based health
promotion experiences prior to the end of the senior year.
As faculty developed courses, they presented each course to the curriculum com-
mittee for discussion, after which the course was presented to the entire faculty for dis-
cussion and approval. By fall 1993, the sophomore-year courses were ready to be offered.

Sequence of the Curriculum

The curriculum sequence and specific nursing courses are presented in Table 11-1. This
table does not, however, include the specific cognate courses that support the strands and
the Neuman Systems Model.
Students are introduced to the model in the sophomore year, in the Fundamentals
of Professional Nursing course. Relevant stressors and client system variables, as well as
the lines of defense and resistance, are discussed within the context of the individual as
client system. Inasmuch as practicum experiences are in acute care settings, secondary
and tertiary prevention interventions are emphasized.

TABLE 11-1 Loma Linda University Baccalaureate Nursing Program Curriculum Sequence

Year First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter

Sophomore Required Cognates Fundamentals of Psychiatric/Mental

Professional Nursing Health Nursing
Basic Nursing Nursing of the Older
Skills/Health Assessment Adult
Nursing
Pathophysiology
Junior Adult/Aging Client Health Promotion Across Childbearing Family
Pharmacology the Lifespan Child Health Nursing
Adult/Aging Family I
Senior Adult/Aging Family II Community Health Professional Nursing
(critical care) Nursing Practice Elective
Home Health Nursing Community Mental Nursing Management
Health Nursing
Professional Nursing Clinical Nursing Research
Issues
180 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

In the junior year, the focus becomes the individual as a family member and the
family as a unit. All three prevention-as-intervention modalities are emphasized.
Early in the junior year, students work with older adults at community senior cen-
ters, as well as with adults who reside in nursing homes. Later in the semester, students
care for adults with acute and chronic illnesses primarily in acute care settings. The im-
pact of acute and chronic illness on the individual and the family is considered.
Recognition of the importance of optimal client system wellness in the Neuman
Systems Model led to development of a new courseHealth Promotion. The focus on
health promotion facilitated student involvement with individuals as members of families
and with entire families. Practicum experiences take place in community settings, such as
outpatient clinics and Head Start programs, as well as in acute care settings. Experiences
in community settings include administration of immunizations to well children and child
health assessments. The family as the client system is introduced in junior-year courses
focused on childbearing and child-rearing families.
At the senior level, groups, communities, and unit staff are considered relevant
client systems. All aspects of the Neuman System Model are considered broadly in group-
and community-focused coursesCommunity Health Nursing, Community Mental Health
Nursing, and Nursing Management. Noteworthy is that faculty who teach the Nursing
Management course have found use of the Neuman Systems Model to be helpful in
demonstrating to students that the model content is applicable to management issues and
staff nursenurse leader relationships. The formal nursing research course also is offered
in the senior year.

Current Status of the Curriculum

By the fall of 1997, the entire Neuman Systems Modelbased curriculum had been imple-
mented. The model is still being used as a guide for course development and refinement.
The curriculum framework is sustained by annual end-of-school-year faculty meetings to
discuss need for changes in course content and how each course reflects the Neuman
Systems Model.
The framework has been in place for more than 10 years. As the faculty once again
faces external stressors in the form of evaluation, the words of one evaluator will remain
in mindIf it [sic] works for you, stay with it.

THE STUDENTS
The nursing students reflect considerable diversity. Although the majority of current stu-
dents are part of the millennial generation, many are seeking a second career, others are
single parents looking for better career opportunities, and many are from diverse cultural
and ethnic groups.

TEACHING-LEARNING STRATEGIES
A variety of teaching methods are used in response to diverse student learning needs and
learning styles. Some faculty have used learning styles inventories to help them under-
stand student learning styles, which facilitates selection of appropriate teaching-learning
strategies.
 Chapter 11 Nursing Education at Loma Linda University 181

Explanations of the Neuman Systems Model and its application to nursing are pre-
sented in numerous ways. Active teaching-learning strategies are emphasized, such as
concept mapping, role playing, articulation of learning objectives by students, and online
class preparation. Inasmuch as active teaching-learning strategies engage students in crit-
ical thinking (Fink, 2003; Rogers, 1969; Ulrich & Glendon, 1999), they have experience
with critical thinking in many different ways, including care plans, concept papers, and
group activities.

Conclusion
Change is a constant, and for this curriculum, base for the curriculum enables graduates of
use of the Neuman Systems Model has facilitat- the program to use creativity, knowledge, and
ed incorporation of changes in health care de- critical thinking in whatever setting they may
livery within the curriculum. Although specific practice. And, the Neuman Systems Model
course content may vary over time in response continues to provide the flexibility needed by
to changes in health care, the focus of nursing students and graduates to adapt to change yet
remains constantthe interaction between the always retain a strong focus on nursing.
nurse and the client, and the nursing care pro- Note: The author of this chapter served
vided. Use of the Neuman Systems Model as a as the Curriculum Chair from 1989 to 1997.

References
Bennis, W. G., Benne, K. D., & Chin, R. (1969). The Rogers, C. R. (1969). Freedom to learn. Columbus,
planning of change (2nd ed.). New York: Holt, OH: Merrill.
Rinehart and Winston. Ulrich, D. L., & Glendon, K. J. (1999) Interactive
Fink, L. D. (2003). Creating significant learning group learning: Strategies for nurse educators.
experiences. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. New York: Springer.
Lewin, K. (1951). Field theory in social sciences.
New York: Harper & Row.
    
CHAPTER 12
Nursing Education at Anna
Maria College
Barbara Cammuso
Audrey Silveri
Paulette Remijan

The Neuman Systems Model has been used for many years as the curriculum framework
for the nursing program at Anna Maria College. The purpose of this chapter is to describe
how the Neuman Systems Model was introduced and incorporated into the registered
nurse to baccalaureate degree nursing program. The chapter includes a discussion of the
evolution and creative use of the model in the current curriculum as nurses are prepared
to provide comprehensive care in the 21st century.

ANNA MARIA COLLEGE

Anna Maria College is a 4-year, private, coeducational, Catholic, liberal arts institution
founded in 1946 by the Sisters of St. Anne. The college, which is located in central
Massachusetts, offers many programs that integrate liberal education and professional
preparation. The Nursing Department offers an associate degree nursing program and a
registered nurse to baccalaureate degree nursing program, as well as certificate programs.

INITIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EVOLUTION OF THE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science Program in Nursing was introduced in 1979 to meet the needs of
registered nurses who were seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing (RN to BSN pro-
gram). The Neuman Systems Model was quickly selected as a guide for the curriculum
but not fully integrated into the curriculum until several years later. In the interest of full
integration, in 1987, Barbara Fulton, then chairperson of the Department of Nursing, con-
tacted Dr. Betty Neuman to assist the faculty prepare for the initial accreditation of the
program. Dr. Neuman recommended contacting Rosalie Mirenda, who conducted a cur-
riculum workshop based on the Neuman Systems Model (Mirenda, 1986; Mirenda &
Wright, 1987). This workshop helped the faculty comprehend the interrelated concepts of
the Neuman Systems Model, which was prerequisite to successfully integrating the model
as an organizing framework for the nursing curriculum. Subsequently, the Nursing
182
 Chapter 12 Nursing Education at Anna Maria College 183

Faculty Committee met weekly to develop a philosophy and curriculum based on the
Neuman Systems Model. Each member of the committee was enthusiastic as they revised
their teaching modules to embrace integration of the model.
The current curriculum continues to develop use of the Neuman Systems Model as
students are prepared to face current and future health care challenges, including the
following:

A more culturally diverse population with unique health care needs and perspectives
Threats to health from environmental pollutants due to an increase in world popu-
lation and an increase in industrialization of third world countries
A resurgence of infectious diseases due to resistance to antibiotics along with an in-
creased risk of worldwide pandemics
An increase in the elder population with an accompanying increase in chronic illnesses
A change in the distribution of disease patterns due to global warming
An increased coverage to basic health care with a decreased access to advanced
curative technologies
An increased number of military personnel who have suffered devastating physical
and psychological illnesses requiring lifelong care
A greater emphasis on complementary healing modalities including the healing po-
tential of spirituality

Students as Client Systems

The faculty has identified the nursing student as the client system. The curriculum is
designed to strengthen each students flexible line of defense by developing a strong
learning environment that addresses the physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
developmental, and spiritual client system variables (Table 12-1).

Nature and Sequence of Content

As a result of early Nursing Faculty Committee work, the Neuman Systems Model has
been used as an organizing framework for the selection and sequencing of content for
many years. Courses are organized in levels following the format of primary, secondary,
and tertiary prevention-as-intervention modalities. A circle diagram (Figure 12-1) is used
to illustrate placement of nursing courses within the context of the prevention interven-
tions. The diagram provides a visual representation of the curriculum sequence for faculty
and students.
The specific sequence of courses is guided by the complexity of concepts intro-
duced in each course. Curriculum threads are woven throughout all three prevention-as-
intervention modalities to provide continuous exposure to the key elements of the bac-
calaureate nursing program. The faculty believes that with appropriate and timely
prevention intervention, students will attain mutual goals and successfully complete the
program. Nursing program courses are listed in Table 12-2.

PRIMARY PREVENTION-AS-INTERVENTION COURSES The nursing courses designated at

the primary prevention-as-intervention level are designed to offer students an introduc-
tion to the sociocultural setting of the nursing program within the larger setting of the
campus and extended colleges of the area consortium. Courses at this level are designed
184 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

TABLE 12-1 Strategies to Strengthen Student Nurses Flexible Line of Defense

Client System Variable Strategies

Physiological Variable Timely faculty advising and Registrar services for a balanced course
offering to promote efficient use of students energy and resources
Communication systems in place for correspondence between
students and faculty/staff
Online resources available for prompt access to information
Health and Counseling Service for health promotion and disease
management
Environmentally controlled classrooms
Infection control and personal protection equipment to reduce
transfer of infectious agents
Ergonomically designed nursing laboratory and computer station
Handicapped access to state-of-the-art Nursing Laboratory,
Computer Lab, and Simulation Practice Stations
Food services available during late afternoon and evening classes
Psychological Variable Nursing course objectives in level 200 and 300 courses help define
and promote professional nursing
Mentoring by preceptors and support of the Anna Maria College
nursing faculty and fellow students
Student Affairs services to support students needs and provide
referral base
Health and Counseling Service for emotional support and counseling
Campuswide Security Department to promote a secure and safe
learning environment
Choice among nursing courses to empower students and address
their special professional interests and goals
The availability of faculty to respond to students within 48 hours of
receiving e-mail messages from students
Development of a supportive student learning community through
various strategies
Developmental Variable Faculty advising and Career Center Service
Adult learning theory utilized to developmentally address the
diverse needs and learning styles of the adult learner
Nursing course assignments designed from the simple to the most
complex cognition

to provide students with the skills needed to be successful in the baccalaureate program
and in professional nursing. The skills include critical thinking and writing, oral and writ-
ten communication, comprehensive physical assessments, research utilization, and in-
creased awareness of the interrelationship of societal changes within the nursing
profession. At this level, the curriculum includes integration of wholistic nursing based on
the Neuman Systems Model, environmental causes of illness, spirituality in nursing, and
 Chapter 12 Nursing Education at Anna Maria College 185

TABLE 12-1 (continued)

Client System Variable Strategies

Learning Center to support, enhance, and retool academic skills for

students who are returning to college after many years
Library resource staff to advise, support, and instruct on research
tools and resources
An emphasis on experiential learning throughout the curriculum
NUS 301 is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for
success in the BSN program, as well as prepare them for
professional nursing practice
Sociocultural Variable Anna Maria College nursing community to support students efforts
to achieve academic goals
Availability of financial aid to lessen the stress of financial
obligation
Scholarships to lessen the stress of financial obligations and
recognize the professional accomplishments of the students and
nursing community
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society membership for
qualified students
Anna Maria College Alumni Association
Curriculum thread and discrete course, NUS 415, designed to
prepare culturally competent practitioners
Spiritual Variable Anna Maria College Mission Statement includes spirituality
The campus atmosphere expresses the charisma of the Sisters of St.
Anne, the college founders
Spirituality is introduced in NUS 301 Professional Nursing to
enhance a holistic perspective and system stability
Spirituality in nursing is a curriculum thread
Parish Nursing, a spiritual ministry, is offered as an option in the
nursing curriculum
The study of humanities enhances an understanding of spirituality
The Pinning Ceremony is spiritually based and includes the blessing
of nursing pins
Spiritual counseling through Campus Ministry
Chapel and meditation areas are available
Religious services, such as daily Mass, are available

cultural competence. These curriculum threads and themes become central as the stu-
dents are exposed to secondary prevention as intervention.
The learning environment is designed at this phase of primary prevention as inter-
vention to include efficient and effective interaction between students and faculty
through direct contact and electronic communication using e-mail and Internet classroom
programs. Additional resources for students include library services on campus and at an
area medical school; a state-of-the-art nursing laboratory including simulation stations,
186 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

BSN Nursing
student

Primary

NUS 2
prevention

02
01

S2
Secondary

NU
01
prevention

NUS 2
NU

NU
S

S4
43

2
20
0 Tertiary

30

S
NUS 202

U
prevention

N
3
N

20
04
U S2
S

S
NUS NU

U
420 41

N
5

NUS 409 NUS 301 NUS 404

NUS 420
NU

N
S4

U
4
30

04
S
411
NUS 304

30
S
S

NU
U

2
N

5
08

04

NU
S4
S4

S
40
NU
1

NU
41

8
S
NU

FIGURE 12-1 Nursing curriculum course sequence at Anna Maria College.

which is staffed by a nurse laboratory manager; an academic learning center; online data-
bases; informatics; and evidence-based nursing practice standards.
To prepare students to embrace current and future health care challenges, the cur-
riculum emphasizes prevention and public health. Curriculum threads of cultural compe-
tency, environmental causes of illness, and spirituality in nursing address these challenges
directly, and additional curriculum threads of critical thinking, writing, and the therapeu-
tic use of the fine arts help students assess and analyze new challenges to nursing care
and to use nontraditional methods in their practice.
Nursing primary prevention interventions are developed to strengthen the client
system lines of resistance. Students study the impact of the physical, psychological, soci-
ocultural, developmental, and spiritual variables on the health of client systems in sever-
al coursesProfessional Nursing, Nursing Research Utilization, Environmental Illness,
History of Nursing in the United States, and Public Health Nursing.
In addition, students develop prevention interventions to assist clients to develop
stronger lines of defense. The courses addressing those prevention interventions are
Working with the Elderly, The Human Dilemma, Complementary Health Care, Physical
Assessment, Chronic Illness, Acute Care Nursing, Gerontological Nursing, Parish Nursing,
School Nursing, Transcultural Nursing, and Cardiac Nursing. The skills and tools that enable
students to develop appropriate and effective prevention interventions throughout the cur-
riculum are high-level critical thinking and writing, oral and written communication skills,
use of informatics and evidence-based practice guidelines, awareness of current health care
issues, and participation in the political process to advocate for health care issues. The
 Chapter 12 Nursing Education at Anna Maria College 187

TABLE 12-2 Anna Maria College Baccalaureate Nursing Program Courses

Nursing Courses Required for All Students* Choices of Required Nursing Courses
NUS 301 Professional Nursing (3 credits); One of the following clinical nursing courses
prerequisite for all other nursing courses (6 credits):
NUS 404 Acute Care Nursing
NUS 411 School Nursing
NUS 420 Gerontological Nursing
NUS 430 Parish Nursing
NUS 302 Physical Assessment and Health NUS 405 Nursing Leadership and Management
Education (3 credits) OR
NUS 409 History of Nursing in the United States
NUS 304 Nursing Research Utilization (3 One of the following nursing courses:
credits) NUS 201 Chronic Illness
NUS 202 The Human Dilemma: Dealing with
Grief and Loss
NUS 203 Complementary Health Care
NUS 204 Working with Older Adults
NUS 412 Case Management
NUS 416 Cardiac Care
NUS 408 Public Health Nursing with Practicum
(6 credits)
NUS 414 Environmental Illness (3 credits)
NUS 415 Transcultural Nursing (3 credits)

*300 level courses must be taken before clinical courses.

curriculum threads related to this focus include spirituality in nursing, the liberal arts, and
the arts in nursing practice and education, as well as cultural competence for nurses.
Emphasis in the curriculum on public health nursing is an effective way to provide
primary prevention interventions to the population as a whole. The strategies for primary
prevention-as-intervention activities include increased awareness of environmental health
stressors for health care professionals and health advocacy through education, media,
and political processes to reduce and/or mediate the effects of environmental stressors.
The relevant courses are Professional Nursing, Physical Assessment, Chronic Illness,
Environmental Illness, and Public Health Nursing.
The 200 level coursesManaging Chronic Illness, The Human Dilemma: Dealing
with Grief and Loss, Complementary Health Care, and Working with Older Adultsare
designed to allow students to explore a particular aspect of health science. An overview
of each course is given in Box 12-1. The 300 level courses are designed to provide the
broader prospective of professional nursing. An overview of each of these courses is
given in Box 12-2. Courses at the 400 level are designed to provide deeper understanding
and knowledge of the assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation of
nursing client systems. Overviews are given in Box 12-3.
188 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

BOX 12-1
Overview of 200 Level Primary Prevention-as-Intervention Courses

NUS 201 Chronic Illness understanding and interpretation of the human

The fundamental concepts of the Neuman experience. An analysis of the transformation and
Systems Model are used to examine the actual and transcending bereavement model supports the
potential effects of chronic illness as stressors for role of health care workers to provide primary, sec-
various client systems, including the ill person, the ondary, and tertiary prevention interventions and
family/caregivers, the health professional, and the counsel persons dealing with the human dilemma
health care system. The concepts of chronicity, ill- of suffering and grief.
ness roles, stigma, body image, and powerlessness
associated with chronic illness are examined. The NUS 203 Complementary Health Care
problems of chronic pain, social isolation, altered This course provides an overview of nontraditional
mobility, fatigue, sexuality, and compliance with therapies. Alternate therapies such as manual
health care regimen also are examined. Nursing healing methods, pharmacological and biological
care and the use of complementary therapies are treatments, herbal medicine, diet and nutrition,
explored as ways to retain, attain, and maintain Chinese medicine, and Ayurvedic medicine are
optimal health of the client system. presented. These therapies are viewed within the
context of primary, secondary, and tertiary preven-
NUS 202 The Human Dilemma: tion interventions.
Dealing with Grief and Loss
This course deals with the concepts of grief and NUS 204 Working with Older Adults
suffering from the spectrum of everyday crises to This course provides an overview of gerontological
dealing with profound stressors of suffering and nursing, using a multidisciplinary approach. The
grief. Students are taught to understand the in- unique strengths and abilities of older persons are
trapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal emphasized and reflected in the physiological,
stressors that may be a potential source of loss psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and
and grief. This highly interactive class utilizes clas- spiritual variables. Issues related to ethical, legal,
sic literature, art, and film to expand students and societal views of aging are addressed.

BOX 12-2
Overview of 300 Level Primary Prevention-as-Intervention Courses

NUS 301 Professional Nursing variable. To increase awareness of current health

This course focuses on several topics, including care issues related to the physiological, psycholog-
building a supportive learning and nursing com- ical, and sociocultural client system variables, stu-
munity, current health care problems, ethics in dents are required to scan the daily newspapers
nursing practice, spirituality in nursing, nursing for news items related to current health care
theory, nursing informatics, critical thinking and issues, and contact a politician about an issue. In
writing, the fine arts in nursing practice and edu- addition, students study the concepts and propo-
cation, political awareness and advocacy of health sitions of the Neuman Systems Model and com-
care issues, and development of the ability to give pare and contrast the content to that of another
meaningful oral presentations. In this course, stu- nursing theory or model. Students disseminate
dents complete an assignment related to spiritual their work in a paper and an oral presentation,
nursing care that reflects the client system spiritual which reinforces the importance of nursing theory
 Chapter 12 Nursing Education at Anna Maria College 189

to guide practice and education and effectively take a field trip to view museum exhibits related to
demonstrates the strengths and wide applicability health care, such as Body Works, which incor-
of the Neuman Systems Model. porates actual anatomical body displays. The stu-
dents practice problems may be categorized with-
NUS 302 Physical Assessment and in the context of stressors for the five client system
Health Education variables. They also are encouraged to make use
This course focuses on advanced physical assess- of research guided by concepts of the Neuman
ment across the life span, health advocacy, and Systems Model.
current health care problems, particularly those
amenable to public health nursing. Students assess NUS 304 Nursing Research Utilization
physiological, psychological, sociocultural, devel- This course prepares students for evidence-based
opmental, and spiritual variables for the purpose practice. Students learn to use appropriate databas-
of developing health promotion, protection, and es and evaluate research reports as they become
prevention plans of care. The Neuman Systems competent consumers of health care research. Each
Model is utilized as a framework for compre- student identifies a practice problem, searches the
hensive wellness assessments, health promotion literature for information about solutions to the
activities, health education, and illness prevention. problem, and then develops a proposal for studying
The relationship of the environment to health, the the problem in practice. The Neuman Systems
nurses role as a healer, and the use of the fine arts Model is utilized to categorize problems and organ-
in health promotion are integrated into health as- ize data for such client systems as health care agen-
sessment, care planning, and health education. cies or units. The model enables students to assess
The students view museum paintings, sculptures, practice problems in a systematic manner and de-
and artifacts; report any findings about the physi- velop appropriate prevention interventions, goals,
ological alterations; and propose reasons for the and outcomes. Many proposals are subsequently
artists presentation. In addition, students may implemented in the students practice settings.

BOX 12-3
Overview of 400 Level Primary Prevention-as-Intervention Courses

NUS 405 Nursing Leadership and NUS 409 The History of Nursing
Management in the United States
This course focuses on leadership styles and strate- The course deals with the relationship of nursing
gies, management skills, networking, problem practice and education to global and national so-
solving, and current health care problems. The cial, political, and economic events. Emphasis is
student demonstrates the use of the Neuman placed on the leadership styles of and effective poli-
Systems Model by identifying stressors in the work cies and strategies used by early nursing leaders in
environment, developing prevention interventions their struggle to improve nursing practice and edu-
to mediate environmental hazards, and strength- cation in the United States. The Neuman Systems
ening the staffs flexible line of defense and lines Model lens clarifies nursing history by facilitating
of resistance. The knowledge and skills developed differentiation among various aspects of nursing
during this assignment contribute to primary pre- care. By viewing the history of nursing through
vention intervention. Upon completion of the physical, psychological, sociocultural, developmen-
course, students are prepared to meet the chal- tal, and spiritual lenses, students can more readily
lenges in the workplace and in more advanced understand how nursing has been shaped by his-
and care-centered nursing courses. torical developments and how primary, secondary,
(continued)
190 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

BOX 12-3 (continued)

and tertiary prevention interventions are funda- risk factors at the local, state, national, and inter-
mental to competent nursing practice and educa- national levels.
tion. The conceptualization of the nurses role in as-
sisting client systems to strengthen the lines of NUS 415 Transcultural Nursing
defense and resistance is illustrated in the study of This course is a capstone seminar course that pre-
the historical development of nursing interventions. pares students to deliver culturally competent care
to diverse populations. Students are expected to
NUS 414 Environmental Illness utilize health assessment, environmental assess-
This seminar course reflects the Neuman Systems ment, care planning, and research skills to develop
Model recognition of environmental stressors. a comprehensive health care plan for members of
Newman (2007) pointed out that within the con- a culturally diverse population in the area. The
text of the Neuman Systems Model, prevention health care plan integrates Catholic social teach-
as an intervention strategy is a systematic strategy ing, historic and cultural knowledge, and the
to address environmental stressors invading the Neuman Systems Model, with emphasis on the so-
client or client system (p. 20). Course content fo- ciocultural and spiritual client system variables. For
cuses on selected environmental hazards that may the final assignment, students lead a seminar dis-
lead to human disability, morbidity, and mortality. cussion on the health care plan they have devel-
The Neuman Systems Model emphasis on preven- oped for their chosen population group.
tion interventions is implemented by teaching stu-
dents to assess risks for environmentally related NUS 416 Cardiac Nursing
illnesses and to design relevant prevention inter- This course focuses on recognition of risk factors
ventions. Course topics include air quality, water related to cardiovascular disease and the nurses
quality, food sources and food borne illnesses, role in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention
soil quality, and animal vectors. Assignments are interventions. Neuman Systems Modelbased
designed to raise students awareness of environ- comprehensive and wholistic assessment of adults
mental hazards. The first assignment is an assess- with cardiac disease is emphasized. Neuman
ment of the students personal risk factors in the Systems Modelbased care plans include interven-
home and the workplace. Other assignments in- tions for the prevention of, protection from, and
clude assessment and mediation of environmental treatment of cardiovascular disease.

SECONDARY PREVENTION-AS-INTERVENTION COURSES Nursing courses designated at

the secondary prevention-as-intervention level are designed to stabilize the students
knowledge base by reinforcing what has been learned in the earlier nursing courses and
further developing critical thinking and writing skills as they begin to understand research
data, environmental influences, leadership concepts, and clinical nursing. Assessment of
the students ability to engage in high-level critical thinking and their willingness to en-
gage in cooperative and independent learning, as well as engage in logical reasoning, is
essential for evaluation of adequacy of the prevention interventions in addressing poten-
tial stressors. The learning environment is enhanced by activities and assignments that
emphasize theoretical and clinical nursing. Support at this secondary phase of prevention
intervention involves providing expanded resources with online access in all classrooms,
library databases, conferences, visits to state legislative venues, and availability of fine arts
on and off campus. Additional support is offered through exposure to a community of
nurse leaders, nurse preceptors, political leaders, guest speakers, and health care profes-
sionals. Wholistic nursing using the Neuman Systems Model is central to the delivery of
 Chapter 12 Nursing Education at Anna Maria College 191

care to diverse populations in the clinical settings of acute care nursing, gerontological
nursing, school nursing, and parish nursing. Overviews of acute care nursing and school
nursing, which are designed to provide clinical experience in working with client systems
in need of both primary and secondary prevention interventions, are given in Box 12-4.

TERTIARY PREVENTION-AS-INTERVENTION COURSES Nursing courses designated at the

tertiary prevention-as-intervention level are designed to maintain students level of stabil-
ity and foster independent learning. The clinical courses focus on secondary and tertiary
prevention interventions due to the continuum of adaptation for the students. The cours-
es at this levelPublic Health Nursing, Gerontological Nursing, and Parish Nursingem-
phasize the complex integration of all Neuman Systems Model concepts in a wholistic
manner. Overviews of the three courses are given in Box 12-5.

BOX 12-4
Overview of Selected Secondary Prevention-as-Intervention Courses

NUS 404 Acute Care Nursing environmental stressors that may influence student
In this course, students identify variances in physi- learning, development of nursing care plans for
ological, psychological, sociocultural, develop- acute injury and chronic disease management that
mental, and spiritual health using the Neuman incorporate the five client system variables, as well
Systems Model. Based on the assessment, plans of as implementation of health promotion teaching
care for acute and potential health problems are utilizing the Neuman Systems Model for primary,
developed. This course prepares students to take secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions.
the American Nurses Credentialing Center Students collaborate within an interdisciplinary
Certification Examination. team to plan mutual goals to retain, attain, and
maintain an optimal level of wellness for school-age
clients. State laws, rules, and regulations that guide
NUS 411 School Nursing policies and procedures and standards for mandato-
This didactic course is designed to introduce the reg- ry health screenings for the care of school-aged chil-
istered nurse to school nursing as a practice special- dren are highlighted. This course prepares the regis-
ty. Topics include the history of school nursing, the tered nurse to take the National Association of
role of the school nurse, and the American Nurses School Nurses National Certification Examination. A
Association Standards of Practice for School Nurses. clinical course may be taken concurrently with the
Discussions and assignments involve assessment of didactic course.

BOX 12-5
Overview of Tertiary Prevention-as-Intervention Courses

NUS408 Public Health Nursing didactic course and clinical practicum provide stu-
This course uses the Neuman Systems Model as dents with a broad overview of public health nurs-
an organizing framework with a focus on the ing, including learning opportunities in clinical
work of the public health nurse caring for popula- placements in selected public health agencies,
tions rather than individuals or family groups. The such as town boards of health, the Massachusetts
(continued)
192 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

BOX 12-5 (continued)

Public Health Association, and several free health making are explored. Students follow the proposed
clinics that provide primary care for clients who Department of Health and Human Services age-
have no health insurance. Ethical, environmental, specific health screening and health promotion/
economic, legal, political, spiritual, and sociocultu- maintenance guidelines to strengthen the lines of
ral stressors affecting health and access to health resistance and promote optimal health. A clinical
care are targeted for inquiry and development of component for this course prepares students for
decision-making ability. certification by the American Nurses Association
Credentialing Center.

NUS 420 Gerontological Nursing

This course provides an overview of gerontology NUS 420 Parish Nursing
for nurses working with older adult clients. The This course provides an opportunity for students to
Neuman Systems Model provides the framework demonstrate caring for mind, body, and spirit. The
for assessing the physiological, psychological, soci- roles of the parish nurseintegrator of faith and
ocultural, developmental, and spiritual aspects of health, health counselor, advocate, educator, and
aging. The model focuses on the strengths and community liaisonare explored in depth. Students
vulnerabilities of the individual clients in relation develop strategies to encourage and assist in the
to the internal and external stressors in their lives continued growth of parishioners spirituality as an
and guides nursing interventions to achieve goals essential aspect of wellness. An important assign-
developed by the client and the nurse. The unique ment in Parish Nursing is a parish needs assessment.
responses of aging individuals to health prob- The Neuman Systems Model guides the students
lems are explored in evaluating therapeutic ap- assessment of parish needs, listening to parish-
proaches for individuals and groups. Students ioners voices as they express their understanding
learn to understand the actual and potential stres- of the parish needs, and also guides development
sors on the elder population relating to the impact of appropriate prevention interventions and identi-
of the health care system and federal regulations fication of outcomes, which are based on the
and policies that regulate their care. Respect for the parishioners spiritual, psychological, physiological,
older person and their rights of choice and decision developmental, and sociocultural needs.

Conclusion
The faculty at Anna Maria College has used degree program is designed within the context
the Neuman Systems Model as a basis for the of the student population as the client system.
development of a strong learning environ- The five client system variables, stressors,
ment and a caring learning community, which lines of defense and resistance, and primary,
heeds and responds to our students as client secondary, and tertiary prevention as inter-
systems voices and needs. The model has vention are utilized in this program to help
demonstrated great flexibility and comprehen- students reach their maximum potential and
siveness in this unique educational application, to maximize their contributions to the nursing
in which the registered nurse to baccalaureate profession.
 Chapter 12 Nursing Education at Anna Maria College 193

References
Mirenda, R. M., & Wright, C. (1987). Using nursing Newman, D. M. L. (2007). The environmental impact
model to affirm Catholic identity. Health Progress, on nursing practice: A conceptual approach.
68(2), 6367, 94. Massachusetts Report on Nursing, 8(1), 20.
Mirenda, R. M. (1986). The Neuman model in prac-
tice. Senior Nurse, 5(3), 2627.
    
CHAPTER 13
Nursing Education at
Indiana University-Purdue
University Fort Wayne
Sarah Beckman
Lois Lowry
Sanna Boxley-Harges

Nursing education is a continuing journey that involves immersion at every step as the
process unfolds. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the journey of nurse educators
who selected the Neuman Systems Model as the organizing framework for the curricula
of the baccalaureate nursing program at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY-PURDUE UNIVERSITY FORT WAYNE

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW), which is the most comprehensive
public university in northeastern Indiana, was established in 1964. The university offers a
vast array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Nursing has always been regarded as
an important program at IPFW. The evolution of the nursing programs demonstrates the vi-
sion and flexibility of nurse educators as they prepare culturally competent, caring, and ac-
countable professionals. At the present time, the Department of Nursing offers a nursing
program with multiple entry and exit points. As can be seen in Figure 13-1, two options are
now available to the beginning student: pursuit of a 4-year baccalaureate degree with a
major in nursing or exiting after 2 years with an associate degree with a major in nursing. In
addition, the current curriculum includes entry for registered nurses at the junior year for
completion of the baccalaureate degree and for licensed practical nurses at the sophomore
year with the option of exiting with either an associate or baccalaureate degree.

IMPLEMENTING THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL IN THE CURRICULUM

The IPFW curricula for the associate degree and the baccalaureate degree nursing programs
were initially distinct. In 1982, the Neuman Systems Model was adopted as the guide for the
194
 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 195

Lifelong learning
graduate school
professional nursing practice

BS Degree

PR
Exit

ES

OF
OM Senior level

ES
Semester 7 & 8
TC

SIO
OU

RN Junior level

NA
Entry Semester 5 & 6
M

LS
RA

LPN Sophomore level AS Degree

TA
OG

Entry Semester 3 & 4 Exit

ND
PR

AR
Freshman level
Semester 2

DS
BS AS
Path Path

Prenursing
Semester 1 (all students)

MISSION PHILOSOPHY VALUES

Beginning learner

FIGURE 13-1 Career steps program model.

associate degree program. Implementation of a revised baccalaureate program curriculum, in

which the Neuman System Model is strongly emphasized, occurred in the fall of 2006. Prior
to implementing the revised curriculum, the faculty spent more than 2 years of intense review
and revision of the associate and baccalaureate degree nursing program curricula. The current
one curriculum with multiple entry and exit points (see Figure 13-1) was designed to educate
students to become culturally competent, caring, and accountable professionals.
The undergraduate conceptual framework, illustrated in Figure 13-2, is envisioned as a
fluid interaction among the student learner, client, and faculty, all of whom are regarded as
unique, wholistic human beings. The three-way interaction among student learners, clients,
and faculty in a variety of health care environments is a driving force for the curriculum.
196 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

T S
EN

I
CL
onal
Persssors
-
Intra - stre
inter -
extra
ing
Nurs ns

S
ary- n tio

ER
preve
Prim dary- N
s e c o n -
ry LE A R
ter tia

TY
FACUL

FIGURE 13-2 Basic concepts of the undergraduate conceptual framework. Used with permission of
Sanna Harges, RN, MA, ANP, IPFW Department of Nursing, Fort Wayne, IN.

The curriculum flows from the facultys philosophical beliefs about health, client,
nursing, and environment and the organizing conceptual framework that was developed
by the faculty. The conceptual framework reflects the integration of various concepts and
theories into an expansive and unique body of nursing knowledge. Although the faculty
acknowledges a variety of theories within the curriculum, the Neuman Systems Model
was adopted as the overarching conceptual model to guide curriculum development. The
core strands of the curriculum are professionalism, leadership, critical thinking, evidence-
based practice, communication, and information literacy.
Congruence of the philosophy, conceptual framework, and program outcomes for
the core strand of evidence-based practice is evident in Table 13-1. The same core strand
is utilized to demonstrate the interrelatedness of the curriculum and professional compe-
tencies in Table 13-2. The National League for Nursing (NLN; 2000) Educational
Competencies for Associate Degree Nursing Programs and the American Association of
Colleges of Nursing (AACN; 1998) Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional
Nursing Practice are the professional competencies with which curriculum and course
objectives are correlated.
As curriculum revision progressed, considerable effort was expended to ensure inclu-
sion of all Neuman Systems Model concepts. Focus groups were established to develop
various aspects of the curriculum, with senior faculty members, well-versed in the
Neuman Systems Model, paired with junior faculty members who were beginning to inter-
nalize the application of the Neuman Systems Model to nursing education. The work of the
focus groups culminated in development of definitions of the major curriculum constructs
health, client, nursing, and environmentwithin the context of the Neuman Systems Model.
The definitions, as refined and unanimously approved by the faculty, are given in Box 13-1.
As curriculum revision continued, new focus groups were established to facilitate
correlation and placement of nursing course content with consideration of complexity of
concepts and themes and faithfulness to the Neuman Systems Model. Three different
groups focused on three areasclinical pathophysiology across the life span, professional
issues, and leadership content. The focus group dealing with clinical pathophysiology
 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 197

TABLE 13-1 Congruence of Philosophy, Conceptual Framework, and Program Outcome

with Objectives for the Core Strand of Evidence-Based Practice

Philosophy Major Conceptual Framework Program Outcome

Construct Objectives with
Related Core
Strands for AS
and BS Programs*
All individuals have Client The client system is AS: Utilize the Neuman
inherent worth and a unique, dynamic Systems Model (NSM)
dignity, are part of composite of relation- with evidence-based
a larger sociocultural ships among the wholistic practice to guide and
network, and are physiological, psychological, direct the delivery of
continually developing sociocultural, developmental, culturally competent
and adapting. and spiritual variables. nursing care.
The client is an active BS: Integrate the
participant guiding his/ delivery of culturally
her care to achieve and competent nursing care
maintain optimal client in a variety of settings
system stability. through the utilization
of the NSM, other
theories, and research.
Wholistic and com- Nursing Nursing is a profession AS: Utilize the NSM with
passionate practice in which science and art evidence-based practice
incorporates knowledge are skillfully integrated. It to guide and direct the
and theory from nursing is based on scientific knowledge, delivery of culturally
science, physical sciences, empirical knowledge, and competent nursing care.
psychological and social research leading ultimately to BS: Integrate the
sciences, humanities, and evidence-based practices. delivery of culturally
the arts to understand and competent nursing care
address human needs. in a variety of settings
through the utilization
of the NSM, other
theories, and research.
Various levels of nursing
practice can be differ-
entiated by skills in
conducting and
applying research.
*AS: associate degree; BS: baccalaureate degree

across the life span deliberated on how the Neuman Systems Model could guide the
placement of content in all practice specialty areas, such as medical-surgical, pediatrics,
maternity, community health, and psychiatric nursing. Inasmuch as the client system can
be an individual, a family, a group, or a community, each of the five client system vari-
ables must be considered for each type of client system. Although all client system
variables are relevant, the physiological variable played a prominent role in deciding
198 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

TABLE 13-2 Interrelatedness of Curriculum and Professional Competencies

for the Core Stand of Evidence-Based Practice

Freshman Sophomore AS Outcome Junior Senior BS Outcome

Examine Apply principles Utilize the NSM Analyze cultur- Evaluate effec- Integrate the
principles of of evidence- with evidence- ally competent tiveness of delivery of cultur-
evidence- based practice based practice nursing inter- evidence-based ally competent
based practice within the to guide and ventions using practice and nursing care in a
within the planning of direct the evidence-based research find- variety of settings
Neuman culturally delivery of practice in the ings when through the uti-
Systems competent culturally clinical setting. applied to lization of the
Model (NSM). nursing care. competent nursing practice. NSM, other
nursing care. theories, and
research.

NLN (AS) AACN (BS) Course Objectives

Clinical Core NUR 115: Identify basic principles of evidence-based practice

decision Competency related to the NSM.
making Critical thinking NUR 202: Demonstrate comprehension of evidence-based practice
Caring Assessment through utilization of critical thinking to problem solve actual or
interventions Technical skills simulated clinical situations.
Teaching NUR 224: Apply principles of evidence-based practice when
and learning planning care for adult clients with diverse health problems.
NUR 279: Apply research findings in planning care for children
within the context of the family.
(Also refer to NUR 225, NUR 240)
NUR 337: Analyze nursing interventions, including those applicable
to cultural competence, using evidence-based practice.
NUR 346: Using an evidence-based practice model, perform health
assessments on individuals from diverse backgrounds.
NUR 434: Use research in designing evidence-based interventions
for patients across the continuum of care.
NUR 442: Integrate research findings in decision-making relevant
to the practice setting.
(Also refer to NUR 309, NUR 334, NUR 336, NUR 339, NUR 342, NUR
344D, NUR 368, NUR 377D, NUR 379, NUR 418, NUR 419, NUR 445)
Core Knowledge
Health promotion,
risk reduction, and
disease prevention
Illness and disease
prevention
Ethics
 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 199

BOX 13-1
Conceptual Framework Construct Definitions

Health wholistic variables affecting an individuals response

Health is a continuum from wellness to illness that to stressors. Nursing is an art demonstrated by em-
is dynamic and ever changing. If homeostasis is pathy, compassion, caring, wisdom, and sensitivity
maintained, health is maintained. If homeostasis is to diversity. Therapeutic nursing interventions and
threatened, a state of disharmony occurs and ill- communication target prevention as intervention.
ness may result with a potential outcome of death. The nurses perception impacts the care received by
Integral to the concept of health is the availability the client; therefore, the nurse must give full consid-
of energy to preserve and enhance client system eration to assessment of both the client and the
integrity. Wellness is preserved when stored energy nurses perceptions of health care needs. The nurse
levels exceed energy expenditures. Illness occurs as actively participates in critical thinking and diagnos-
energy is disrupted by stressors, with death result- tic reasoning to determine and prioritize primary,
ing if energy levels are insufficient to support life. secondary, and tertiary preventions as intervention
The process of reconstitution establishes the to achieve optimal wellness. The nurse collaborates
health of the client/client system at the state of with the client and the interdisciplinary health care
optimal client system stability. team to promote optimal client system stability with
consideration of available resources. Operating
within the legal scope of practice, the nurse leads,
Client supervises, teaches, delegates, advocates, and deliv-
The client/client system may be defined as a person, ers client-centered care and acts as a change agent
patient, individual, family, group, community, or so- in a variety of settings. The nurse strives to empow-
cial issue. The client system is a unique, dynamic er others through transformational leadership.
composite of relationships among the wholistic
physiological, psychological, sociocultural, develop- Environment
mental, and spiritual variables. This open system
Environment consists of internal, external, and cre-
continually exchanges matter, energy, and informa-
ated environments. Within these environments are
tion with the environment. Stressors within the
internal and external stressors that have an impact
client systems internal and external environments
on the client system. The internal environment in-
disrupt the clients equilibrium; however, the client
cludes intrapersonal variables such as health or ill-
helps maintain system stability through reconstitu-
ness, genetic makeup, knowledge level, emotions,
tion. The client is an active participant guiding his/
opinions, and problem-solving ability. The external
her care to achieve and maintain optimal client sys-
environment includes interpersonal or extraperson-
tem stability.
al stressors such as relationships with other persons
and society, socioeconomic variables, and cultural,
Nursing ethnic, and religious influences. The created envi-
Nursing is a profession in which science and art are ronment is primarily intrapersonal and is uncon-
skillfully integrated. It is based on scientific knowl- sciously developed by the client for coping.
edge, empirical knowledge, and research leading ul- Changes to any one of the environments will cre-
timately to evidence-based practice. The profession ate change in the others as the client continuously
of nursing is unique in that it is concerned with the strives to achieve optimal client system stability.

Source: IPFW BS Curriculum Committee; edited January 4, 2007, October 16, 2007.
200 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

content placement. That variable seemed an obvious place to begin client assessment, re-
gardless of whether the client system was a pregnant family, a laboring mother, a sick
child, an aging adult, or a community experiencing an epidemic.
The physiological variable focus group considered the interface of wholism and
prevention-as-intervention modalities with collection of physiological data. The group
emphasized the importance of maintaining strength of application of the Neuman
Systems Model in clinical nursing courses by intentionally deciding to continue the use of
the Neuman Systems Model Nursing assessment guide and glossary as a foundational
clinical tool (Figure 13-3). This decision facilitated maintenance of a wholistic focus and
incorporation of client perceptions. The assessment tool is the basis of major clinical care
study papers in several courses across the curriculum. Repeated use of such a detailed as-
sessment guide grounds the student in the language and processes of the model. Thus, by
the time of graduation, students have internalized the Neuman Systems Model as a com-
prehensive process for providing care.
The focus group for professional issues recommended placement of three profes-
sional seminar courses across the curriculumfirst required nursing course, first course in

NURSING ASSESSMENT GUIDE

(Based on the Neuman Systems Model)
Notes:
Throughout this form the symbol * identifies each item defined and discussed in the glossary.
Use APA format for documentation.
I. INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION:
Student Name: Adm. Dx:
Date: Dx:
(Day of Care/Assessment) (Day of Care/Assessment, if
different than Adm. Dx)

II. HEALTH STATUS & HISTORY

A. Current Health Conditions (Medical and/or Surgical) with definitions and discussion
1. Signs & Symptoms
2. Pathophysiology
3. Incidence
4. Prognosis *
B. Clients Actual Prognosis *:
C. Chronic and/or Other Health Conditions * - with brief definitions and indication of
how impacts (or does not impact) current health problem:
D. Medications * (If appropriate, use medication data form.):
E. Diagnostic Tests * (If appropriate, use diagnostic data form.):
F. Initial Impression/General Survey *:

FIGURE 13-3 IPFW NSM Nursing Assessment Guide, Nursing Diagnosis Guide, and Nursing
Assessment Guide Glossary. Used with permission of Dr. Carol Sternberger, IPFW Department
of Nursing, Fort Wayne, IN.
 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 201

G. Nutritional Status *:
H. Supportive & Monitoring Equipment *:

I. Activity Level/Sleep & Rest Pattern:

III. STRESSORS/FACTORS: Specific to Current Health Problem *

CLIENTS Perception of NURSES Perception of Clients

Stressors/Factors (subjectivewhat Stressors/Factors (objectivewhat
the client/family define as stressors). evidence you [nurse] see to validate
or invalidate the clients report).
Draw conclusions.

A. Signs & Symptoms of Major Health Concern: What do you consider your major
health problem, stress area, or area of concern?

B. Changes in Activities of Daily Living as a Result of Altered Wellness (ADLs include

bathing, dressing toileting, transferring, eating/feeding, etc.). How do your present
circumstances differ from your usual pattern of living?

C. Coping Reaction to Altered Wellness: What are you doing to help yourself?

D. Lifestyle Changes Resulting From Altered Wellness: e.g., changes in employment,

living arrangements, marital status, etc.

E. Knowledge or Understanding of Altered Wellness: What have you been told about
your illness?

F. Identification of Need for Support During Altered Wellness: What do you expect
caregiver, family, friends, or others to do for you?

IV. INTRAPERSONAL STRESSORS/FACTORS: Forces Within the Individual

A. Allergies *:
B. Physiological
Head-to-Toe Physical Assessment Guide (Integrated Review of Systems)
Details available upon request; deleted due to limited publication space.
C. Developmental *
1. a. State Eriksons developmental stage appropriate to clients age and define degree of
task achievement. * (Refer to Eriksons Adult Developmental StagesChart)
b. Describe the effect(s) of current health status on task achievement.
2. State your general impressions of the clients sexuality and whether or not his/her
sexuality is an actual or potential stressor to his/her health. *

FIGURE 13-3 (continued)

202 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

D. Spiritual *
1. Religious preference:
Does client practice his/her religion?
2. Religious beliefs/practices related to health, illness, and treatment:
3. Spirituality * What brings hope or comfort to the client? How does the client deal with
sadness or despair?
V. INTERPERSONAL STRESSORS/RACTORS: Forces Between One or More Individuals *
A. Psychosocial *
1. Communication *: Patterns and/or manner of relating to others (verbal and
nonverbal)
2. Relationships *
a. Marital status:
b. Relationships to family:
c. Relationships to friends:
d. Relationships to caregivers:
B. Sociocultural *
1. Ethnic background/ancestry:
2. Current/contemporary culture:
3. Health beliefs/practices related to culture:
VI. EXTRAPERSONAL STRESSORS/FACTORS: Forces Outside the Individual *
A. Economical*
1. Employment status:
2. Financial stressors:
Does the client have adequate financial support? Insurance?
3. Work environment:
What impact will health problem have on clients ability to work?
B. Community*: What community resources will the client need?
C. Discharge Needs*: What specific teaching or intervention does the client need for a
successful transition to home and for optimal recovery?

Reviewed annually 1984 to current.

2005 Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.
Revised 3/90, 5/93, 5/94, 5/97, 8/03, 5/04.
1984 Associate Degree Curriculum Committee.
1984 Sanna Boxley-Harges, Linda Meyer, Jean Ross.

NURSING DIAGNOSIS GUIDE

This guide is to assist in the thought process of developing nursing diagnoses as identified from
the assessment guide.
1. Identify and list stressors from your assessment.

INTRAPERSONAL INTERPERSONAL EXTRAPERSONAL

FIGURE 13-3 (continued)

 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 203

2. Identify how deeply each stressor penetrates from the flexible line of defense through the
normal line of defense and lines of resistance to the core. (Indicate degree of penetration by
drawing arrows on the diagram; include brief written explanation of degree of penetration as
needed for each stressor.)

ible line of defens

Flex e
l line of defen
rma se
No

s of resistanc
ne
Li e

CORE

3. How can the clients flexible line of defense be strengthened or maintained? (For example,
what are the implications for teaching, health promotion or wellness, etc.?)
4. Formulate nursing diagnoses to include every stressor. (Write in PES format.)
5. Prioritize the nursing diagnoses according to Maslows Hierarchy of Needs (as reflected in the
penetration of the arrows) by numbering each.

Reviewed 7/99 SBH; rev. 11/99 SBH; rev. 8/00 SBH & KJV.
1993 Sanna Boxley-Harges (SBH).

NURSING ASSESSMENT GUIDE GLOSSARY

THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL DEFINITIONS:
CORE/BASIC STRUCTURE: Consists of basic survival factors common to all persons, such as
genetic structure, organ function, self-image, cognitive potential, age, and sex.
STABILITY: The client or a system successfully copes with stressors; it is able to maintain an
adequate level of health. Functional harmony or balance preserves the integrity of the system.
STRESSORS: Environmental forces that may alter system stability.
A. EXTRAPERSONAL STRESSORS/FACTORS: Forces that occur outside the individual;
such as, financial circumstances, employment environment, and relationship to
community health agencies. These forces could influence intrapersonal and
interpersonal stressors/factors.

FIGURE 13-3 (continued)

204 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

B. INTERPERSONAL STRESSORS/FACTORS: Forces that occur between one or more

individuals, such as role expectations and resources and relationship of family, friends,
or caregivers, which either influence or could influence intrapersonal factors.
C. INTRAPERSONAL STRESSORS/FACTORS: Forces that occur within the individual;
such as, physical bodily functions, cognitive processes, developmental stages,
spirituality, etc.; also includes pathological alterations.
NORMAL LINE OF DEFENSE: The normal line of defense is the models outer solid circle. It
represents a stability state that is unique for each individual and reflects a state of health that
is maintained over a period of time.
FLEXIBLE LINE OF DEFENSE: The flexible line of defense is the models broken outer ring. It is
dynamic, can be rapidly altered over a short period of time, and is perceived as a protective
buffer for preventing stressors from breaking through the solid line of defense. The relationship
of the variables can affect the degree to which an individual is able to use his/her flexible line of
defense against possible reaction to a stressor or stressors, such as loss of sleep. It is important
to strengthen this flexible line of defense to prevent a possible reaction.
LINES OF RESISTANCE: The series of broken rings surrounding the basic core structure. These
rings represent resource factors that help the client defend against a stressor.
PENETRATION OF STRESSOR: Stressors can penetrate both the flexible and normal lines of
defense. For example:
1. Penetration to or through the normal lines of defense may equate to the client being
hospitalized for diagnostic tests.
2. Penetration of lines of resistance may indicate how acutely/critically ill the client is.
3. Penetration to the core probably indicates terminal illness or impending death of the
client.
RECONSTITUTION: Return and maintenance of system stability following treatment of stressor
reaction.
ABDOMEN: (Note: Order of examination: inspection, auscultation, palpation)
Inspection: contour, umbilicus, lesions (incisions, scars, striae, stomas, etc.), pulsations,
hernia, distention (abdominal/bladder).
Auscultation: bowel sounds (frequency, character).
Palpation: tenderness, firmness, masses (hernias, distended bladder, etc.).
ALLERGIES: Note allergens (medicines, foods); also state if no known allergens (NKA or
NKDAno known drug allergies).
BOWEL AND BLADDER - ELIMINATION: Patterns/habits, problems, observation of urine and
stool as to color, odor, consistency, and amount. Anything that influences the normal elimination
pattern.
BREAST: Appearanceinspect size, shape, dimpling and symmetry (breasts normally round and
fairly symmetrical). Nipple (discharge, everted/inverted, lesions). Lumps (size, location, shape,
mobility, tenderness). Lymph nodesinspect clavicular and axillary nodes for swelling or
tenderness.
CHRONIC HEALTH AND/OR HEALTH CONDITIONS: A condition marked by long duration or
frequent recurrence, e.g., obesity, malnutrition, or arthritis, etc. Include medical, mental health
and surgical problems that affect the clients health status.

FIGURE 13-3 (continued)

 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 205

CLIENT REPORT: Where indicated, a clients description may be relied on without actual nurse
examination.
CIRCULATION, MOVEMENT, SENSATION (CMS): A CMS assessment or check refers to
assessing the circulation, movement, and sensation of the upper and lower extremities.
CIRCULATION: Assess pulses for quality, volume, and presence; capillary filling; edema; color;
warmth; and pain or increase in pain upon movement. Compare bilaterally using pulse volume
scale.
PULSE VOLUME SCALE
0 Absent, not discernible
1 Thready or weak, difficult to feel
2 Detected readily, obliterated by strong pressure
3 Bounding, difficult to obliterate
MOVEMENT: Assess clients ability to move body parts.
Assessment of Upper Extremity Innervation:
Hyperextend thumb (radial nerve), abduct fingers (ulnar nerve) and opposition of 1st and
5th digit and wrist flexion (median nerve).
Assessment of Lower Extremity Innervation:
Dorsiflex toes (peroneal nerve) and plantar flex toes (tibial nerve).
SENSATION: Touch the extremities at various locations and ask if client has any tingling or numbness.
This assessment would be done to establish a database (initial assessment on admission) and
whenever indicated by a clients diagnosis or condition e.g., traction, fracture, sprain, peripheral
vascular disease, surgery; or anytime there is the potential for impaired circulation from a cast,
Ace bandage, splint, brace, etc.
COMMUNICATION (VERBAL AND NONVERBAL): Speaks English and/or other language. Extent
of vocabulary (simple, nontechnical words, complex technical words, or other descriptive terms).
PatternDoes client express ideas or needs effectively?
COMMUNITY: Availability and accessibility of community resources, support groups, home health
care, outpatient therapies, etc.
DEVELOPMENTAL: Use Eriksons developmental stages. Assess tasks appropriate to age level
and correlate with current health status; identify ability to accept dependent or independent role
when appropriate.
SEXUALITY: A multidimensional component of ones holistic self. It is characterized by all physical,
sociocultural, psychological, developmental, and spiritual attributes that are associated with ones
gender. Sexuality is expressed through attitudes, values, and behaviors.
To assess sexuality, as opposed to sexual health, identify the following in your client:
1. Wholeness of person; self-image, body image, self-esteem, sense of identity.
2. Comfort with self; with touching, eye contact, self-awareness.
3. Comfort with surgical process; loss of organsespecially reproductive; loss of body
partsamputation, visible scarring, or ostomy, etc.
4. Comfort with medical process; cancer, AIDS, wasting away pathology, etc.
5. Comfort with mental health process; anorexia, depression, etc.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS: Correlate results with pathology/clients diagnosis.

FIGURE 13-3 (continued)

206 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

DISCHARGE NEEDS: Anticipating and planning for needs of the client after discharge in
collaboration with the client and family. This may include: teaching regarding diet, medication,
health condition; use of adjunctive therapies; changes in the home environment; referrals to
community resources, etc.
EARS: Auricle and pinnacolor, nodules, lesions; canalpatency and drainage; hearing level
normal voice tone, whispers.
ECONOMIC:
FINANCIAL STRESSORS: Stressors related to financial concerns, including employment,
health insurance arrangements, and adequacy of income. Assess effects of current health
status on future income.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Stressors and/or satisfaction with environment and their effects
on the clients current health status.

EXTRAPERSONAL STRESSORS/FACTORS: See the Neuman Systems Model.

EYES: Eyelidclosed completely, edema, lesions; eyelashes and browspresence; conjunctiva
color, inflammation; scleraclear, cloudy, smooth; corneaclear, smooth; PERRLA; pupils
equality, shape (round), reaction to light and accommodation. Size: pre- and post-light
stimulation utilizing the pupil size scale expressed in millimeters. Corrective/prosthetic devices:
contact lenses, glasses, lens implant, glass eye.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PUPIL SIZE SCALE (Measured in millimetersmm)

FACIAL APPEARANCE/SYMMETRY: Expression, color, lesions, and facial hair; position and
alignment of facial features.
HEAD: Hair, scalptexture, cleanliness, quantity, distribution, pattern of loss or gain of hair,
scalp condition (scaling, flaking, infestation, lesions). Newborn/Pediatric: skull contour, head
circumference, condition of fontanels. Mental statussee neuro checks/assessment.
HEALTH PROMOTION: Measures that the individual initiates to maintain health and wellness,
such as, exercising regularly, eating appropriately, controlling or avoiding health hazards,
controlling stress, and health screening.
INITIAL IMPRESSION/GENERAL SURVEY: General body development, approximate age, race,
sex, state of health, presenting appearance (dress, grooming, personal hygiene, behavior/
activity), level of awareness and speech pattern. (Done by inspection only; no measurements;
a statement of exactly what you see with no judgment.)
Example: Well-developed young adult black male in respiratory distress in hospital gown,
hair combed and face shaven, no body odor, in bed in Semi-Fowlers with eyes closed,
alert, responds to caregiver with interrupted, logical speech pattern.
INTERPERSONAL STRESSORS/FACTORS: See the Neuman Systems Model.
INTRAPERSONAL STRESSORS/FACTORS: See the Neuman Systems Model.

FIGURE 13-3 (continued)

 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 207

MEDICATION: Correlate results with pathology/clients diagnosis.

MOUTH: Lipscolor, moisture, lesions, cracking, pursing; tonguecolor, coating, lesions, mobility;
teethpresence, absence, loose, dentures, bridgework, caries; gumsreceding, edema,
inflammation; mucous membrane (color, moisture, lesions); oropharynx (deviation of uvula,
presence or absence of tonsils).
NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL: See the Neuman Systems Model Definitions at the beginning of
glossary.
NEURO CHECK/ASSESSMENT: *The following items comprise a basic neuro check but do not
fulfill the requirements of a comprehensive neurological assessment.
Mental status: Level of consciousness (LOC)alert, drowsy, inattentive, confused, semi-
comatose, comatose; orientation to person, place, and time (or alert to surroundings);
response to simple commands; and mood (observations of facial expression, voice, and
bodily movement in addition to clients own perceptions of feelings).
Pupils: PERRLA (see EYES).
Movement: Voluntary or involuntary; response to painful stimuli or to command.
Hand Grip: Bilateral equality of strength.
NUTRITIONAL STATUS: Current prescribed diet, tube feedings, hyperalimentation (TPN),
supportive IV therapymaintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance. General eating patterns
with likes or dislikes and cultural or religious practices. Assess overall nutritional status; compare
ideal body weight (IBW) to actual body weight.
PROGNOSIS: A prediction of the probable course and outcome of the pathological processes
for the current medical or surgical diagnosis.
PROGNOSIS, CLIENTS ACTUAL: Specify how this clients pathological disease process will alter
his/her future health status including comparison to the outcome as predicted by the textbook
and the clients chronic health conditions.
PSYCHOSOCIAL: See COMMUNICATION and INTERPERSONAL STRESSORS.
PUPILS:
PERRLA: pupilsequality, shape (round), reaction to light, and accommodation.
Size: pre- and post-light stimulation utilizing the pupil size scale expressed in millimeters.
Corrective/prosthetic devices: contact lenses, glasses, lens implant, glass eye.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PUPIL SIZE SCALE (Measured in millimetersmm)

RELATIONSHIPS: Describe whether the clients relationships are a source of stress and/or support
related to his/her current health status. Describe observations and give evidence to validate if at all
possible.
SEXUALITY: See DEVELOPMENTAL.
SOCIOCULTURAL: Social class and cultural values as related to health beliefs, practices, and
perceptions of care. This includes attitudes, values, expectations, behavior patterns, nature of

FIGURE 13-3 (continued)

208 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

coping patterns, and factors that may alter reaction to illness, hospital, and therapy. Identify
ethnic background and contemporary culture/lifestyle as to effects on health beliefs and
practices. Health beliefs and practices may include faith healing, home remedies, taboos against
foods, medicines, and certain therapies, e.g., blood transfusions. Additional beliefs may affect
display or denial of emotion, response to stressors including pain, and inclusion of family
members or larger sociocultural groups in caregiving.
Examples of lifestyle include: Single-parent families, traditional families, single/living alone,
heterosexual, homosexual, street people/homeless, and income groups (high- to low-income.
SPIRITUAL/SPIRITUALITY: The NSM (1995) identifies the spiritual variable as an innate
component of people that permeates all other variables. Dr. Lois Lowry (NSM Trustee) states that
the spiritual dimension of person hood includes a better understanding of the connections of
body, mind, and spirit. Spiritual, ethnic, and cultural beliefs are often interrelated.
Religious or spiritual beliefs that give meaning to life may involve specific practices or an
individuals inner sense of spirituality. These beliefs and ones sense of spirituality are also related
to end-of-life issues. A clients sense of spirituality during illness may be reflected in his/her
attitude of hope or despair. Spirituality can also be reflected in how joy, happiness, comfort,
sadness, grief, etc., is experienced by an individual.
Examples of specific spiritual/religious practices include: baptism, communion,
circumcision, anointing rites, care of the body at death (burial or cremation), and observation of
the Sabbath and/or Holy Days. Spiritual/religious beliefs may influence use of accepted therapies,
birth control, organ donation, autopsy, and extraordinary means to prolong life.
STRESSOR: Environmental forces that may alter system stability.
See Definitions under the Betty Neuman Systems Model.
SUPPORTIVE AND MONITORING EQUIPMENT: Any therapeutic device that facilitates client
recovery and/or rehabilitation. Examples include: oxygen, chest tubes, intravenous lines, TPN,
NG suction, cardiac monitor, urinary catheter, crutches, walker, and therapeutic (egg crate)
mattress, etc.
UPPER TRUNK (THORAX AND BACK): Assess shape of chest, deformity of thorax, symmetry
of chest expansion, use of accessory muscles and retraction of intercostal muscles, impairment
of respiratory movement, position of comfort, and spinal contour.

Reviewed annually 1984 to current.

2005 Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.
Revised 3/90, 5/93, 5/94, 5/97, 8/03, 5/04.
1984 Associate Degree Curriculum Committee.
1984 Sanna Boxley-Harges, Linda Meyer, Jean Ross.

References
Beckman, S. J., Boxley-Harges, S., Bruick-Sorge, C., Harris, S. M., Hermiz, M. E., Meininger, M., &
Steinkeler, S. E. (1998). Betty Neuman: Systems model. In A. Marriner-Tomey & M. R.
Alligood, Nursing theorists and their work (4th ed., pp. 269304). St. Louis: Mosby.
Neuman, B. (1982). The Neuman Systems Model: Application to nursing education and practice.
Norwalk, CT: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Neuman, B. (1989). The Neuman Systems Model (2nd ed.). Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange.
Neuman, B. (1995). The Neuman Systems Model (3rd ed.). Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange.
Neuman, B., & Fawcett, J. (2002). The Neuman Systems Model (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall.

FIGURE 13-3 (continued)

 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 209

junior year, and final senior year capstone course. The American Nurses Association (ANA;
2008) Standards of Professional Performance, ANA Code for Nurses, and the Indiana Nurse
Practice Act, along with the Neuman Systems Model, are foundational to these seminar
courses, thereby positioning the student firmly into the profession. A general introduction
to nursing conceptual models and theories is provided in the first seminar class. The
Neuman Systems Model is introduced more fully in the first clinical nursing course. The
model is discussed further in the second seminar course. One group of students presents
the Neuman Systems Model, and other groups present other nursing conceptual models or
theories. In addition to nursing theories, seminar content includes professional practice is-
sues, electronic (e) portfolio development, therapeutic communication, cultural diversity,
computer literacy, professional writing, accessing information, teaching-learning princi-
ples, and professional representation.
The leadership focus group addressed delivery of care to increasing numbers of
clients in a variety of long-term care, hospital, and community health care settings. In the
leadership course offered in the last semester of the associate degree program, wholistic
care is delivered to small groups of clients under the supervision of a registered nurse
preceptor in acute care settings. In the senior year leadership course, the prevention in-
terventions are applied to work groups in a wide variety of health care settings under the
supervision of a registered nurse who has a leadership role. Major concepts addressed
with the leadership content area include application of Neuman Systems Modelbased
care to groups of clients and/or application of the model to the work group, critical think-
ing, cultural competence, evidence-based practice, and information literacy.

Course Descriptions
The curriculum plan to produce Neuman Systems Modelbased outcomes requires con-
stant and consistent attention by all members of the faculty. The detailed descriptions of
several courses given here exemplify application of the Neuman Systems Model in the
IPFW nursing curriculum.

NUR 115 ADULT NURSING IINTRODUCTION TO NURSING The Neuman Systems Model is
introduced to students in their first clinical nursing course, Adult Nursing IIntroduction
to Nursing. The introduction of the model occurs close to the midpoint of the semester via
a PowerPoint presentation and class discussion. Small-group discussion allows students to
relate the stressors they may be experiencing to the Neuman Systems Model. At this point,
students typically find the model to be overwhelming and confusing.
Concurrently, in college laboratory, small groups of students practice application of
the Neuman Systems Model to case scenarios reflecting clients experiencing diverse
health situations. Directions for the case scenario lab activity are listed in Box 13-2. At the
conclusion of this lab activity, students seem more comfortable with use of the model.
The practicum experience for this course emphasizes the physiological client system
variable, with weekly written assessments about various body systems. As the semester
progresses, students become more conversant and familiar with Neuman Systems Model
language and the Neuman Systems Model resource documents. A major course paper re-
quires presentation of an extensive Neuman Systems Model assessment, medication data,
diagnostic data, and a beginning plan of care addressing four prioritized client problems,
at least one of which must be nonphysiological.
210 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

BOX 13-2
NUR 115: Introduction to Neuman Systems Model Lab ActivityAnalysis
of a Case Scenario

1. List your clients strengths according to 4. Identify the area in which the clients flexible
Neumans five wholistic variables. line of defense can be strengthened or
2. Identify and list your clients stressors (intra-, maintained (e.g., implications for teaching,
inter-, and extrapersonal). health promotion or wellness, etc.).
3. Identify how deeply stressors penetrate from 5. List and prioritize all of the actual and po-
the flexible line of defense through the nor- tential nursing diagnoses that pertain to
mal line of defense and lines of resistance to your client using the PES format. (Do not list
the core. Indicate degree of penetration by more than eight nursing diagnoses.)
drawing arrows on the diagram; include a 6. Using the attached form or the form that
brief written explanation of degree of pene- you may download from WebCT, develop
tration as needed for each stressor. (A dia- the two nursing diagnoses with the highest
gram of the client portion of the Neuman priority.
Systems Model is included for drawing).

BOX 13-3
Building a Live Neuman Systems Model

1. The Core: Faculty member or someone of around the lines of resistance and core (12 or
importance to students. more students).
2. Solid Circle around Core: Faculty members 5. Flexible Line of Defense: Additional clinical
clinical student group holds hands to form a student groups (not holding hands) form a
solid circle around the core (8 students). broken circle around the normal line of de-
3. Lines of Resistance: Additional clinical groups fense (16 or more students).
(not holding hands) form two or three broken 6. Stressors: Remaining clinical group acts as
circles around the core (20 or more students). stressors (8 students).
4. Normal Line of Defense: Additional clinical
groups hold hands to form a solid circle

Note: The size of the live Neuman Systems Model depends on the number of students and amount of space available.
The approximate time to build the live model is 5 to 10 minutes.

NUR 202 ADULT NURSING II The second clinical adult nursing course, Adult Nursing II,
begins with a creative review of how the Neuman Systems Model is operationalized in the
building of a live model (see Box 13-3). While the live model is being assembled, a fac-
ulty narrator, who plays the role of the central core, builds a story of a client with increas-
ingly poor health affecting two or more client system variables. For example, the client
might be an overstressed, fatigued person who catches a cold that progresses into pneu-
monia with potential for respiratory failure. One group of students is taken aside, out of
hearing from the live model, and instructed to assume the role of multiple intrapersonal,
 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 211

interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors and try to break through the lines of defense
and resistance to attack the central core; two or more stressors usually manage to reach the
core. This activity facilitates active discussion of the Neuman Systems Model concepts.
As the semester progresses, application of Neuman Systems Model concepts is evi-
dent in classroom lectures and discussion, model-based teaching tools, test items, and
student assignments. A required assignment is a teaching project for which a student
group selects a course topic and presents a 15-minute lecture to the entire class. Students
also submit a paper focused on the process of developing the teaching project.
An optional assignment encompasses two experiential components, one involving
the spiritual variable and the other involving the psychological variable (see Box 13-4).
This assignment is offered for extra credit; students may choose to do either or both of
the experiential components. By the end of this course, students begin to demonstrate
their ability and comfort in utilizing the Neuman Systems Model concepts.

NUR 344 INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH CARE INFORMATICS This junior yearrequired nurs-
ing course, offered online in asynchronous format, focuses on exploration of the past,
present, and projected future impact of nursing informatics on the management and deliv-
ery of nursing care. Through class discussion, literature and health care database surveys,
assigned readings, electronic communication, written assignments, and group projects, the
three informatics competencies as defined by the ANA (2008) are addressed: computer
literacy, information literacy, and professional development/leadership. Within the con-
text of the evidence-based practice curriculum strand, the three foundational building
blocks of the course are informatics textbook, informatics competencies, and the Neuman
Systems Model; the anchoring points are nursing informatics, information literacy, and
cultural competency (see Figure 13-4).
The inclusion of the Neuman Systems Model in the informatics course is most evident
in the final project, which consists of a paper and student-created health teaching Web page
targeted to a diverse population (see Figure 13-5). With tertiary prevention intervention as
the focus, students consider the client, family, and environment within the context of the
five client system variables. Evidence of student creativity and inclusion of relevant course
content are evident in the screen shots from the health teaching Web pages displayed in
Figure 13-6.

BOX 13-4
The Wearing of an Ostomy Bag: Experiencing the Psychological Variable

1. Wear an ostomy bag for 24 hours. 3. Have witness form signed by designated
(If no ostomy bag, may wear a ziplock faculty or staff.
plastic bag turned upside down.) (Witness must see actual ostomy bag.)
2. Ostomy bag must contain leakable contents 4. Write a reaction paper regarding your feel-
with an odor, pleasant or otherwise. ings before, during, and after wearing the
(Suggested contents: pudding, lotion, ostomy bag.
and coffee grounds with additional liquid.)
212 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

NC E-BASED PRAC
IDE TIC
EV Nursing
E
informatics

Inf
gy
olo

orm
Informatics

hn

ati
textbook

ec

on
t
on

ect
ati

hn
orm Informatics

olo
competencies
Inf

gy
Neuman systems
model

Information Cultural
literacy Information technology competency

FIGURE 13-4 NUR 344 Informatics Course framework (Schulte, 2008) Reprinted with permission by
Dr. Linda Meyer.

Software
Information Standardized
Informatics &
literacy language
Hardware

Data, Ethical,
Information Final
information, legal,
systems project
knowledge ergonomic

FIGURE 13-5 Informatics: Addition of unit information equaling final project.

 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 213

FIGURE 13-6 Three student-created health teaching Web pages. Used with permission of Dr. Linda
Meyer and Dr. Carol Sternberger, IPFW Department of Nursing, Fort Wayne, IN.
214 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

FIGURE 13-6 (continued)

 Chapter 13 Nursing Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 215

Conclusion
The innovations developed by the IPFW facul- professional nurses to influence client care
ty are responsive to changing trends in nursing worldwide. Nurses whose practice is guided
education. The Neuman Systems Model has by an explicit conceptual model will have the
and continues to direct organization of content knowledge, skills, and practice tools necessary
in the undergraduate nursing program curricu- for provision of high touch care in a high-tech
lum, with the ultimate goal providing evidence- society and health care environment (Lowry,
based knowledge grounded in theory and psy- Beckman, Gehrling, & Fawcett, 2007, pp.
chomotor skills to deliver safe care within the 228229).
context of an explicit conceptual model of
nursing. The use of one nursing conceptual ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
model across all courses allows students to The authors express appreciation to depart-
build on prior learning and gain depth and ment colleagues who assisted in preparation
breadth of understanding with applications in of this chapter:
practice. Although continuing to emphasize the Linda Meyer, PhD, RN, CNE, director of
Neuman Systems Model, midway in their pro- undergraduate programs and professor, con-
gram of studies, students explore other nursing tributed content about NUR 344, Introduction
models and theories, thereby expanding their to Health Care Informatics, and participated in
perspectives of the frames of reference for review of the chapter.
nursing practice. Jane Dannhausen, MSN, RN, FNP-C, as-
The Neuman Systems Model continues sistant clinical professor, provided course ma-
to have a significant impact on the educational terials from NUR 115, Adult Nursing I,
process at IPFW. Ultimately, formal and infor- Introduction to Nursing.
mal education exists to assist students to know
themselves and realize their capabilities as

References
AACN (American Association of Colleges of NLN (National League for Nursing). (2008, May 9).
Nursing). (1998). Essentials of baccalaureate ed- Preparing the next generation of nurses to practice
ucation for professional nursing practice. in a technology-rich environment: An informat-
Washington, D.C.: The Association. ics agenda. Retrieved July 1, 2008, from http://
ANA (American Nurses Association). (2008). Scope www.nln.org/aboutnln/Position Statements/
and standards of nursing informatics practice informatics_052808.pdf
(2nd ed.). Washington, DC: American Nurses Schulte, S. (in press). Integrating information litera-
Publishing. cy into an online undergraduate nursing infor-
Lowry, L., Beckman, S., Gehrling, K. R., & Fawcett, J. matics course: The librarians role in the design
(2007). Imagining nursing practice: The Neuman and teaching of the course. Medical Reference
systems model in 2050. Nursing Science Services Quarterly.
Quarterly, 20, 226229.
    
CHAPTER 14
Psychiatric Nursing Education
at Douglas College
Michel A. Tarko
Anna M. Helewka

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the application of the Neuman Systems Model to
curriculum for the Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing baccalaureate degree
in psychiatric nursing program. Work done by the faculty to enhance understanding of the
client system as an individual, a family, a group, or a community was presented in Chapters
2 and 3 of this book.

DOUGLAS COLLEGE
Douglas College, which is located in western British Columbia, Canada, has long been a
leader in health care education. In keeping with a commitment to lifelong learning, the col-
lege serves 13,000 credit students and 7,300 continuing education learners every year. The
Department of Nursing and the Department of Psychiatric Nursing are situated within the
Faculty of Health Sciences, one of six faculties that comprise the Education Division of
Douglas College. The Department of Nursing offers a generic Bachelor of Science in Nursing
degree program. The Department of Psychiatric Nursing offers a generic Bachelor of Science
in Psychiatric Nursing (BSPN) degree program, a Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing program,
and access by distance education to a BSPN degree completion program for returning regis-
tered psychiatric nurses and registered nurses working in a mental health context.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

In September 2006, the Department of Psychiatric Nursing (DOPN) added a four-year
Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing program to the existing three-year Diploma in
Psychiatric Nursing program. The baccalaureate degree program curriculum focuses on
health promotion and prevention within the context of the Neuman Systems Model, which
is used as a guide for the didactic and practicum dimensions of the curriculum.
The decision to introduce undergraduate students to the Neuman Systems Model was
a new venture for the DOPN faculty. In the past, the faculty believed that the Neuman
216
 Chapter 14 Psychiatric Nursing Education at Douglas College 217

Systems Model was too complex for undergraduates. The Neuman Systems Model had, how-
ever, been used for many years as the guide for the curriculum of the Advanced Diploma in
Psychiatric Nursing program (ADPN), a post diploma program designed for practicing regis-
tered psychiatric nurses and other registered nurses working in mental health settings
(Crawford & Tarko, 2002); this program is currently phasing out and is being replaced by the
BSPN degree completion program. Consequently, only the faculty members who taught in
the ADPN program were experienced in the application of the Neuman Systems Model.
The DOPN faculty decided to introduce the Neuman Systems Model at the begin-
ning of the new baccalaureate degree program and add complexity gradually during each
semester. This decision has required a great deal of curriculum revision and faculty pro-
fessional development activities. The initial step was to develop a curriculum conceptual
framework that integrated the Neuman Systems Model perspectives of human beings, en-
vironment, health, and psychiatric nursing with curriculum threads and universal experi-
ences relevant for psychiatric nursing (see Table 2-1 on p. 38).

Curriculum Threads
The curriculum threads include the four interrelated constructs listed here:
1. The WellnessIllness Continuum. The person experiences health on a wellness
illness continuum. The wellnessillness continuum includes the concepts of wholism,
determinants of health, variance from wellness, and prevention as intervention
primary, secondary, tertiaryas well as the universal experiences of crisis, comfort,
hope, loss, power, integrity, and resiliency.
2. Professional Values. Professional values represent the beliefs inherent in psychi-
atric nursing practice. This curriculum thread includes the professional attributes of
compassion, comportment, commitment, conscience, competence, confidence, and
collegiality; legal and ethical guidelines; standards of practice; professional role; cul-
tural competence; and advocacy.
3. Professional Caring. Professional caring refers to the activities inherent in profes-
sional psychiatric nursing practice involving cognitive, affective, behavioral, and
psychomotor processes. The development of critical thinking, problem-solving,
and communication skills is facilitated. This curriculum thread includes knowledge
and application of the nursing process, therapeutic use of self, clinical skills, teaching-
learning process, and group processes.
4. Health Care Delivery System. The health care delivery system involves a multi-
faceted, interdisciplinary approach to delivery of health care services to diverse
population groups. Psychiatric nursing is an integral component within the health
care system. This curriculum thread includes primary health care, psychosocial reha-
bilitation, case management, program management, interprofessional collaborative
practice, leadership, and information technology.

Faculty Professional Development Activities

Once the overall curriculum framework was designed (see Table 2-1), the next step taken
toward implementation of the curriculum focused on ensuring that the Neuman Systems
Model became an integral part of every nursing course in the program, as well as in
the Clinical Learning Outcomes documents used for evaluation of students practice. The
218 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

success of the curriculum venture rested on all faculty becoming proficient with the
Neuman Systems Model concepts and language. All faculty members attended a series of
Neuman Systems Model professional development workshops to facilitate their under-
standing of the content of the model and strategies to enhance its application in practice.
It was expected that as students entered the second and third years of study, increas-
ing faculty professional development activities would be needed for the faculty who had
not been involved in teaching courses earlier in the curriculum. However, faculty did not
seem to need as much professional development as was expectedfaculty were not only
learning from each other but were also learning from the students. Indeed, students were
able to articulate the Neuman Systems Model concepts so well that faculty who were new
to the Neuman Systems Model easily developed an understanding of the concepts. An es-
sential step in the curriculum development process has been the development of the
DOPN Neuman Systems Model taxonomy of nursing diagnoses (see Figure 2-7 on p. 68).

CURRICULUM SEQUENCE
The plan of study for the baccalaureate degree in psychiatric nursing program is given in
Table 14-1. As can be seen, nursing courses begin in the first semester of the second year

TABLE 14-1 Plan of Study for the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing Program

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

Semester One Semester Three Semester Five Semester Seven

PHIL 3125 PNUR 1101 PNUR 2301 PNUR 4503
Philosophy for Concepts I (4.5) Concepts III (4.5) Comprehensive
Psychiatric Geriatric Theory (1.5)
PNUR 1141 PNUR 2321
Nurses (3)
Group Theory I (1.5) Therapeutic PNUR 4573
ENGL 1130 or Relations III (1.5) Children &
PNUR 1121
approved Adolescents (3)
Therapeutic PNUR 2330
substitution (3)
Relations I (1.5) Clinical PNUR 4521
BIOL 1103 Procedures III (1.5) Therapeutic
PNUR 1130
Human Relations V (1.5)
Clinical PNUR 2351
Biology I (3)
Procedures I (1.5) Psychiatric Nursing PNUR 4575
PSYC 1100 (3) Pharmacology II (1.5) Psychiatric
BIOL 2401 (3)
Nursing Research (3)
MATH 1160 (3) PNUR 4585
Microbiology
Concurrent PNUR 3272
OR
PSYC 2341 Disorders (3) Psychiatric Nursing
PSYC 2300 (3) Abnormal Community
PNUR 2361
Psychology (3) Concepts (3)
Clinical Practice II (5)
PNUR 4561
Clinical Practice IV (5)
Total 15 Credits Total 15 Credits Total 17 Credits Total 17 Credits
(continued)
 Chapter 14 Psychiatric Nursing Education at Douglas College 219

TABLE 14-1 (continued)

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

Semester Two Semester Four Semester Six Semester Eight
ENGL Elective (3) PNUR 1201 PNUR 2401 PNUR 4601
Concepts II (3) Concepts IV (4.5) Leadership/ Trends
BIOL 1203 Human
and Issues (3)
Biology II (3) PNUR 1221 PNUR 2421
Therapeutic Therapeutic PNUR Elective (3)
PSYC 1200 (3)
Relations II (1.5) Relations IV (1.5)
PNUR 4646
Elective (3)
PNUR 1230 PNUR 2430 Clinical Practice V:
Elective (3) Clinical Clinical Preceptorship (9)
Procedures II (1.5) Procedures IV (1.5)
PNUR 1250 PNUR 2461
Psychiatric Nursing Clinical Practice III (5)
Pharmacology I (1.5)
PNUR 3171
PNUR 1261 Clinical Family Health
Practice I (5) Promotion (3)
PNUR 3341 Group
Theory II (1.5)
Total 15 Credits Total 14 Credits Total 15.5 Credits Total 15 Credits

and culminate with a precepted practicum in the second semester of the fourth year. The
content of the various nursing courses focuses on the client system as an individual, a
family, a group, or a community. Detailed descriptions of the essential content about each
type of client system were presented in Chapters 2 and 3 of this book.
Students are introduced to the constructs of health promotion and primary preven-
tion as intervention in the first nursing course when they learn about the content of the
Neuman Systems Model. They are required to apply the model concepts to themselves
and to well individuals. Their understanding of the curriculum framework is largely de-
pendent on their understanding of the Neuman Systems Model language and concepts
central core and the lines of defense and resistanceand how those concepts relate to
stressors, adaptation, and coping. As students progress in the program, they utilize the
curriculum framework to guide their practice across the spectrum of wholistic mental
health care for individuals, families, groups, and communities, thereby developing their
knowledge and competence in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention-as-interven-
tion modalities aimed at attaining, retaining, and maintaining client system stability and
promoting optimal client system wellness.

Conclusion
Nursing is engaged in reciprocal relationships interacts with the mental health care system
with the larger health care system and the social within the larger health care system in providing
system of the larger society. Psychiatric nursing, mental health care for clients. Psychiatric nurs-
as a subsystem of the larger system of nursing, ing focuses on these reciprocal relationships
220 Section 4 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Education

and the interrelatedness of the parts to the The curriculum development, imple-
whole. This perspective is broader than the tra- mentation, and evaluation process will contin-
ditional medical and biological disease-focused ue with the implementation of the fourth year
views wherein the diagnosis and cure of illness nursing courses in September 2008. The cur-
states is all-important. Utilizing the Neuman riculum framework is continuing to evolve as
Systems Model as a lens for practice ensures the result of lessons learned from the dynamic
that intervention and/or prevention does not interactions of faculty and students informing
focus solely on how disease or illness influ- each other about the curriculum in general and
ences the client system but rather on the clients the use of the Neuman Systems Model as a
total response to illness or disease. guide for the curriculum in particular.

Reference
Crawford, J. A., & Tarko, M. A. (2002). Using the Neuman systems model (4th ed., pp. 90110).
Neuman systems model to guide nursing practice Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
in Canada. In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett (Eds.), The
 SECTION FIVE
    

The Neuman Systems Model

and Nursing Practice
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CHAPTER 15
Using the Neuman Systems
Model to Guide Pediatric
Nursing Practice
Betsy M. McDowell

The purpose of this chapter is to apply the Neuman Systems Model practice guidelines,
which were presented in Chapter 8, to pediatric nursing practice and to present a com-
prehensive discussion of pediatric nursing practice processes. The chapter also includes
six case studies of pediatric nursing practice guided by the Neuman Systems Model.

APPLICATION OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL PRACTICE

GUIDELINES TO PEDIATRIC NURSING PRACTICE
Purpose of Practice
Pediatric nursing practice involves providing care for well and ill children and their fami-
lies in various settings [American Nurses Association and the Society of Pediatric Nursing
(ANA/SPN), 2003]. (The term children denotes people younger than 18 years of age, in-
cluding neonates, infants, children, or adolescents.) From the perspective of the Neuman
Systems Model, the purpose of pediatric nursing practice is to assist children and their
families in retaining, attaining, and maintaining optimal system stability, that is, optimal
wellness.

Practice Problems of Interest

The problems of interest to pediatric nurses are broad, and include health promotion and
disease prevention via anticipatory guidance with children and families, developmental
foundations of interventions with children and families, preservation of the family unit,
and childrens responses to separation, loss, and bereavement (ANA/SPN, 2003). More
specifically, the practice problems of interest in pediatric nursing include the actual or po-
tential reactions to intrapersonal, interpersonal, or extrapersonal stressors arising from the
internal and external environments of children and their families. These problems might
223
224 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

TABLE 15-1 Examples of Stressors by Type of Stressor and Client System

Client System
Type of Individual Family Group (-group) Community
Stressor (-personal) (-familial) (-community)

Intra- Decreased oral New baby added Only four Entire college
stressors intake to the family members attend goes tobacco-free
meetings
Inter- Altered maternal- Neighbors dogs Area immigrants County is
stressors infant bond keep children speak limited competing for
awake English new business
Extra- Teen has three Father loses job External funding State plans to
stressors offers for summer when plant available to reroute interstate
employment closes continue group around city

involve fluid volume deficit following a 1-day history of watery diarrhea (intrapersonal
stressor), a knowledge deficit concerning medication compliance while at school (inter-
personal stressor), accidental injuries from faulty play equipment (extrapersonal stressor),
or maximizing the potential for a child with special health care needs (intrafamilial stres-
sor). Table 15-1 includes examples of stressors arising from the environment for individ-
ual, family, group, and community client systems, each of which may be perceived by the
client system as positive and/or negative.

Settings for Practice

The settings for pediatric nursing practice are as diverse as the clinical problems men-
tioned earlier. Pediatric nursing practice guided by the Neuman Systems Model can be
provided anywhere children and their families are found. Pediatric nursing can involve
traditional bedside care provided in inpatient settings and homes; follow-up care or well-
ness care provided in ambulatory clinics, offices, schools, and homes; child and family
advocacy through participation in community groups, on advisory or policy-making
boards, or publication of newspaper articles on child health and safety issues; and/or ill-
ness and injury prevention by provision of anticipatory guidance to children and families
in multiple venues or by targeted programming with high-risk groups in the community.

Participants in Practice
The participants in pediatric nursing practice include caregivers, who are nurses, and chil-
dren and their families, who are the primary client systems. Other client systems of inter-
est in pediatric nursing are childrens groups or communities that include children
(ANA/SPN, 2003).

The ClientCaregiver Relationship

A philosophy of family-centered care is central to contemporary pediatric nursing practice
(Lewandowski & Tesler, 2003). Thus, although focused on children as their clients,
 Chapter 15 Using the Neuman Systems Model to Guide Pediatric Nursing Practice 225

pediatric nurses must incorporate the family into their care. The eight elements of family-
centered care first identified by the Association for the Care of Childrens Health in the
1980s are congruent with the Neuman Systems Model (Table 15-2). Accordingly, in cur-
rent pediatric nursing practice, the child and family/client system are in a partnership
with the nurse/caregiver with the ultimate goal of assisting the child to achieve the high-
est possible level of wellness/system stability.

TABLE 15-2 The Elements of Family-Centered Care Linked with the Neuman
Systems Model

Elements of Family-Centered Care Neuman Systems Model

(Lewandowski & Tesler, 2003)

1. The Family at the Center (recognize that the The client system for pediatric nursing practice is
family is the constant in the childs life; illness or the child in the context of the family; client
injury of the child affects all members of the caregiver relationships involve the family, including
family system) siblings and extended family members.
2. Family/Professional Collaboration (facilitate Mutual goal setting involves the family; parents/
a family/professional partnership at all levels family and child participate actively with care-
of care) givers as a team in decision making about care.
3. Family/Professional Communication (transmit All team members (client/family and caregivers)
information between families and professionals must be fully informed to make decisions about
that is complete, unbiased, and supportive) care; communication must be mutually respectful
and supportive.
4. Cultural Diversity of Families (acknowledge and Holistic assessment of the client includes
respect the rich diversity of families) assessing the clients sociocultural, devel-
opmental, and spiritual variables as well as the
physiological and psychological variables; care
must be culturally competent and congruent
with the family systems beliefs and practices.
5. Coping Differences and Support (respect and Clients respond to stressors in multiple ways,
acknowledge the multiple ways families respond whether positive or negative, and different levels
to events and differing levels of support they of support are required by their responses; the
require) familys needs and desires for support must be
included in a wholistic assessment and
appropriate support included in care.
6. Family-Centered Peer Support (foster networking The client is a dynamic, open system in
and family-to-family support) interaction with the environment; interaction
with peers is an important resource for the client
system.
7. Specialized Service and Support Systems (provide Nursing interventions are provided at three levels
children and their families with services and of preventionprimary, secondary, and
support systems that are flexible, accessible, and tertiarydepending on the degree of stressor
comprehensive) invasion; these services are comprehensive and
coordinated in nature.
(continued)
226 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

TABLE 15-2 (continued)

Elements of Family-Centered Care Neuman Systems Model

(Lewandowski & Tesler, 2003)

8. Holistic Perspective of Family-Centered Care Wholistic assessment of the client system, i.e.,
(realize the uniqueness of families and children, children and their families, including assessment
recognizing their diverse strengths, concerns, all five variables, is a basic tenet of nursing care
emotions, and aspirations beyond their needs for using the Neuman Systems Model.
health and developmental services)

The Practice Process and Practice Tools

The Neuman Systems Model Process Format consists of three componentsdetermining
nursing diagnoses, setting nursing goals, and examining nursing outcomes (see Appendix
C). Regardless of the type of client system involvedindividual, family, group, or com-
munityboth clients and caregivers actively engage in these three processes as informed
equals and with mutual respect and support for decisions.
Assessment and diagnosis using the Neuman Systems Model involves examining the
client system wholistically by including the five client system variablesphysiological,
psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual. Client strengths, resources,
stressors, and responses to stressor encounter(s) are examined in a wholistic appraisal.
The methods and practice tools utilized to perform this comprehensive assessment will
vary according to the client system being assessed as well as the purpose of the assess-
ment. Examples of assessment data for each client system variable and each client system
in pediatric nursing practice are given in Table 15-3.

TABLE 15-3 Examples of Pediatric Assessment Data Using the Neuman Systems Model

Client System
Variable Individual Family Group Community

Physiological Infant on home Genetic defects in Lice found in a Fluoride added to

apnea monitor family tree preschool class city water supply
Psychological Toddler exhibits Authoritative Group has a Citizens consider
regression parenting style sponsor/coach everyone family
Sociocultural Teen lives with Family receiving School uniforms One-quarter of the
grandparents welfare required population is
Hispanic
Developmental Neonatal reflexes New baby added Childrens support Average age of
present in young to the family group in place for towns residents is
infant 9 years 33 years
Spiritual Childs favorite Family attends School day begins Blue laws regu-
Bible story local synagogue with prayer late Sunday sales
 Chapter 15 Using the Neuman Systems Model to Guide Pediatric Nursing Practice 227

ASSESSMENT OF THE CHILD AS CLIENT Early in the evolution of her model, Neuman de-
veloped the Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool. This practice tool
assists nurses in determining stressors and identifying goals and prevention interventions,
and allows documentation of the prevention-as-intervention strategies. Several practice
tools are available for assessing clients and client systems (see Chapter 8) but only the
Neonatal/Family Assessment Tool is targeted to pediatric clients (Trpanier, Dunn, &
Sprague, 1995). Other practice tools are generally system-specific instruments intended to
identify necessary prevention-as-intervention strategies rather than wholistic client assess-
ment tools. Torakis (2002; Torakis & Smigielski, 2000) described two Neuman-based doc-
umentation forms, the Pediatric Admission Database and the Neuman Process Summary,
which were developed at Childrens Hospital of Michigan when that institution adopted
the Neuman Systems Model as its conceptual model for client system care across the in-
patient units. Inasmuch as most assessments of children utilize practice tools that are not
based on the Neuman Systems Model, pediatric nurses must ensure that the five Neuman
variables are included in their comprehensive assessments along with the childs percep-
tion of his/her condition.
When an individual child is the client being assessed, several characteristics of the
physiological variable that differ from the adult must be included in the assessment.
Depending on the age of the child, such unique anatomical differences and physiological
processes as the childs gestational age, fontanels, dentition, patterns of physical growth,
speech patterns, nutritional requirements, patterns of genetic inheritance, and mecha-
nisms of injury must be contained in the pediatric nurses assessment. Other physiologi-
cal parameters may require alternate assessment techniques based on the childs age
and/or size, such as determining fluid, electrolyte, and elimination status; assessing the
childs neurological-sensory-motor function; and appraising pain/comfort levels.
Normal assessment findings for the pediatric client often differ from those of adult
clients with, for example, a positive Babinski reflex, a heart rate of 132 beats per minute,
and absence of secondary sexual characteristics as expected clinical findings for a young
infant but not expected findings for an adult.
Assessing the psychological variable when caring for pediatric clients includes,
among other areas, identification of the childs psychological processes, including regres-
sive behaviors; determination of past experiences with traumatic life events; delineation
of the childs usual coping mechanisms, such as use of pacifiers, security objects, massage,
meditation, and music therapy; recognition of the childs significant others and reactions to
stimuli and strangers; and notation of any stressors associated with hospitalization or other
settings as appropriate.
Areas included during assessment of the sociocultural variable in children include
the childs family context, such as family structure and birth order; family dynamics, in-
cluding the childs role within the family, patterns of parenting, and methods of disci-
pline; the familys ethnic/cultural origins, including primary language spoken in the
home; method of child care; the childs school performance and extracurricular activities;
high-risk behaviors engaged in by the child, such as smoking, substance abuse, and
violence; and the presence of environmental risk factors/stressors, such as lead-based
paint or a nonworking smoke detector in the home.
Assessing the developmental variable is a key component of wholistic assessment
of the child. Comparison of the childs status with major benchmarks identified in devel-
opmental theories such as those of Erikson, Piaget, and Freud, as well as temperament
228 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

and moral maturity, and achievement of developmental milestones, including personal/

social, fine motor-adaptive, language, gross motor abilities, and expected growth param-
eters must be included in the assessment. Additional areas to be noted in a wholistic as-
sessment are the childs activities of daily living, including feeding, dressing, and toilet-
ing; usual play patterns, including favorite toys and activities; signs of any developmental
delays; the developmental stage of the family; and the childs perception of his or her
condition.
Regardless of the childs age, assessing the spiritual variable is required to obtain a
complete picture of the child as an individual client. Assessing a childs spiritual variable
may encompass determining the familys religious affiliation; usual pattern of attendance
at church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship; the childs favorite Bible story
or hymns; morning or bedtime rituals that include prayer, scripture, and/or devotions;
blessings recited before a meal; health and dietary boundaries related to religious prac-
tices; the childs understanding of death and dying; and the childs and familys long-
range goals and personal aspirations, such as an indication of hopefulness.

ASSESSMENT OF THE FAMILY AS CONTEXT FOR THE CHILD Inasmuch as the child must
be viewed in the context of the family, assessment of the family is necessary in pediatric
nursing practice. Several tools are available to assess selected aspects of the family sys-
tem, such as stressors or lines of defense, but few address the family as a whole from a
Neuman Systems Model perspective. Reed (1982) modified Neumans original assessment
tool so that it is applicable to families as clients. Regardless of the practice tool that is
used for assessing the family, family characteristics such as family structure, family func-
tioning, and roles of the various members within the family must be determined along
with the familys perceptions of the childs condition, the presence of additional stressors
to the family system, and family strengths and resources (Russell, 2002).

Diagnostic Taxonomy
Neuman Systems Modelbased diagnoses are developed based on the wholistic assess-
ment of the client system. Analysis of the assessment data reveals diagnoses related to the
client system, the level of response, the client variable responding to the stressor, the
source of the stressor, and/or the type of stressor. In pediatric nursing practice, for exam-
ple, an assessment might reveal that the nurse is caring for a young boy in the hospital
(client system) with physical injuries (client variable responding to the stressor) after
being hit by a car as he chased a ball into the street (level of response and source of stres-
sor) who has signs of a possible closed head injury, abrasions on his extremities, and ex-
presses pain and discomfort in his legs (type of stressor). Using the Neuman Systems
Model diagnostic taxonomy, this child requires secondary prevention interventions for in-
trapersonal stressors to his physiologic variable to attain an optimum level of wellness.

Goals
Once the child and family have been assessed wholistically and diagnoses developed, the
child/familys expressed priorities for care are identified. The nurses care goals must be
considered also, since they have to be congruent with those of the child/family or else
each participants actions in the therapeutic relationship will be nonproductive rather
than fruitful. The Neuman Systems Model views this as mutual goal setting that involves
 Chapter 15 Using the Neuman Systems Model to Guide Pediatric Nursing Practice 229

respecting each participants views and beliefs while balancing them with the other team
members focus of care. For example, if the familys priority for care for a child following
surgery is to keep the child quiet and let him sleep, while the nurses main concern for
this child is to prevent postoperative complications, such as development of atelectasis
from immobility, the family may become upset with the nurses hourly attempts to have
the child turn, cough, breathe deeply, and utilize an incentive spirometer. If, however,
care goals have been set collaboratively involving the child/family as well as the nurse, a
plan that incorporates scheduled administration of pain medication, pulmonary care, and
periods of uninterrupted rest can be developed that allows both the child/family and the
nurse to meet their expressed priorities for care.
Delivering developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive care for children
and their families is another component of pediatric nursing practice. Nursing care is pro-
vided in light of the cultural background and developmental status and needs of both the
child and the family. Allowing children to actively participate in their own care decisions
within developmental boundaries is important. For example, preoperative teaching is tai-
lored to the childs cognitive and developmental level, and family visiting is allowed with-
in the context of parental work schedules and sibling school activities. Family authority is
respected in decision making, and an attitude of family inclusion rather than of family
exclusion in care decisions permeates the pediatric nurses actions. Attention is directed
toward normalizing the situation as much as possible and recognizing that life events
continue for each family outside the childs injury or illness trajectory (ANA/SPN, 2003).
The dynamic nature of the family over time must be considered and modifications in
plans of care incorporated on a frequent basis.
Pediatric nursing practice also involves advocating for children and families within
various health care settings and the greater community. Access to care, payment for
pediatric health care, and quality of life issues confront pediatric nurses every day. Many
families receive health care from multiple sources, so coordination of care is an essential
activity for contemporary pediatric nurses. No longer can pediatric nurses concentrate on
delivering high-quality pediatric nursing at the bedside without attending to the changes
in the world around them and their clients (ANA/SPN, 2003).

Typology of Caregiver Actions

A major primary prevention intervention strategy in pediatric nursing practice is anticipa-
tory guidance, which involves empowering families with knowledge about their childs
expected developmental milestones and the health promotion measures that families can
use to foster healthy outcomes. Anticipatory guidance incorporates broad areas of health
teaching, such as pending growth and developmental milestones, nutrition, sleep/physi-
cal activity, oral/dental health, mental health, relationships, and injury and disease pre-
vention, most frequently provided at well-child visits.
Many other pediatric nursing activities focus on disease and injury prevention.
Examples of other primary prevention intervention activities in pediatric nursing include:

teaching parents about safe infant sleeping practices to prevent sudden infant death
syndrome,
educating young children and their families about the importance of hand washing
and good toileting practices,
conducting bicycle safety classes,
230 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

instructing families about safe toy selection,

administering immunizations, which strengthen the bodys resistance to specific in-
fectious organisms.

Care delivery in pediatric primary prevention can be provided via direct contact
with children and their families, pamphlets or articles in newspapers and lay publications,
videos and television programs, and the Internet. Primary prevention activities result in
retention of wellness for the child and family.
Inasmuch as secondary prevention interventions in pediatric nursing address care
for children who are ill or injured, they involve care delivery in hospitals, ambulatory
clinics, schools, and homes, and usually consist of direct contact between the pediatric
nurse and the child/family. Examples of secondary prevention interventions with pedi-
atric clients include:

collecting specimens for analysis and assistance with diagnostic procedures such as
bone marrow aspiration and lumbar puncture,
performing continuous and/or frequent intermittent monitoring for status and
changes,
utilizing positioning, distraction, and other nonpharmacological measures to pro-
mote comfort,
administering medications and fluids for symptom management and disease
treatment,
employing nasopharyngeal suctioning and other methods to promote airway
clearance,
assisting with bathing, eating, toileting, and other activities of daily living when the
child has a physical limitation or a medical intervention that limits movement,
giving wound care and maintaining invasive lines and tubes,
using aseptic techniques to prevent cross-contamination or development of infection,
instituting external and internal thermoregulation measures, including environmen-
tal temperature adjustments, delivery of warmed fluids and feedings, tepid water
baths, swaddling and clothing/hats, and application of a cooling/heating blanket,
implementing safety measures such as safe sleeping practices, seizure precautions,
fall prevention systems, hand hygiene programs, and safe transportation practices.

Separation, loss, and bereavement are additional issues that pediatric nurses must
address using secondary prevention intervention strategies, whether forced separation of
an infant or toddler from family members due to hospitalization, loss of a sense of nor-
malcy for a family following their childs diagnosis with a chronic illness, or bereavement
over the accidental death or suicide of a teenager. Successful secondary prevention inter-
ventions result in the child and familys regaining of wellness.
Tertiary prevention interventions may be delivered in acute care settings as well as
in nonacute locations, such as day care centers, rehabilitation settings, community shel-
ters, retail malls, churches, and youth activity sites. Examples of tertiary prevention inter-
ventions with pediatric clients and their families include:

conducting play therapy in a day care center for children displaced by a hurricane
or tornado,
providing follow-up visits of children discharged from the emergency room,
 Chapter 15 Using the Neuman Systems Model to Guide Pediatric Nursing Practice 231

coordinating rehabilitative care for a child following an automobile accident,

performing in-home tracheostomy care and ventilator maintenance for a child with
special health care needs,
organizing a developmental follow-up clinic for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
graduates,
providing educational sessions for children and their siblings attending a diabetes
summer camp,
conducting a weekly support group for children in the local domestic violence shelter.
Another important tertiary prevention intervention utilized by pediatric nurses is as-
sisting with the transition of adolescents into the adult health care system. The pediatric
nurse coordinates this process and supports the teen and family so that the change is as
seamless as possible, ensuring that the needs of the child and family are met by the new
providers (ANA/SPN, 2003). Tertiary prevention interventions result in wellness mainte-
nance for the child and family.

Typology of Outcomes
The overall goal of Neuman Systems Modelbased pediatric nursing practice is promoting
optimum wellness of children and their families regardless of physical or developmental
limitations, settings, or age. Utilizing the Neuman Systems Model to guide pediatric nurs-
ing practice promotes continuity of care across all settings. When all health care providers
use the model as the basis for their care, the strengths, resources, and needs of the
children and families who are participants in care are wholistically determined and then
collectively addressed by the health care providers, resulting in fewer chances for client
system needs to be forgotten or overlooked. Torakis (2002; Torakis & Smigielski, 2000)
noted that adoption of the Neuman Systems Model as the framework for pediatric nurs-
ing practice throughout the inpatient units of the Childrens Hospital of Michigan also fos-
tered increased professionalism among the nursing staff.

Practice and Research

Providing evidence-based pediatric nursing practice is facilitated when the Neuman
Systems Model is used to direct both research and nursing practice. Neuman Systems
Modelbased research with children and their families has increased in recent years, as
documented by the growing number of masters theses and doctoral dissertations based
on the Neuman Systems Model, as well as several recently published model-based jour-
nal articles focused on children (Cazzell, 2008; Fuller & Hartley, 2000; Hanson, 1999;
Kinservik & Friedhoff, 2000; McDowell, 2006; McDowell, Chang, & Choi, 2003). When the
Neuman Systems Model guides both nursing research and practice, it is easier for pedi-
atric nurses to identify practice problems that need to be addressed by nursing research
as well as to incorporate the findings from nursing research into their practice, thereby
maintaining this vital link between research and clinical practice. Evidence-based practice
also calls for clinical expertise and research findings to be combined with client system
preferences and values to make the best-informed decisions about client care. Inasmuch
as the Neuman Systems Model can be used as the framework for determining clinical ex-
pertise, translating research findings, and identifying client system preferences and val-
ues, evidence-based pediatric nursing care can be more readily provided.
232 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

IMPLEMENTING NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODELBASED

PEDIATRIC NURSING PRACTICE
Six case studies of pediatric nursing practice guided by the Neuman Systems Model are
presented in Boxes 15-1 to 15-6. Aliases are used to maintain confidentiality of the chil-
dren and families involved.

BOX 15-1
Case Study: A Child Experiences a Bee Sting

A 9-year-old boy, Joe, was seen in the emergency about allergic reaction to bees, and extrapersonal
room in acute respiratory distress following a bee stressors of acquiring a new allergy and attending a
sting. Assessment using the Neuman Systems new school. Neuman Systems Modelbased nurs-
Model revealed that this was the first time Joe had ing strategies for Joe included teaching about ways
been stung by a bee and he reported no other to avoid bee stings (primary prevention interven-
medical conditions; Joe wanted to learn about how tion), education of the child and family on the early
to treat allergic reactions to bee stings; he lived with recognition and prompt treatment of anaphylactic
both parents and was an only child; Joe participat- shock following a bee sting (secondary prevention
ed in age-appropriate activities and was in the intervention), notification of the school nurse and
fourth grade in a new school; and he attended other school employees of Joes new allergy, and
Catholic mass weekly. Analysis of stressors using carrying an EpiPen at school (tertiary prevention in-
the Neuman Systems Model approach identified tervention). After medical treatment of his anaphy-
the intrapersonal stressor of narrowed bronchioles lactic reaction to the bee sting resulted in his
resulting from the bee sting, the interpersonal stres- breathing easier and decreased swelling at the site
sor of knowledge deficit of the child and family of the bee sting, Joe was discharged home.
Source: K. Myers, personal communication, September 24, 2006.

BOX 15-2
Case Study: An Infant Is Placed on a Home Apnea Monitor

Susie, a 12-day-old infant, is discharged from the 1997). The role of the nurse in this situation would
hospital on a home apnea monitor. From a be to explore the responses of individual family
Neuman Systems Model perspective, Susies family members and the family as a whole to these
is the client system of concern. The basic core of stressors in order to design specific prevention in-
the family system is the infant who was recently terventions to facilitate positive coping. These
placed on a home apnea monitor, the infants interventions might include providing and rein-
mother, plus any other persons living in the forcing information for this new mother regarding
homein this scenario, Susies father plus one all aspects of Susies condition (secondary preven-
older sibling. Incorporating a new family member tion intervention), encouraging family members to
into the existing family structure is an intrafamilial adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors and to utilize
stressor for this family, while the home apnea available social supports such as a monthly sup-
monitoring experience serves as an extrapersonal port group for families with infants on home mon-
stressor for this client system (Barnes-McDowell, itors (tertiary prevention interventions), teaching
 Chapter 15 Using the Neuman Systems Model to Guide Pediatric Nursing Practice 233

about normal growth expectations of the infant, ing support for existing family roles, and fostering
encouraging more time together as a family on effective conflict management skills within the
leisure activities or other common pursuits, provid- family (primary prevention interventions).
Source: Barnes-McDowell, 1997.

BOX 15-3
Case Study: Toilet Training a Toddler

Kinservik and Friedhoff (2000) applied the Neuman training. Societal expectations that all children will
Systems Model to a toddlers possible control issues be toilet trained by a certain age plus a day care
in relation to toilet training. They noted that stres- centers requirement that the toddler be toilet
sors can result in instability in the available client trained before she or he is allowed to attend the
system resources leading to tension affecting the center were listed as extrapersonal stressors during
process of toilet training. The toddlers need to suc- the toilet training process. The primary prevention
ceed in toilet training and characteristic search for intervention utilized by these authors was an antic-
autonomy comprise intrapersonal stressors in this ipatory guidance protocol for accomplishing toilet
situation. Parental expectations that toilet training training which started before the childs first birth-
will be accomplished within a reasonable length of day and continued through successful completion
time with few accidents and minimal regression of the toilet training process, which might be at
were identified as interpersonal stressors in toilet the 36-month checkup or even later.
Source: Kinservik & Friedhoff, 2000.

BOX 15-4
Case Study: A Child in a Shelter

A 7-year old boy accompanies his mother to the routines such as school attendance because of
local shelter for abused women and their children coming to the shelter (sociocultural variable); the
after a domestic violence episode with his father presence of regression to an earlier developmental
over the weekend. Tommy reports that his father level, loss of usual childhood activities, or assump-
becomes violent with anyone who is within reach tion of a more adult role within the altered family
when he is drinking so whenever his father begins structure (developmental variable); and the pres-
to drink, Tommy hides in the closet until his father ence of strong feelings of powerlessness (spiritual
passes out. Wholistic assessment of Tommy from a variable) (McDowell, 2006). Tommys participation
Neuman Systems Model perspective includes not- in the childrens support group offered weekly at
ing the presence of any physical injuries (physio- the shelter promotes self-esteem and provides op-
logical variable); obtaining Tommys views on wit- portunities for him to interact with adults in a
nessing the violence between his parents and nonthreatening manner (secondary prevention in-
moving to the shelter, and the presence of guilt terventions). The support group also prepares
and/or divided loyalties about his parents (psycho- Tommy with safety skills for the future since chil-
logical variable); separation from Tommys friends dren who have witnessed or who are victims of
and familiar environments, plus disruptions in domestic violence are at increased risk for future
(continued)
234 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

BOX 15-4 (continued)

domestic violence, becoming latchkey kids, and family-life classes; increasing the communitys
and/or victims of violent crimes (tertiary preven- awareness level concerning the presence and im-
tion intervention). Because Tommy is already a vic- pact of domestic violence; reducing the availability
tim of domestic violence, primary prevention inter- of handguns locally; minimizing childrens expo-
ventions in this situation would be directed at sure to the violence on television, in video games,
changing the society in which he lives, including and in the movies; and lessening societys overall
offering nonviolent conflict resolution programs tolerance of domestic violence.
Source: McDowell, 2006.

BOX 15-5
Case Study: A Child with a Rare Autoimmune Disease

Fuller and Hartley (2000) present a case study of (Fuller & Hartley, 2000). Primary prevention inter-
James, a 12-year old with the rare autoimmune dis- vention consisted of child and family education
ease of linear scleroderma, which he has had since about James disease and his medications to reduce
he was 8 years old. Wholistic assessment of James his fear. Secondary prevention interventions to ad-
noted physical findings consistent with linear sclero- dress the stressor of disturbed self-concept included
derma, including hyperpigmented lesions, muscle establishing supportive relationships with the nurs-
spasms, and contractures (physiological variable). es and other professionals involved in his care,
James expressed distress about his diagnosis, his allowing James opportunities to actively participate
disease symptoms, and his parents divorce (psycho- in his care within his abilities such as administering
logical variable). His parents were going through di- his own medications, using touch and humor to il-
vorce proceedings and his father was not paying lustrate acceptance, and Jamess online interaction
any child support; James was the youngest of four with a group of children who also had scleroderma.
children and the only boy, but maintained close re- Tertiary prevention interventions focused on his
lationships with several extended family members impaired physical mobility and involved physical
(sociocultural variable). He appeared to be at the and occupational therapy, use of orthotic devices
appropriate developmental level, as evidenced and splints, hot packs, and stretching exercises, and
by his placement in the gifted class in school; and participation in a tai chi group that emphasized
the family occasionally attended church (spiritual stretching. At the time the article was written,
variable). The stressors requiring nursing interven- James was 19 years old, was ready to begin college,
tion were developed into three nursing diagnoses and was able to join his peers, ride a bike, and play
fear, disturbed self-concept, and impaired mobility golf.
Source: Fuller & Hartley, 2000.

BOX 15-6
Case Study: Comparing Children from the United States and South Korea

McDowell and colleagues (2003) compared chil- comparison, primary prevention interventions which
drens health indicators in South Korea with the were tailored to the demographics and cultural
corresponding childrens health indicators in the characteristics of each country were proposed. The
United States. Based on the results of this risk factors chosen for this comparison included the
 Chapter 15 Using the Neuman Systems Model to Guide Pediatric Nursing Practice 235

percent of low-birth-weight babies; infant mortality tions suggested to lower the rates of low-birth-
rates; rates of child mortality; rates of teen deaths weight babies in the USA included increasing the
due to accidental injuries, suicides, and homicides; use of strategies to reduce teen pregnancies; pro-
rates of teen births; percent of childhood immuniza- moting the increased use of early and adequate pre-
tions; and the percent of children with no health natal care for American mothers; implementing
insurance coverage. While the percentage of low- peer programs to reduce substance abuse; and in-
birth-weight babies in South Korea had decreased creasing health insurance coverage for all American
during the time frame covered by the analysis, the children. Primary prevention interventions were also
percent of low-birth-weight babies in the United proposed for the other child health indicators for
States of America (USA) had risen during that same each country.
time period. Therefore, primary prevention interven-
Source: McDowell, Chang, & Choi, 2003.

Conclusion
The purpose of Neuman Systems Model client system variables and determining the
based pediatric nursing practice is to assist clients and familys expressed priorities for
children and their families in retaining, attain- care. Such a wholistic assessment reveals the
ing, and maintaining optimal system stability, strains to the child clients functioning that
that is, optimal wellness. Pediatric nursing have arisen from the environment, that is, the
practice most often focuses on the individual intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extraperson-
child as the client system within the context of al stressors. Nursing care consists of primary
the family but also may address the additional prevention interventions directed at wellness
client systems of family, group, or community. retention by the child and family, secondary
Pediatric nursing practice based on the prevention interventions intended to assist the
Neuman Systems Model can be delivered in child and family to attain wellness, and tertiary
any setting and with any client system, be- prevention interventions aimed at promoting
cause the first step in the process includes the childs and familys continued wellness
performing a wholistic assessment of the five maintenance.

References
American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Hanson, M. J. S. (1999). Cross-cultural study of be-
Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN). (2003). Scope liefs about smoking among teenaged females.
and standards of pediatric nursing practice. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 21,
Washington, DC: American Nurses Publishing. 635647.
Barnes-McDowell, B. M. (1997). Home apnea moni- Kinservik, M., & Friedhoff, M. (2000). Control is-
toring: Family functioning, concerns, and coping. sues in toilet training. Pediatric Nursing, 26,
Doctoral dissertation, University of South Carolina. 267274.
Cazzell, M. (2008). Linking theory, evidence, and Lewandowski, L. A., & Tesler, M. D. (Eds.). (2003).
practice in assessment of adolescent inhalant Family-centered care: Putting it into action: The
use. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 19, 1725. SPN/ANA guide to family-centered care.
Fuller, C., & Hartley, B. (2000). Linear scleroderma: Washington, DC: American Nurses Publishing.
A Neuman nursing perspective. Journal of McDowell, B. M. (2006). Caring for child-victims:
Pediatric Nursing, 15, 168174. Countering the effects of domestic violence.
236 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

JSPN: Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Torakis, M. L. (2002). Using the Neuman systems
Nursing, 11, 127130. model to guide administration of nursing services
McDowell, B. M., Chang, N. J., & Choi, S. S. (2003). in the United States: Redirecting nursing prac-
Childrens health retention in South Korea and tice in a freestanding pediatric hospital. In B.
the United States: A cross-cultural comparison. Neuman & J. Fawcett (Eds.), The Neuman sys-
Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 18, 409415. tems model (4th ed., pp. 288299). Upper
Reed, K. (1982). The Neuman systems model: Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
A basis for family psychosocial assessment. In Torakis, M. L., & Smigielski, C. M. (2000).
B. Neuman, The Neuman systems model: Documentation of model-based practice: One
Application to nursing education and practice hospitals experience. Pediatric Nursing, 26,
(pp. 188195). Norwalk, CT: Appleton-Century- 394399, 428.
Crofts. Trpanier, M. J., Dunn, S. I., & Sprague, A. E.
Russell, J. (2002). The Neuman systems model and (1995). Application of the Neuman systems model
clinical tools. In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett (Eds.), to perinatal nursing. In B. Neuman (Ed.), The
The Neuman systems model (4th ed., pp. 6173). Neuman systems model (3rd ed., pp. 309320).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange.
    
CHAPTER 16
Reflections on Neuman
Systems ModelBased
Advanced Psychiatric
Nursing Practice
Mary Jeanne Groesbeck

My use of the Neuman Systems Model began years ago when I learned about conceptual
models of nursing in graduate school. I also learned that advanced nursing practice not
only includes direct client care but also can encompass coordination of care, leadership
for staff development, and teaching students. The purpose of this chapter is to describe
ways I have used the Neuman Systems Model in my roles as a psychiatric clinical nurse
specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, and nurse educator.

USING THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL IN HEALTH CARE AGENCIES

Before completing my doctoral dissertation in the 1980s, I took a position as a nurse man-
ager of a psychiatric discharge unit at a Neuropsychiatric Veterans Medical Center in
Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Because clients with serious mental illness and substance abuse
disorders were difficult to discharge directly from inpatient units, a special discharge unit
was established. The discharge unit was in a separate building and was staffed by a psy-
chiatric multidisciplinary team who assisted clients to reintegrate into the community.

A Neuman Systems ModelBased Nursing Care Plan

While working on the discharge unit, I developed a Neuman Systems Modelbased nursing
care plan to address the complexity of client problems in a wholistic manner. Although
brief, the nursing care plan helped the staff nurses and me to identify stressors associated
with each of the five client system variablesphysiological, psychological, sociocultural,
developmental, and spiritual.

237
238 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

The care plan, which I called the Betty Neuman Health Care Systems Model
Nursing Care Plan, was in the form of a cardex. The half-page cover of the care plan
contained a small circle inside a larger circle, which was divided into five sections. The
smaller inner circle contained the term self-care, to remind all nurses that the client has to
be included in the process of care planning. Each of the sections of the larger circle con-
tained the label for one of the client system variables. The inside of the cardex was a
letter-size page with sections for the clients goals, the nurses goals for the client, and
mutually agreed-on goals. Nursing orders for prevention interventions were also included
in the cardex to emphasize that as a profession, nursing is not limited to carrying out
physician orders. Since that time, I have used this nursing care plan format formally and
informally in my practice in various psychiatric settings.

Selecting and Implementing the Neuman Systems Model

at a Neuropsychiatric Veterans Medical Center
In the mid-1980s, while I was the associate chief nurse for psychiatry at the medical cen-
ter in Coatsville, a colleague, Kathleen Newman, and I coordinated a conference about
conceptual models of nursing, attended by approximately 200 nurses. I presented a paper
about the Neuman Systems Model, and Cynthia Capers explained how the model was
being used to guide nursing practice at a hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (see
Capers, OBrien, Quinn, Kelley, & Fenerty, 1985).
The conference generated considerable interest in nursing models among the med-
ical center nursing administrators and staff. Subsequently, I introduced the idea of using
a conceptual model of nursing to guide client care. Discussions at nursing administration
meetings reflected enthusiasm for the idea, along with diverse opinions about which con-
ceptual model of nursing would be most appropriate for the medical center clients and
nursing staff. After narrowing the choice to the Neuman Systems Model and Orems Self-
Care Framework, a committee made up of nurse managers, staff nurses, clinical special-
ists, the associate chief for education, and myself was formed to select one of the two
conceptual models. After 2 months of weekly meetings devoted to debates about the
merits of each nursing model, the Neuman Systems Model was selected.

A NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODELBASED ASSESSMENT TOOL The committee continued its

work by focusing on how to implement the Neuman Systems Model in practice. Toward
that end, we revised our nursing assessment tool to reflect the Neuman Systems Model.
The result was a six-page Neuman Systems Model Assessment Tool containing items
addressing stressors associated with each of the five client system variables defined as
follows:
1. The physiological variable items encompassed all body systems typically assessed in
a medical history of the clients body functions.
2. The psychological variable items encompassed typical mental and behavioral symp-
toms of serious mental illness and substance abuse disorders.
3. The sociocultural variable items encompassed military history, family support, sig-
nificant others, friends and other social supports, and a history of any past or cur-
rent legal problems.
4. The developmental variable items encompassed level of education, job status, vol-
unteer work, and regular chores, as well hobbies and leisure time activities.
 Chapter 16 Neuman Systems ModelBased Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Practice 239

5. The spiritual variable items encompassed belief in a religion and spiritual practices,
such as attending services, belief in God, prayer, meditation, yoga, sitting in nature,
belief in a higher power, working a 12-Step program, or anything the client identi-
fied as spiritual practice, as well as values clarification.
Use of this Neuman Systems Model assessment tool provided a broad health assessment
and facilitated identification of clients strengths as well as weaknesses.

Psychiatric Nursing Practice and Education

at Another Veterans Medical Center
Later in my career, I assumed the position of co-coordinator of an inpatient and outpa-
tient substance abuse program at a veterans medical center in Miami, Florida. There, I
have used the Neuman Systems Model to guide development of care plans and to deal
with various clinical problems. After assuming a clinical specialist role for psychiatry, I
was able to assist in resolving many client care problems and crises by using the Neuman
Systems Model to assess and implement prevention interventions for stressors in each of
the five client system variables.

A Practice Tool for Students

When I assumed the role of an adjunct instructor in a nursing education program in
Florida, I identified several objectives for the Psychiatric and Geropsychiatric Nursing
course practicum, which are listed here:

Facilitate students comfort with assessment of the client with serious mental illness.
Assist students to use therapeutic communication skills as they identify clients per-
ceptions of stressors associated with the five client system variables.
Help students to differentiate client goals for wellness from their goals for the client.
Develop the habit of collaboration with the client with a serious mental illness by
discussing mutual client and student goals (Edelman & Lunney, 2000).
Assist students to gather information from clients hospitalized on an acute psychi-
atric unit that can be used to formulate nursing diagnoses from the North American
Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) taxonomy.

One way in which the students are able to achieve the objectives is through use of
the Neuman Systems Model Daily Student Worksheet, which is shown in Figure 16-1. I de-
veloped the worksheet by revising and extending the Neuman Systems Model Assessment
Tool. The worksheet, which helps students to see a nursing conceptual model in action in
the practice setting, is based on guidelines for Neuman Systems Modelbased practice
(Freese, Neuman, & Fawcett, 2002; see also Chapter 8 in this book).
The student practicum experiences are primarily with clients who are patients on
locked acute psychiatric units in various community medical centers. The initial step in
using the worksheet is to identify the clients perceptions of stressors associated with each
of the five client system variables and then classify each stressor as intrapersonal, inter-
personal, or extrapersonal. Identifying the stressors for each client system variable assists
students to change their focus from a tendency to emphasize physical aspects to a more
wholistic perspective. For example, several students initially focused only on weight loss
related to delusions and hallucinations. Physical aspects of care for clients with serious
240 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

Care Plan for Neuman Systems Model

Daily Student Worksheet
for Client on Inpatient Psychiatric Unit:
Student:_______________________
Date:_________________________
Clients initials:_________________

Client System Variables and Stressors Source of Stressors

Physiological Intrapersonal: Within the person
Obesity Severe anxiety and suicidal ideation.
High blood pressure I want to stop hearing voices.
Noncontributory
HIV+ Interpersonal: From clients interactions
with others
I dont trust people because they want to hurt
you.
Psychological Extrapersonal: From the environment
Client is worried about being sick in front of his You know I am different from the people outside,
daughters. but they dont understand; they are mean and
Auditory hallucinations telling him to kill himself. offensive.
I need a stronger antipsychotic to help me with I cannot sleep well in the hospitalit is not my
the demons that want to kill me. bed.
Alcohol abuse since age 14, now sober for 4 I want to be on the street where I meet people.
years.
Spiritual
Thoughts of worthlessness and asks God why he
deserved this sickness.
Client is Catholic; cannot attend church, which he
misses, due to lack of transportation.
Catholic, strong faith, no spiritual issues
I love to read the Bible.
If misses one day, gets anxious.
PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSES
Developmental Bipolar, delusional, agitated mania
Likes to paint.
Failure to get certified as a teacher in Florida.
Was a teacher 7 years ago in another state.
Unable to perform usual activities of daily living
at this time.

FIGURE 16-1 Neuman Systems Model Student Daily Worksheet. Note: The contents of Figure 16-1 represent
a composite of several clients and several student nursing care plans. The worksheet format was developed
using a Microsoft Word Project Form.
 Chapter 16 Neuman Systems ModelBased Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Practice 241

PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS
Sociocultural Olanzapine 5 mg (1/day)
Trazadone 50 mg (HS)
Enjoys dancing and smoking; gets upset when
he cant do these things.
Lost all of his friends.
Lives with mother; brother in group home in
another location.
NURSING DIAGNOSES (23) CLIENTS GOALS
Social isolation related to lack of family support, Client will count up to 10 if feeling upset with
as manifested in verbalization of loneliness anyone in the unit and then walk away, starting
and living in the street. today.
Risk for self-directed violence related to Within a week, he will recognize signs of anxiety,
delusional thinking, as manifested by and he will not want to hurt himself.
verbalizing desire to kill himself.
Disturbed sensory perceptionauditory I just want to get better.
hallucinations related to withdrawal into self,
as evidenced by verbal report.
Risk for injury related to suicidal ideation and I dont want to use drugs anymore.
previous attempt, evidenced by overdose of
Vicodin.

STUDENT NURSES GOALS FOR CLIENT MUTUAL GOALS

Teach patient compliance with medications, and In one week, student nurse and client will increase
ask him to repeat back how important it is to level of education about community resources
take medications daily. that give support to isolated people.

FIGURE 16-1 (continued)

242 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

STUDENT NURSE INTERVENTIONS OUTCOMES OF TODAYS INTERACTION

Secondary Prevention Client agreed to interact with two other clients on
Discuss the importance of leisure in life. the floor.
Teach two friendship skills today.
Discuss how to socialize better with the client. Client verbalizes understanding of coping
mechanisms, is enthusiastic about performing
activities he likes and will keep him busy. He will
attend groups in hospital and visit family and
friends when discharged. He also agreed to take
walks on the beach and ride his bike.
Teach relaxation techniques to improve sleep.
Educate client about signs and symptoms of He said he will talk to another client. Now out of
depression, coping mechanisms, and room, watching TV.
medications.
Encourage client to perform activities that will Client agreed to find a group in the community to
help him to cope with depressionstart one attend by identifying one before discharge.
activity today. Client says he will visit his daughters and mother
after discharge.

FIGURE 16-1 (continued)

mental illness certainly are important and historically have not been given sufficient atten-
tion. However, providing wholistic nursing care of acutely mentally ill clients requires
attention to all five client system variables.
Following identification of stressors, students identify at least three nursing diagnoses
related to the stressors. Although some nursing diagnoses may be related to physiological
client system variable medical problems, at least two have to be related to stressors associ-
ated with the other client system variables (psychological, sociocultural, developmental,
spiritual). Such stressors represent adversity for seriously mentally ill clients, that is, an ex-
tremely unfavorable experience or event; a difficulty, danger, or state of affliction
(Gehrling & Memmott, 2008, p. 135).
Clients experiencing adversity require initial stabilization by means of secondary pre-
vention interventions and then use of tertiary prevention interventions to foster reconstitu-
tion to rebuild and maintain strong lines of defense and resistance (Gehrling & Memmott,
 Chapter 16 Neuman Systems ModelBased Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Practice 243

2008). Accordingly, students most frequently use secondary prevention interventions to

help clients regain a level of system stability and wellness that will allow the client to func-
tion effectively in the community. In addition, individual or pairs of students provide edu-
cational group counseling, which usually emphasizes primary prevention interventions,
such as good nutrition. They also implement tertiary prevention interventions as they help
clients to maintain a level of wellness compatible with their return to the community.
Additional experiences with clients who are receiving tertiary prevention interven-
tions are provided at a mental health outpatient consumer drop-in center in the commu-
nity. The experience helps students to appreciate continuity of care for seriously mentally
ill clients and to observe chronically mentally ill clients in a state of improvement on the
illnesswellness continuum.
The student worksheet includes a section for documentation of clients responses to
studentclient interactions (see Outcomes of Todays Interactions in Figure 16-1).
Inclusion of this section facilitates students recognition of the beneficial effects of every
interaction with clients, regardless of the length of contact with clients, especially in this
era of short hospital stays.
Undergraduate nursing students typically are expected to complete a generic nurs-
ing care plan for one or two clients during each practicum experience. The generic care
plan frequently emphasizes the pathophysiology of the clients medical diagnosis and
may include documentation of developmental milestones. The generic care plan also may
require specification of a theoretical rationale for prioritization of nursing diagnoses.
Although the Neuman Systems Model Daily Student Worksheet may not be as compre-
hensive as a generic care plan, it is useful for daily documentation of psychiatric nursing
practice during 1- or 2-day per week practicum experiences.
A major challenge for faculty who teach the practicum portion of an undergraduate
psychiatric nursing course is helping students overcome their anxiety and lack of familiar-
ity with clients who have serious mental illness. Students anxiety may be compounded
by hospital policies that do not permit them to administer medications, remain in clients
rooms, or document their assessments and interventions in the medical record during
the psychiatric nursing practicum. Use of the Neuman System Model Daily Student
Worksheet facilitates students communication with clients and provides a concrete guide
for assessment and documentation. Specifically, the worksheet helps the students to elic-
it information about stressors from clients because clients experiencing an acute episode
of a mental illness often can respond to very specific questions rather than such general
questions as, How are you feeling today? The worksheet also helps students to identify
nursing diagnoses related to stressors associated with the five client system variables
(Reed, 2002; Stepans & Knight, 2002). As the students use the worksheet, they realize that
it is appropriate to document clients perceptions as they talk with them.

Conclusion
As Torakis and Smigielski (2000) pointed out, Student Worksheet helped me to engage stu-
using a nursing conceptual model to guide dents in the nursing process and in commu-
practice simplifies and expedites nursing care. nication with acutely mentally ill clients.
Use of the Neuman Systems Model Daily Students have expressed their appreciation for
244 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

the learning experiences. Some students have mental patient. Overcoming stigmatization
had difficult experiences with a mentally ill and isolation of clients with serious mental ill-
client or may have heard stigmatizing com- ness remains a challenge. I have found that
ments about mentally ill clients. For example, teaching undergraduate nurses about the
a student commented that when he was car- Neuman Systems Model and explaining how
ing for a client with cancer during a medical to use the Neuman Systems Model Student
and surgical nursing course practicum, the Daily Worksheet promotes a positive attitude
nurses told him, Dont talk to him, hes a toward mentally ill clients.

References
Capers, C. F., OBrien, C., Quinn, R., Kelley, R., & Reed, K. (2002). The Neuman systems model and
Fenerty, A. (1985). The Neuman systems model educational tools. In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett
in practice: Planning phase. Journal of Nursing (Eds.), The Neuman systems model (4th ed., pp.
Administration, 15(5), 2939. 238243). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Edelman, M. A. & Lunney, M. (2000). Case study: A Stepans, M. B. F., & Knight, J. R. (2002). Application
diabetic educators use of the Neuman systems of Neumans framework: Infant exposure to en-
model. Nursing Diagnosis 11, 148, 179182. vironmental tobacco smoke. Nursing Science
Freese, B. T., Neuman, B., & Fawcett, J. (2002). Quarterly, 15, 327334.
Guidelines for Neuman systems modelbased Torakis, M. L., & Smigielski, C. M. (2000).
clinical practice. In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett Documentation of model-based practice: One
(Eds.), The Neuman systems model (4th ed., pp. hospitals experience. Pediatric Nursing, 26,
3742). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. 394399, 428.
Gehrling, K. R., & Memmott, R. J. (2008). Adversity
in the context of the Neuman systems model.
Nursing Science Quarterly, 21, 135137.
    
CHAPTER 17
The Neuman Systems
Model and Evidence-Based
Nursing Practice
Diane Breckenridge

The eleventh guideline for Neuman Systems Modelbased practice stipulates that practice
effectiveness depends on the application of research findingsthat is, evidenceto di-
rect practice and that, in turn, problems encountered in practice give rise to new research
questions (see Chapter 8). The Research Approach in Nursing (RAIN) program is an inno-
vative example of the operationalization of that practice guideline. The purpose of this
chapter is to describe the development and implementation of the RAIN program.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESEARCH APPROACH

IN NURSING PROGRAM
RAIN is an evidence-based practice program focused on facilitating nurses understanding
of reports of nursing research and translation of research findings into best practices. The
RAIN program was developed in 2003 in a 666-licensed-bed community hospital in
Pennsylvania as part of the hospitals quest for Magnet designation in recognition of the
excellence of nursing practice (American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2008).
RAIN has been refined over the years, evolving into a nursing theoryguided, evi-
dence-based practice program by 2006 (Figure 17-1 and Table 17-1). The RAIN program
emphasizes nurse-driven research. Nurses engage in evidence-based literature searches to
find existing evidence, determine gaps in the literature, and generate new evidence by con-
ducting studies. The nurses then translate existing and new evidence into best practices.
By 2007, 45 evidence-based practice projects were part of the RAIN program. The
Neuman Systems Model has guided 12 of those projects, which are focused on clients,
family members, and caregivers, including primarily nurses but also interdisciplinary
health care team members, such as the social worker. These projects have focused on
perceptions, stressors, and prevention interventions.

245
246 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

20032005 RAIN 2006Present

The Educational and Research 2003Present RAIN was refined as a hospital-
Council of a community wide and community health
teaching hospital seeking OBJECTIVES care evidence-based professional
Magnet-designation charged Educate nurses based on RAIN practice model by Breckenridge
Breckenridge, a practice and Assist nurses with the application in 2006. This cohort model was
education nurse researcher with of evidence-based practice to designed to facilitate studies of
coordinating Research identify relevant problems to patient and nurse-focused
Approach in Nursing (RAIN) as a enhance nursing practice questions conducted by staff
joint education and practice Engage nurses in professional nurses, nurse managers,
research program. RAIN was growth and development of advanced practice nurses, nurse
designed to assist staff nurses, evidence-based research educators, and student nurses.
nurse managers, advanced Disseminate research findings By 2007, 45 studies had been
practice nurses, and nurse for unit-based practice and the completed or were in the RAIN
educators to study patient and nursing community program. Monthly research
nurse-focused questions and sessions continue to consist of
proceed with the RAIN RAIN in nursing coursework, teamwork, and
r oach
program. Initially, 14 staff app implementation of the research
nurses took part in monthly a rch Re process, with an increased
research sessions, with a se N se
ar emphasis on a nursing theory-
Re

ur
coordinator and other faculty. guided, evidence-based practice

ch
e

s in g
Evidenc

Based

RAIN included coursework, approach (Breckenridge, 2007a,

teamwork, and implementation 2007b). Nurses who have
of the research process to completed the RAIN Program
address problem identification, continue to facilitate research
literature review, ethics in programs and serve as mentors
nursing research, theoretical Nursing practice in the self-governance of this
and research frameworks, professional practice model to
qualitative and/or quantitative Nursing policies enhance evidence-based
designs, and dissemination of practice.
the findings. Nursing protocol

FIGURE 17-1 The RAIN program.

TABLE 17-1 Refinement of RAIN: Nursing TheoryGuided Evidence-Based Practice Approach

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

Identify a Literature Identify a nursing Develop a theoretical Evidence from
clinical search to find model or theory framework based on the literature search
problem. background based on concepts concepts of interest, and/or active
evidence and related to a clinical guided by a nursing research program
gaps in problema continu- model or theory (e.g., will be translated
evidence. ous dynamic process Neuman Systems Model). into best practices.
Key words ongoing throughout Emphasize nursing Implement and
Databases the literature search; theoryguided, evidence- continuously evalu-
as evidence emerges based practice and ate solutions to
or is lacking, make research versus medically clinical problems to
decisions for research. driven evidence-based determine best
practice and research. practices.

Source: Adapted from Breckenridge, 2007a, 2007b.

 Chapter 17 The Neuman Systems Model and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice 247

A NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODELGUIDED RESEARCH PROGRAM

The catalyst for RAIN program projects was a program of research focused on patients
perceptions of selection of dialysis treatment modality (Breckenridge, 1995a, 1995b,
1997a, 1997b, 1999, 2002). That research program has been guided by the Neuman
Systems Model and Degner and Beatons (1987) lifedeath decisions in health care frame-
work. As can be seen in Figure 17-2, the research program is specifically framed within
the context of the Neuman Systems Model concept of patients (clients) perceptions and the
Degner and Beaton framework concept of control over the type of treatment. Data for the
descriptive theorygenerating qualitative study illustrated in Figure 17-2 were collected
using a Patient Perception Interview Guide (Figure 17-3), and analysis of the data led to
the discovery of the middle-range descriptive classification theory, Patients Choice of a
Treatment Modality versus Selection of Patients Treatment Modality (Breckenridge,
1997b, 2002).

RESEARCH APPROACH IN NURSING PROGRAM PROGRESS

Other Neuman Systems Modelguided projects in the RAIN program focus on patients
and/or family members perceptions about various health situations. The interview guide
used for the Breckenridge (1997b, 2002) selection of treatment modality study serves as
a template for interview guides for ongoing projects. Using an interpretive method of
naturalistic inquiry (Fawcett, 1999; Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Sandelowski, 1995a, 1995b;
Strauss & Corbin, 1990), responses to interview guide questions are coded and emerging

Conceptual Neumans system model

model Degner and Beatons lifedeath decisions framework

Middle- Theory of patients choice of treatment modality vs. selection of

range patients treatment modality
theory

Empirical 22 Patients with end-stage renal disease

research on hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
methods
Patient perception interview guide

Constant comparative approach for data analysis

FIGURE 17-2 Conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure for study of decisions about dialysis

modality (From Breckenridge, 2002, p. 178).
248 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

1. Please tell me how the treatment that you have received or are receiving was selected?
Possible probes:
a. What options were presented to you or did you consider? What did you view as the pros and cons
of each option?
b. What factors did you think about or weigh when making your decision?
c. Please walk me through the way the decision was made.
To what extent did your own opinions influence the selection of treatment?
To what extent did your physicians recommendations influence the selection of treatment?
To what extent did your nurse influence the selection of treatment?
To what extent did a social worker influence the selection of treatment?
To what extent did your family influence the selection of treatment?
To what extent did someone else (who?) influence the selection of treatment?
To what extent did your insurance coverage influence the selection of treatment?
d. What kind of information was made available to you? What were the sources? Did you actively
seek information about the treatment options? If so, what kind of things did you do? With whom
did you talk in order to learn more about the treatment options?
2. What do you like about the treatment you received and/or are receiving?
3. What are the drawbacks to the treatment you received and/or are receiving?
4. Is the treatment you received and/or are receiving still your preferred choice? If no, please explain
what other option you would prefer and why you now prefer that option?

FIGURE 17-3 The patient perception interview guide (from Breckenridge 2002).

themes are classified as middle-range theory concepts that represent evidence of patient
and family member perspectives. The evidence is then used to guide best practices as-
sessments of other patients and family members experiencing similar health situations
and development of prevention interventions to promote optimal client system stability.
Examples of potential primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions for clients
with end-stage renal failure are given in Figure 17-4 (Breckenridge, 1982, 1989, 1995).
The diagram depicts the most appropriate type of prevention interventions for clients
who are in community, acute care, or long-term care settings. The goal of each type of
prevention intervention is to help clients reconstitute to what they perceive as an optimal
level of wellness.
When RAIN was initiated in 2003, the first cohort of nurses included a two-nurse
psychiatric team who used a patient perception interview guide to collect data for a be-
ginning program of research focusing on patients choice of alternative therapies, such as
aromatherapy, hand massage, guided imagery, Reiki, and music therapy, as prevention
interventions to decrease the impact of stressors and promote relaxation (Kristiniak &
Soniak, 2007). Another beginning program of research focuses on family members per-
ceptions of the hospital employeesnurses, physicians, patient care assistantswho care
for their older adult family members (Shields & Maus, 2007). Nurse and social worker
caregivers collected data with a family members perceptions interview guide. Findings
from their study revealed that family members do not think that hospital employee care-
givers should address the family members older parents as honey or dear, but rather
should address the parent as Mrs. X or Mr. X, or use the parents first name. The evi-
dence from this study now is being translated into best practices regarding form of ad-
dress when talking with patients.
 Chapter 17 The Neuman Systems Model and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice 249

Community settings
Primary prevention

Potential stressors:
Retain client renal function
Reduce possibility of encounter with stressors/problems
Strengthen flexible line of defense to decrease risk of
renal impairment and enhance renal function

Chronic/rehabilitative
long-term care Acute care setting
Tertiary prevention Secondary prevention
Reconstitution to adapt to stressors Stability Active treatment
Reeducation to help prevent recurrence CAPD, hemodialysis, renal transplantation
of infection (i.e., peritonitis) Optimal level of wellness
Education and behavior modification to (as perceived by client) Actual stressors
Increased risk of recurrence of peritonitis
comply with posttransplant regimen to
for the CAPD client related to contamination
decrease risk of great rejection
during bag exchanges

Maintenance
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)
or hemodialysis; postrenal transplant

FIGURE 17-4 Neuman-based health care focus for renal clients (from Breckenridge 1995a).

FROM NOVICE TO EXPERT NURSE RESEARCHERS

The refined RAIN program (see Table 17-1), which emphasizes nursing theoryguided,
evidence-based practice (Breckenridge, 2007a, 2007b), supports nurses research capabil-
ities progression from novice to expert (Benner, 1984). The RAIN program now includes
monthly 3-hour research sessions, which address novice-to-expert needs of the nurses.
The sessions are offered to three cohorts of nurses during the fall, winter/spring, and
summer of each year. In addition, nurses receive individual mentoring that is appropriate
to their level within the novice-to-expert continuum.
The RAIN program includes content that is comparable to a 3-credit nursing re-
search course in an RN to BSN program and a bridge to a MSN program. The nurses, who
are regarded as novice nurse researchers, search the literature using key words for best
practices to translate into practice.
Some nurses with baccalaureate degrees who participate in the RAIN program are
working toward the MSN degree. These nurses, who are regarded as close-to-competent
nurse researchers, have the knowledge and technical skills to find evidence in the litera-
ture and, with the mentorship of the RAIN research director, write research proposals and
receive Institutional Research Board approval to conduct research. With continued men-
toring, they collect and analyze data, disseminate the research results at the hospital and
to the community, and begin to translate the evidence into best practices.
Nurses enrolled in Doctor of Nursing practice or Doctor of Philosophy programs
also participate in RAIN. They are regarded as close-to-expert nurse researchers who
have the research knowledge and technical skills to develop programs of research, trans-
late evidence into best practices, and evaluate the outcomes of those practices with guid-
ance from a preceptor. These nurses also serve as mentors and preceptors for novice and
competent nurse researchers who are part of the RAIN program research process.
250 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

FINDING THE EVIDENCE

The Patient-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome (PICO) approach to evidence-based prac-
tice (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2005) is used in the RAIN program to teach novice nurs-
es how to search the literature. When the PICO components of Patient Population/
Disease, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome are linked to the Neuman Systems
Model Nursing Process Format (Table 17-2), the nursing model becomes the guide for the
research. As the nurse becomes increasingly competent, integration of an evidence-based
practice model such as PICO with a nursing model such as the Neuman Systems Model
helps the nurse to more clearly define phenomena of particular interest to nurses and
nursing.
The first component of PICO is to identify the problem of interest, which corre-
sponds to assessment in the Neuman Systems Model. The example of a problem given in
Table 17-2 is the patients perception of selection of treatment modality for end-stage
renal disease (ESRD). The PICO component of intervention is linked with the Neuman

Table 17-2 Patient-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome Related to Breckenridges Nursing

TheoryGuided Evidence-Based Practice Approach Using the Neuman Systems Model
Patient-Intervention- Neuman Systems Nursing TheoryGuided Practice
Comparison-Outcome Model
Evidence-Based Practice
Approach (Breckenridge,
2007a, 2007b)

1. Patient 1. Patient assessment 1. Patients perception of selection of treatment

Population/Disease modality for end-stage renal disease (ESRD)

2. Intervention 2. Prevention 2. Secondary prevention interventions, e.g.,

interventions continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or
hemodialysis

3. Comparison 3. Primary, secondary, 3. Evidence found in the literature provides pros

and tertiary and cons for each of the two dialysis
prevention modalities
interventions
4. Outcome 4. Evidence for 4. Sidani, Epstein, and Miranda (2006) elicited
Best practices based on translation to best patient treatment preferences as a strategy
the levels of evidence practices to integrate evidence-based and patient-
(Melnyk & Fineout- centered care. Breckenridges (1997a, 1997b)
Overholt, 2005). Level evidence demonstrates how the Neuman
IRandomized Clinical Systems Model was used to examine
Trial (e.g., Cochrane decision making in the ESRD population.
Database)Medical Graham (2006) noted that Breckenridge had
Model Approach used the Neuman Systems Model to direct
researchers to study patient perceptions
 Chapter 17 The Neuman Systems Model and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice 251

Systems Model concept of prevention interventions. Continuing with the example of se-
lection of treatment modality for ESRD, the relevant secondary prevention intervention is
continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. The comparison component
of PICO includes existing research that points to the advantages and disadvantages of a
particular intervention. This PICO component corresponds to a comparison of primary,
secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions (see Figure 17-4), and is exemplified by
identification of reported pros and cons for the two dialysis modalities. The PICO out-
come component is rated using Melnyk and Fineout-Overholts (2005) schema for levels
of evidence. Their seven-level schema places integrated reviews of experimental research
at the highest level (level 1), whereas integrated reviews of quantitative and qualitative
descriptive research are regarded as level 5. Findings from a single descriptive study and
expert opinion are at the next two lower levels, respectively. The outcome component
corresponds to Neuman Systems Modelbased evidence for best practices, exemplified
by Sidani, Epstein, and Mirandas (2006) work, as well as Grahams (2006) interpretation
of Breckenridges (1997a, 1997b) research.

Conclusion
Evidence-based practice typically is defined as Model, to find and interpret evidence for best
the integration of the best evidence available practices is a continuous dynamic process
with nursing expertise and the values and throughout literature searches. As evidence
presence of the individual, families, and com- emerges or gaps become apparent, decisions
munities who are served (Sigma Theta Tau regarding the need to conduct research to find
International, 2003). Melnyk and Fineout- evidence need to be made. The RAIN program
Overholt (2005) indicated that clinical expert- has been successful in helping nurses to
ise and patient preferences are important search the literature and to begin to conduct
when considering practice changes and trans- their own research. The Neuman Systems
lating evidence into practice. Therefore, using Model is a particularly useful guide for litera-
a nursing model, such as the Neuman Systems ture searches and the conduct of research.

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CHAPTER 18
Excellence in Practice
Andr Merks
Caroline van Tilburg
Lois Lowry

Assessment of the quality of a health care organization in Holland was catalyzed by Dutch
public health laws, enacted in 1993, 1995, and 1996, to regulate agreements between
clients and caregivers about treatment; the status of professions, including nursing; and de-
mands for accountability for quality care, respectively. The purpose of this chapter is to
describe how Emergis Institute for Mental Health Care in Zeeland, Holland, where practice
is based on the Neuman Systems Model, used the European Foundation of Quality
Management (EFQM) model as the framework for quality assessment of the organization
and outcomes of the assessment. Quality assessment at Emergis is in keeping with
Hollands rich tradition of concern for the quality of health care received by its citizens.

USE OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL AT EMERGIS

Some years prior to implementation of the EFQM, Emergis had adopted the Neuman
Systems Model as the guide for patient care because the client-centered focus of the
model was most congruent with the Emergis philosophy of nursing practice (de Munck &
Merks, 2002). Emergis staff quickly became aware of the value of a nursing conceptual
model to guide practice systematically and to achieve high-quality care. Prior to the 1980s,
Dutch nursing practice was not guided by nursing theories or models, although the nurs-
ing process had been introduced in the 1970s. When the first masters degree in nursing
program was started at the University of Maastricht, Holland, it introduced its own nurs-
ing models and theories (de Munck & Merks). Nursing models and theories developed in
the United States were also studied in Holland during that time, and some were adopted
to guide nursing practice.

EUROPEAN FOUNDATION OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT MODEL

A 1996 law on quality in health care mandated a quality assessment system for all health
care institutes in Holland. Although the Neuman Systems Model guides practice, it does
not explicitly address quality assessment. Therefore, Emergis searched for a model that
253
254 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

could guide the development of a system to assess the quality of Neuman Systems
Modelbased care. Emergis, along with many other Dutch health care organizations, had
chosen the EFQM model as the framework for organizational quality assessment. This
model quickly became the most widely adopted framework for quality assessment in
Europe and now is the basis for the majority of national and regional quality awards in
Europe. The EFQM model does not tell an organization exactly what it must do or how to
do it. However, it does guide measurement of the effectiveness of each organization, ac-
cording to criteria set by each organization to meet its own needs.
The EFQM is a nonprescriptive framework of nine criteria. Five of the criteria are
enablersleadership, people, policy and strategy, partnerships and resources, and
processes; the other four criteria are resultspeople results, customer results, society
results, and key performance results. The enablers criteria encompass what an organiza-
tion does, how the organization conducts itself, how it manages its staff and resources,
how it plans its strategy, and how it reviews and monitors key processes. The results
criteria encompass what an organization achieves or its outcomes, such as the level of sat-
isfaction among the organizations employees and customers, its impact on the wider
community, and key performance indicators. Information gathered from results criteria
provide feedback for modifying the enabling processes. The components of the EFQM
model are illustrated in Figure 18-1.

ACCREDITATION AND EXTERNAL AUDITS

In Holland, several external audits are mandated to ensure that organizations maintain
high-quality standards for primary health care processes. Accreditation is mandated for
hospitals, and mental care institutions are evaluated by the International Organization for
Standardization (ISO). These external audits are imposed over and above the adoption by
institutions of models such as the Neuman Systems Model or the EFQM for the purpose
of delivering quality care. ISO certification is prescriptive, and an ISO certificate is proof
that customer requirements have been taken into account.

Enablers Results

People
People
results

Key
Policy & Customer
Leadership Processes performance
strategy results
results

Partnerships Society
& resources results

Innovation and learning

FIGURE 18-1 The European Foundation of Quality Management Model (Copyright 19992003
EFQM, reprinted with permission).
 Chapter 18 Excellence in Practice 255

The Dutch translation of the ISO standards for health care organizations was done
by the HKZ (Harmonization of Quality Review in Health Care and Welfare). HKZ is a
Dutch initiative of health care providers, patients/clients, and insurers that developed a
generic conceptual framework for certification. This framework, which is applicable to all
subsectors in health care and welfare, includes nine sections representing all organiza-
tional processes that are subject to review. The first three sections refer to primary
processes. Standards in these sections are explicitly formulated from the perspective of
the patient/client, an emphasis that is the main characteristic of HKZ certification.
The assumption that quality originates from an effective quality management system
is central to the external audit that is necessary for ISO/HKZ certification. The process-
oriented approach of the audit focuses on several activities, from input, to throughput, to
output. Those activities are carried out by means of deploying people and resources. The
focus of the audit is the question of how the process is controlled and how possible devi-
ations are adjusted. For health care institutions, this means the auditor is looking for formal
documentation of planning and implementation of the vision of care in written materials
and/or described by the people who carry out the primary process. Quality assurance is
also investigated, and nursing care is evaluated from the clients perspective. In ISO terms,
this means adjusting the product to customer requirements. The auditor evaluates how
employees in actual practice interpret the process, that is, how employees act in accor-
dance with the quality system, and how they provide individualized, high-quality care. An
institution that is based on quality models will likely achieve ISO certification.

THE EVALUATION RESEARCH PROJECT AT EMERGIS

Legislation, use of the EFQM model, and the external audit process have heightened in-
terest in nursing conceptual models as guides for achievement of quality in health care
organizations in Holland. Emergis was ahead of many health care institutes in the selec-
tion of the Neuman Systems Model as the guide for client care. In keeping with the EFQM
model, evaluation of the implementation process (the EFQM model enabler processes)
and the effects of using a nursing conceptual model (the EFQM model people and cus-
tomer results) were undertaken at Emergis.
Baseline data were collected before the Neuman Systems Model was implemented
on the wards at Emergis, so that any changes following implementation could be measured.
After baseline data were collected, the staff was trained to use the Neuman Systems Model,
a new care plan was introduced, and team coaching was implemented. Data were collect-
ed for six research variables derived from a review of the literatureorganization or ward
culture, knowledge of Neuman Systems Model concepts, implementation of the nursing
process, client satisfaction, employee job satisfaction, and quality of care (Figure 18-2).
Knowledge of the ward culture is critical for successful implementation of a nursing
model, so culture was assessed first. The two research variables that are directly related to
the implementation of the Neuman Systems Modelknowledge of the model concepts
and their use in practice, and implementation of the nursing processwere assessed
next. Quality of care, client satisfaction, and employee job satisfaction were assessed last.
We expected that nurses who internalize the concepts of the Neuman Systems Model and
use this knowledge in their daily practice were more likely to provide high-quality care.
We also expected that use of the nursing process would have a positive effect on the qual-
ity and continuity of care (Berkhout, 2000). In addition, we expected that nurses who use
256 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

Implementation variables Effect variables

Process variable
Organizational culture

Implementation variable Client satisfaction

Neuman Systems Model
Job satisfaction
Knowledge and use of the
of employees
Neuman Systems Model
Nursing process Quality of nursing care

FIGURE 18-2 Relationships between research variables.

the Neuman Systems Model would experience greater job satisfaction and provide more
professional care; thus, clients would be more satisfied. Ultimately, Emergis would benefit
as an organization from the provision of high-quality care.

Measurement of the Research Variables

The six research variables were measured with existing instruments with adequate valid-
ity and reliability. Table 18-1 displays the six variables, the instruments used to measure
each variable, and the validity and reliability data.

ASSESSMENT OF WARD CULTURE Organizational culture is a determining factor for suc-

cessful implementation of a new nursing or caregiver method. Thus, assessment of the
culture is a primary step in the research process (van Linge, 2006), to be completed be-
fore implementation of the nursing model. Culture was assessed using the competing
values model (CVM; Cameron & Quinn, 1999). The CVM has four quadrants, separated
by horizontal and vertical axes (Figure 18-3). External focus is contrasted with internal
focus on the horizontal axis, and flexibility and discretion are contrasted with stability and
control on the vertical axis.
Each quadrant has basic assumptions, orientations, and values, all of which are ele-
ments found in organizational cultures. The four types of cultures and their assumptions,
orientations, and values are:
1. Clan culture: based on cohesion and morale, with emphasis on human resources
and training. People are seen not as isolated individuals, but as cooperating mem-
bers of a common social system with a common stake in what happens.
2. Adhocracy culture: based on an organic system, emphasis is on adaptability, readi-
ness, growth, resource acquisition, and external support. These processes bring in-
novation and creativity. People are inspired rather than controlled.
3. Hierarchy culture: based on hierarchy, emphasis is on measurement, documenta-
tion, and information management. These processes bring stability and control.
Hierarchies seem to function best when the task to be done is well understood and
when time is not an important factor.
 Chapter 18 Excellence in Practice 257

TABLE 18-1 Measurement of Research Variables

Variable Instrument Validity Reliability

Culture VOKIPO Content validity, Cronbachs alpha

Derived from Quinn & factor analysis, based 0.750.86
Rohrbaugh (1983) on OKIPO
39 items, 4 subscales, (Organizational
4-point Likert scale Climate Index for
Profit Organizations)
Self-report questionnaire
Nurses, other disciplines
Neuman Systems LJNMEI; Lowry (1998), based Content validity Test-retest
Model on the Neuman Systems Model r = 0.90
89 items, 9 subscales, Split-half alpha 0.99
5-point Likert scale
Self-report questionnaire
Nurses, other disciplines
Nursing Process Bombelt (1996) Face validity, based on Cronbachs alpha
53 items, 6 subscales, existing similar 0.640.88
5-point Likert scale instruments
Interview by research assistant
Nurses, other disciplines,
clients, administration
Quality of Merks & Mels (1997), based on Face validity, derived Cronbachs alpha
(Nursing) Care van Bergen, Hollands, & Nijhuis from existing, similar 0.500.64
(1980) instruments
69 items, 3-point Likert scale
Interview by research assistant
Nurses, other disciplines,
clients, administration
Job Satisfaction MAS-GZ, based on Construct validity Cronbachs alpha
Landeweerd, Bouwmans, & Factor analysis, based 0.600.85
Nissen (1996) on OKIPO
21 items, 4 subscales, 5-point
Likert scale
Self-report questionnaire
Nurses, other disciplines
Client Satisfaction Client quick scan, Emergis Face validity, based on Cronbachs alpha
29 items, 4 subscales, 5-point existing similar 0.790.89
Likert scale instruments
Self-report questionnaire
Clients
258 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

Flexibility and discretion

1. Clan 2. Adhocracy

Internal focus and integration

Facilitator and Innovator and
mentor roles visionary roles

External focus and

differentiation
3. Hierarchy 4. Market
Monitor and Competitor and
coordinator roles producer roles

Stability and control

FIGURE 18-3 The Competing Values Model (Cameron & Quinn, 1999, p. 58, reprinted with
permission).

4. Market culture: based on profit, emphasis is on rational action. Planning and goal
setting are assumed to result in productivity and efficiency. Tasks are clarified; ob-
jectives are set, and action is taken.
Results of the organizational culture assessment of Emergis showed a hybrid situ-
ation, a composition of the adhocracy and clan configurations, which combines
transition with transformation. This means that small adaptations in competencies and
work processes are necessary to reinforce what is already present as long as there is a
willingness to change. Successful implementation of the Neuman Systems Model required
determination of whether the basic philosophy of the Neuman Systems Model could be
combined with the existing culture at Emergis. The wholistic philosophy of the Neuman
Systems Model is best combined with a culture that can be described as externally orient-
ed and innovative (van Linge, 2006). This type of organizational culture is aligned with
developments and changes outside the organization, such as the social aspects of illness,
changes in the professions, insurance companies, and other health care organizations.
The equality of people is strongly emphasized. The cultural assessment revealed that the
Neuman Systems Model was a good fit with the organization.

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL Knowledge

of the Neuman Systems Model and how well it was applied to practice was assessed
using the Lowry-Jopp Neuman Evaluation Instrument (LJNMEI; Lowry, 1998). Although
this instrument was initially developed to measure the efficacy of using a nursing model
as a curriculum framework in a nursing program, consultation with Lowry indicated that
the LJNMEI was suitable for evaluation of clinical nurses use of the Neuman Systems
Model. The instrument is an 89-item self-report questionnaire that is divided into two sec-
tions. The first section includes items related to the concepts of person, stressors, well-
ness, and nursing process; the second section includes the roles of a nurse: care provider,
 Chapter 18 Excellence in Practice 259

TABLE 18-2 Lowry-Jopp Neuman Evaluation Instrument Mean Scores

Subscale Basic Data Second Data Third Data

Collection Collection Collection 2007
2000 (n = 73) 2004 (n = 94) (n = 46)
Concepts of Person 3.2 3.5* 3.4**
Neuman Stressors 2.2 3.0* 3.0
Systems Model Wellness 2.7 3.1* 3.1
Nursing process 2.5 3.0* 3.0
Use Neuman Care provider 2.1 2.8* 2.6**
Systems Model Communicator/teacher 2.4 2.8* 2.5**
in Daily Practice
Manager of holistic 2.5 3.1* 2.8**
care
Member of the 1.6 2.9* 2.1**
discipline

*p < 0.05, difference between baseline (2000) and second data collection (2004).
**p < 0.05, difference between second (2004) and third data collection (2007).

communicator, teacher, manager, and member of the profession. Responses are scored on
a Likert scale in which 4 = strongly agree, 3 = agree, 2 = disagree, and 1 = strongly dis-
agree; the higher the mean score, the greater the knowledge and use of the model in
practice. The LJNMEI subscale scores at baseline and at the second and third data collec-
tion points are given in Table 18-2.
An independent t test of means was conducted for each item in each subscale to
compare the year 2000 baseline data (n = 73) with scores after implementation of the
Neuman Systems Model (n = 94) in 2004. There was a statistically significant increase in
both knowledge and use of the Neuman Systems Model for all subscales (p = 0.05). The
third data collection point was 2.5 years after the implementation of the Neuman Systems
Model, in 2007 (n = 46). Knowledge of the Neuman Systems Model was still evaluated
highly; however, there was a significant decrease in the use of the model in practice. We
concluded that the nurses were using the Neuman Systems Model sufficiently despite the
lower scores. The findings, however, indicated a need for further education, which now
is ongoing.
Originally, the implementation of the model was intended only for nurses. During
the implementation period, however, other disciplines became interested in using the
model; thus, we implemented the Neuman Systems Model across disciplines. A t test of
means revealed no significant difference between nurses and psychiatrists or psycholo-
gists for knowledge of the Neuman Systems Model and use of the model in practice. We
concluded that the Neuman Systems Model offers the possibility for members of other
disciplines to work from an integrated approach to motivate and stimulate clients to reach
a level of optimal stability. The breadth of the model enables other disciplines to under-
stand its principles and provides a means for professionals to speak the same language.
Thus, we discovered that the Neuman Systems Model is suitable not only for nurses but
also for members of the other disciplines involved in psychiatric care.
260 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

TABLE 18-3 Mean Scores for Use of the Nursing Process

Care Plans/Administration Nurses

Subscale Basic Data Second Data Basic Data Second Data

Collection Collection Collection Collection
2000 (n = 60) 2004 (n = 76) 2000 (n = 68) 2004 (n = 74)

Nursing Assessment 2.4 2.8* 3.9 4.4*

Nursing Problems 2.8 3.3* 3.7 4.2*
Nursing Goals 3.0 2.8 3.5 3.7*
Planning 3.5 3.1* 3.8 3.7
Nursing 2.6 2.5 3.2 2.8*
Interventions
Evaluation 1.4 1.3 3.3 3.1
Nursing Assessment 2.4 2.8* 3.9 4.4*

*p < 0.05, difference between the first (2000) and the second data collection (2004).

ASSESSMENT OF NURSING PROCESS We anticipated that using the Neuman Systems

Model would have a positive effect on use of the nursing process to assist clients and
nurses in setting goals efficiently and effectively. Data were collected through interviews
with all nurses and clients on the wards and review of written care plans by administra-
tors. Table 18-3 displays the mean scores at baseline in 2000 and after implementation
of the Neuman Systems Model in 2004. Nurses responded to interview questions on a
5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (no use) to 5 (maximum use). Scores for assessment
and formulation of nursing problems increased after implementation of the Neuman
Systems Model. Nurses also reported that they formed better goals after implementing the
model. There was no evidence of a change in the other elements of the nursing process
after implementing the Neuman Systems Model (Table 18-3). These findings were validated
through chart reviews.

ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF CARE The first effect variable assessed was quality of
care. We defined quality of care as the characteristics of a product, process, or service
that are important to meet stated or implicit needs. The tool used to measure care quality
is based on van Bergen, Hollands and (1980) philosophy of nursing, which identi-
fies the desired tasks for nurse professionals at Emergis. The tool contains only process
variables, which are those variables that actually are connected to the professionals
practice. Van Bergen, Nijhuis et al. stated that the nurse professional aims for continuity
of client-oriented care. The tool is used to compare the desired quality of care (criterion)
and the actual (measured) quality of care. A disadvantage of the tool is that it is not
based on specific criteria derived from the Neuman Systems Model. Nurses and clients
on the wards were interviewed, and their care plans were examined (2000, n = 14; 2004,
n = 19).
Independent t tests of means were conducted for each of the 69 items. Statistical
significance was achieved in a positive direction for information given by the nurses
 Chapter 18 Excellence in Practice 261

about the clients (medical treatment and role of the client in his or her own care).
Involvement of family and relatives of the client in (nursing) care also increased. More
attention was given to client individuality (for example, religion, special days such as
birthday, sleeping pattern). There also was more frequent contact between the nurse and
client, and their communication improved. In addition, using the nursing process steps of
nursing diagnosis and planning nursing care based on the nursing diagnoses increased.

ASSESSMENT OF EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTION Employee job satisfaction was the second
effect variable assessed to determine if job satisfaction changed on the wards in which the
Neuman Systems Model was implemented. The Maastricht Employee Satisfaction Scale
(MAS) includes 21 items arranged in 7 subscales (Table 18-4). A t test of means indicated
that there was a significant improvement in the general satisfaction of the employees. The
subscales promotion possibilities, developmental possibilities, and structure showed
statistical significance at the second data collection point in 2004, as determined by the
Mann-Whitney test. There was no evidence of a statistically significant change in the
other four subscales. We concluded that nurses experienced greater appreciation of their
worth after working with the Neuman Systems Model. They were able to use their knowl-
edge and skills in giving patient care, had opportunities to collaborate with their col-
leagues, and had greater opportunities for promotion.

ASSESSMENT OF CLIENT SATISFACTION We anticipated that the application of the

Neuman Systems Model would positively affect client-centered nursing and application of

TABLE 18-4 Maastricht Employee Satisfaction Scale Scores

Basic Data Collection Second Data Collection

2000 (n = 60) 2004 (n = 55) Mann-Whitney Tests

Subscales M SD M SD Z-value p (2-tailed)

Manager 3.63 0.60 3.74 0.75 1.152 0.249

Promotion 3.06 0.62 3.55 0.68 4.101 0.001
Possibilities*
Quality of 3.68 0.63 3.84 0.48 1.117 0.264
Care
Developmental 3.63 0.55 3.89 0.62 2.728 0.006
Possibilities*
Contact 3.90 0.38 4.04 0.53 1.611 0.107
Colleagues
Contact 3.71 0.44 3.83 0.45 0.880 0.379
Clients
Structure* 3.62 0.50 3.88 0.48 3.250 0.001
MAS total* 3.61 0.35 3.83 0.43 3.091 0.002

*p < 0.05, difference between first (2000) and the second data collection (2004).
262 Section 5 The Neuman Systems Model and Nursing Practice

the nursing process, and that, in turn, client satisfaction would be affected positively, be-
cause clients and nurses would communicate to negotiate the care. The tool used was a
self-report questionnaire consisting of 29 items that address client satisfaction with infor-
mation concerning treatment, the influence the client has on treatment, and relationships
between clients and caregivers, as well as the way clients spend their time and the extent
to which they can influence this themselves.
A t test of means was conducted for each of the 29 items (2000, n = 47; 2004, n =
78). Statistically significant increases were found for 14 of the 29 items after the Neuman
Systems Model had been implemented. The data analysis revealed that the client-centered
approach of the Neuman Systems Model led to increased understanding of both the
clients role and the professionals role in the care process. When doing assessments,
nurses made more use of the information given by clients. Also, the specific wishes of
clients had a more prominent part in the assessment. Clients reported an increase in their
influence on their own treatment. Furthermore, conversations between clients and care-
takers improved, and clients reported an increase in their trust of nurses.

Interpretation of the Findings

The assessment of the culture prior to the implementation of the Neuman Systems Model
indicated that Emergis exhibited characteristics of both clan and adhocracy configura-
tions, both of which are compatible with the philosophy of the model. As the project was
implemented, Emergis staff were coached to become more innovative as they began to
understand and use the Neuman Systems Model in their daily practice. The Neuman
Systems Model proposes that interaction between nurses and clients incorporate recogni-
tion of perceptions of both parties. Nurses have more concern for the clients perspectives
and clients are encouraged to engage in development of their own plans of care. Nurses
used the assessment and diagnosis steps of the nursing process more frequently after
adopting the Neuman Systems Model as a framework for caring. When doing assess-
ments, nurses collected data about the five client system variables and described the lines
of defense. These findings indicate that nurses had a better understanding of the concepts
client and health and applied that knowledge in their practice. They also were more
aware of the effect of stress and stressors on clients health.
The Neuman Systems Model provides a framework to organize client care. We were
struck by the finding that through use of the model, nurses perceived the boundaries of
the nursing profession as less strict and more open.
When nurses were asked to what extent using the Neuman Systems Model influ-
enced their jobs, they indicated that they see more possibilities within their own functions
to differentiate horizontally, that is, to specialize in their daily work. Nurses now have a
better understanding of what is expected of them when they practice according to the
model.
Following implementation of the Neuman Systems Model, clients stated that they
appreciated the nursing care they received, and that they believed that nurses were more
attentive to their questions and wishes. The questions used by nurses when assessing
clients now are more direct, so that clients can respond directly regarding their wishes for
treatment. They also have more faith in the nurses and responded positively to the client-
centered approach.
 Chapter 18 Excellence in Practice 263

Conclusion
The Dutch health care system is changing into focus of the Neuman Systems Model is consis-
an integrated health care system in a managed tent with current developments in society, as
care market, due primarily to the nationally well as with the quality of care laws in Holland.
mandated quality of care laws. Such a health Furthermore, the culture of Emergis is consistent
care system values efficiency and effective- with the philosophical underpinnings of the
ness, improved patient and consumer satisfac- Neuman Systems Model, enabling a smooth
tion, and documentation of health outcomes. transition as the organization evolves. External
The EFQM model, which has been selected auditors reported that the consistent and inte-
by many health care organizations as the grated application of the Neuman Systems
framework for organizational quality assess- Model as implemented in Emergis contributes
ment, emphasizes improvement. It can be to a well-functioning system of quality improve-
said to be a practical representation of Total ment. The auditors also reported that the model
Quality Management. But no improvement has been implemented well and serves as an in-
whatsoever happens just by using the EFQM strument for the organization and coordination
model. Instead, improvement happens by im- of the primary processes in the organization.
plementing actions after using the EFQM The use of nursing conceptual models in
model as a diagnostic tool to identify areas conjunction with quality assessment models
needing improvement. can diagnose how an organization can target
Emergis selected the EFQM model to actions to improve the function and quality of
measure its effectiveness in combination with care within the institution, resulting in greater
evaluation research implemented to assess the staff and client satisfaction. The EFQM model
efficacy of using the Neuman Systems Model to and the accreditation criteria, coupled with the
guide the delivery of high-quality nursing care. internal evaluation research project at Emergis,
The model considers all the variables that affect have produced data that support use of the
a clients health and proposes how optimal Neuman Systems Model for achievement of
wellness can be achieved. The client-centered high-quality client care.

References
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of Maastricht. satisfaction for nurses: Use of the Maastrichtse
Bombelt, S. W. M. (1996). Methodisch verpleegundig evaluation tool for job satisfaction in Dutch health
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PA: Addison-Wesley. quality of nuring care]. Kloeringe: Emergis.
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de Munck, R., & Merks, A. (2002). Using the peting values approach to organizational analy-
Neuman systems model to guide administration sis. Management Science, 29, 363377.
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Emergis, Institute for Mental Health Care. In De ontwikkeling van een kwaliteitsprofiel
B. Neuman & J. Fa wcett (Eds.), The Neuman [Creating a profile for quality of care] (2nd ed.).
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Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. van Linge, R. (2006). Innoveren in de gezondheid-
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model of effectiveness criteria: Towards a com- Elsevier/Gezondheidszorg.
 SECTION SIX
    

The Neuman Systems Model

and Administration of
Nursing Services
This page intentionally left blank
    
CHAPTER 19
Nursing Services
at Allegiance Health
Helen M. Burnett
Kimberley J. Johnson-Crisanti

The purpose of this chapter is to present a detailed description of the process of imple-
mentation of the Neuman Systems Model as a guide for nursing services at Allegiance
Health.

ALLEGIANCE HEALTH
Allegiance Health serves residents in a six-county area of southern mid-Michigan. As a
health care system, we offer comprehensive health services in many locations that ensure
health care excellence availability close to home. We are the only acute care facility in our
county and offer a full range of services with the mission of leading our community to
better health and well-being at every stage of life.
Allegiance Health has 411 beds, with a full complement of inpatient services, in-
cluding medical/surgical, intensive and coronary care, and cardiac universal beds, and
women and children services. Allegiance Health also has several specialty services, in-
cluding but not limited to cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management, diabetes
and wound centers, radiation oncology, a sleep disorders center, senior services, and car-
diac surgery. Allegiance Health employs 689 registered nurses and 78 licensed practical
nurses.
Allegiance Health is intimately involved in the health improvement of the communi-
ty through education, active programs, and support of area projects and county activities.
The people in our demographic area experience a high level of health problems. For ex-
ample, a 2007 community survey identified 70 percent of residents as overweight or
obese, a 14 percent rate of diabetes, and higher rates of pulmonary and cardiac disease
than similar-sized communities. Therefore, we offer many outreach services to the com-
munity, such as support for respite care, home meals, prescriptions for the underserved,
and support for the Center for Family Health, which is a federally funded clinic for the
underserved.

267
268 Section 6 The Neuman Systems Model and Administration of Nursing Services

ADMINISTRATIVE VISION
In December 2002, the nursing administrator at Allegiance Health presented a challenge
to our Division Nurse Practice Committee: to investigate choosing a nursing conceptual
model or theory to guide nursing practice. A subcommittee of nursing staff, key leaders,
and faculty from Jackson Community College was formed to review our options. The
subcommittee examined 12 nursing models and theories, which was narrowed to two
theorists whose work components fit best with our mission and vision statements and
standards of practiceOrems Self-Care Framework and Neumans Systems Model.
Two teams from the subcommittee compared the content of Orems and Neumans
conceptual models to Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization
(JCAHO) standards, our structural strengths and weakness, applicability to an interdisci-
plinary approach, and our documentation system. In August 2003, the Neuman Systems
Model was selected based on our belief that use of this nursing conceptual model would
best promote wholistic care inclusive of evidence-based practice.

EVOLUTION OF IMPLEMENTING THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL AT

ALLEGIANCE HEALTH
The Neuman Committee was established in October 2003. Education of the staff and im-
plementation of the Neuman Systems Model into the organizations nursing practice were
ready to begin. The initial meeting was well attended by representatives from all depart-
ments as nursing managers, educators, and directors were interested in learning how
adoption of an explicit nursing model would affect patient care within each nursing unit.
We anticipated that implementation would take a considerable amount of work and time.
Although some nurses were unable or unwilling to make a time commitment and our
membership dropped after the next few meetings, we developed a core Neuman
Committee of clinical nurse specialists, clinical quality specialists, educators, nurse man-
agers, and staff nurses.
Our goals included ensuring that the Neuman Systems Model was incorporated into
the nursing process through inclusion in the philosophy, standards of care, and electron-
ic medical records system. We expected the implementation process to take a minimum
of 3 years, as we worked with staff and management to overcome the obstacles of change
and to embrace the enhancements that the Neuman Systems Model would bring to our
nursing practice. Although the effectiveness of Neuman Systems Modelguided practice is
evident, continual evaluation and modification was required as we adapted to integration
of conceptual modelguided client care.

Staff Education Strategies

Holding the attention and commitment of middle management amid competing projects
took a significant toll on efforts to implement the Neuman Systems Model. Educational ef-
forts were evaluated and adjusted frequently to facilitate understanding of nursing con-
ceptual models. A staff demographic that may have impeded implementation of the
Neuman Systems Model was the high percentage of associate degreeprepared registered
nurses, who had not been exposed to nursing conceptual models in their educational
programs. The educational plan continuously evolved to meet nurses needs and create a
high level of understanding. Currently, approximately 50 percent of Allegiance Health
 Chapter 19 Nursing Services at Allegiance Health 269

nurses hold baccalaureate degrees, which should facilitate readiness for Neuman Systems
Modelguided practice.
Education about the Neuman Systems Model was introduced through slide presen-
tations at unit meetings beginning in 2004. The presentations were done by a Neuman
Committee member who worked on that unit or the nurse manager. Neuman Committee
members also participated by presenting the slides at lunch and learn seminars in the
hospital cafeteria for a week. Although nursing staff could drop in at any time to see
the slide presentation and ask questions, attendance was lower than expected. However,
the nursing staff who did attend the presentations indicated that the slides were informa-
tive and facilitated understanding of the Neuman Systems Model. They also indicated that
after viewing the slides, they could identify the importance of conceptual modelguided
nursing practice.
In February 2004, the Neuman Committee began to create computer-based learning
(CBL) for staff. The CBL was designed to provide education focused on how nursing con-
ceptual models and theories guide nursing practice, as well as how the Neuman Systems
Model could be incorporated into nursing practice.
During Nurses Week in May 2004, we had the honor of Dr. Betty Neumans partic-
ipation with us in a daylong conference. Our goal was that staff would gain an under-
standing of the Neuman Systems Model, and we anticipated that Dr. Neumans presence
and discussion of the development of her model would generate a lot of excitement for
staff and encourage them to grasp the model and begin to apply it to client care.
In February 2005, the CBL module was released to nursing staff. All nursing staff
were required to complete the module, as were all new nursing staff. In 2007, the CBL for
new nursing staff was replaced with a live presentation by the chair of the Neuman
Committee or a committee member. The live presentation allowed for discussion and
questions, and also facilitated the committee members evaluation of learning by the new
nursing staff. The positive evaluations received from new staff revealed that the live pres-
entation was a better strategy than CBL.
Also in 2005, an Eastern Michigan University faculty member presented an educa-
tional session focused on the Neuman Systems Model and how to incorporate a nursing
model into nursing practice. A case study utilizing the Neuman Systems Model enhanced
learning during the session. This session was offered prior to implementing Neuman
Systems Modelbased questions in our admission database.
In April 2005, several Neuman Committee members were selected to participate in
the poster presentation demonstrating our hospital implementation process at the
Biennial Neuman Systems Model Symposium in Akron, Ohio. Networking at the sympo-
sium resulted in making important contacts for future reference related to hospital-based
implementation of the Neuman Systems Model.
Although Nursing Grand Rounds had not been done at Allegiance Health for several
years due to decreasing interest of nursing staff, the Research Committee decided to rein-
troduce Nursing Grand Rounds in 2005. Nursing Grand Rounds were then scheduled bi-
monthly, and each Grand Rounds incorporated the Neuman Systems Model along with
evidence-based practice related to the issues identified in a case study. Six Neuman
Systems Modelbased questions were asked by the presenter, and six volunteers from the
audience answered the questions by role playing the client or family members who were
described in the case study. This approach was an informal and fun way to learn about
Neuman Systems Model as a guide for client care.
270 Section 6 The Neuman Systems Model and Administration of Nursing Services

The year 2006 continued with new nursing staff orientation presentations and
Nursing Grand Rounds. During Nurses Week in 2007, several Neuman Systems Model ed-
ucational sessions were offered to nursing staff to refresh their understanding of the
model and to emphasize how to apply the model to nursing practice. Unfortunately, few
nursing staff attended the sessions.

Pilot Unit Implementation Process

In October 2005, we selected one of our medical-surgical units to be our pilot unit. We
began pilot unit implementation planning with staff from the 5 South unit, meeting every
2 to 4 weeks. A core group, including the nurse manager, nurse educator, clinical infor-
mation systems staff, case management staff, and rehabilitation therapy staff, devised a
plan to incorporate the Neuman Systems Model in our assessment and documentation
process. Although the pilot unit staff were excited to be chosen as the first to implement
the Neuman Systems Model, it was difficult for nursing staff to consistently attend all
meetings due to a high census on the unit. The rehabilitation therapy staff and Neuman
Committee members were, however, able to attend all meetings.
The core group decided to use six Neuman Systems Model questions (Neuman
questions) as part of the admission database (see Box 19-1). The questions were adapted
from the Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool (see Table C-3 in
Appendix C). All questions were to be asked when the client was admitted to the unit,
and questions 4, 5, and 6 were also be asked at 24 to 36 hours after admission to update
any changes in the clients condition.
In May 2006, we began to provide additional education about how to utilize the
Neuman Systems Model, how to ask the Neuman questions (Box 19-1), and where to
document answers in the computer charting system. A preimplementation survey was ad-
ministered to pilot unit staff to determine whether they thought the Neuman questions
would help with client care plans and discharge planning. The few staff who returned
completed surveys indicated that the questions would facilitate care planning and the dis-
charge process.
In July 2006, the pilot unit staff began to ask all clients the six Neuman questions at
the time of admission (Box 19-1). Although questions 4, 5, and 6 were to be again asked
at 24 to 36 hours after admission, staff indicated that the timing was not appropriate.
Specifically, due to an average length of stay of 3.6 days, the nursing staff thought repeat-
ing the questions at the specified time might be a barrier. In addition, inasmuch as the

BOX 19-1
Neuman Systems ModelGuided Client System Assessment at Allegiance Health

Client system assessment is facilitated by asking 4. What level of independence do you hope
six questions: for yourself?
5. What can you do to help in your care?
1. What is your major health problem?
6. What can caregivers, family, and friends do
2. Has this ever happened before?
for you?
3. How does your ability to function differ
from before you came to the hospital?
 Chapter 19 Nursing Services at Allegiance Health 271

unit had a high census and cared for high acuity level clients, the nursing staff indicated
they had no time nor could they remember to repeat questions 4, 5, and 6 at 24 to 36
hours of stay. Instead, the staff began to ask clients about their goals for the hospitaliza-
tion at the time of admission to the unit, and wrote those goals on a white board in the
clients room and in the Neuman Systems Modelbased plan of care. This approach was
successful in that communication of client priorities improved.
In fall 2006, the pilot unit qualitative evaluation was begun. That evaluation con-
firmed that very few clients were asked Neuman questions 4, 5, and 6 at 24 to 36 hours
after admission because the nursing staff did not have time or forgot to ask the questions.
The Neuman Committee, therefore, decided to ask only questions 1, 2, and 3 at the time
of admission and ask questions 4, 5, and 6 (Box 19-1) later as part of the functional sta-
tus assessment.
At the same time, the Clinical Information Systems department began to redesign
our computer documentation system utilizing Horizon Expert Documentation (HED).
Neuman Committee members attended the design sessions to provide input with regard
to where to place the admission questions (Box 19-1). Nursing staff who were part of the
HED design team provided their input about the Neuman charting.
In January 2007, all of the more than 700 nurses were required to attend an HED
class, during which education addressing the Neuman admission questions was provided.
All nurses were asked to complete survey regarding their perceptions of applying the
Neuman Systems Model to nursing care. Data from the small number of completed sur-
veys indicated that nursing staff thought it was important to have a nursing conceptual
model as an explicit framework for care plans and discharge planning.
In February 2007, the Neuman questions were implemented on all inpatient nursing
units. Initially, some nursing staff did not realize they needed to open the Neuman sec-
tion of the database and ask the questions.
In April 2007, the Neuman Committee merged into the Practice Council, which is a di-
vision of our professional practice model. The Practice Council, along with medical/surgical
educators and managers, suggested simplifying documentation by eliminating the separate
Neuman section on the database and integrating the questions into the overall admission
assessment. Planning meetings were also held with rehabilitation staff, which resulted in in-
tegrating Neuman questions 4, 5, and 6, which focus on functional ability and ability to care
for oneself, into the functional screen charting. Accordingly, in June 2007, the Neuman
questions were integrated into the admission database and the functional screen. This strat-
egy resulted in a greater number of the nursing staff asking the Neuman questions.
In July 2007, our Home Health Department began to explore developing a Neuman
template to incorporate the Neuman questions in client care. Other outpatient specialty
clinics, including Hospice Home, Care Link, and the Emergency Department, may incor-
porate the Neuman questions at a later date.

INTEGRATION OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL

WITH AN EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE MODEL
At the same time that the Division Nurse Practice Committee was looking for a theorist
whose work matched the mission and vision of nursing at Allegiance Health, the Research
Council was trying to identify a research model that would support the commitment of the
hospital to evidence-based practice and would be consistent with the nursing model
272 Section 6 The Neuman Systems Model and Administration of Nursing Services

selected to guide care delivery. The Practice Committee selected the Neuman Systems
Model, and the Research Council selected the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to
Promote Quality Care (Titler et al., 2001).
The Iowa Model encompasses two componentsa problem-focused arm and
knowledge-focused triggers. This evidence-based practice model begins with determina-
tion of the triggers or problems that exist and impede high-quality practice and outcomes.
The Neuman Systems Model is a problem-focused approach that emphasizes identifica-
tion of concerns by the client, with appropriate prompting from the care delivery team.
Both the Neuman Systems Model and the Iowa Model embrace the Allegiance Health
mission and vision of caring for our patients at every stage of living towards optimal well-
ness. The Iowa Model focuses on improved outcomes for populations, and the Neuman
Systems Model goal is to improve client care, one client system at a time (see Box 19-2).
Both models have several parallel components, which include:
identification of problems,
ranking the problems in order of priority,
assembly of relevant information/research that will facilitate the development of a
plan,
synthesizing how the plan may work, who it touches, and the potential ramifica-
tions of the plan,
specification of what each member has to contribute and verification of their skills
and abilities to participate as planned,
determination of whether the plan or change is research-based and appropriate for
adoption,
identification of how individual or group outcomes are monitored and measured for
success.
Use of the Neuman Systems Model helps nurses to establish relationships with
clients, identify their goals, determine whether the same health event happened in the
past, and determine how previous illnesses were managed. Nurses can begin to plan client
care to optimize outcomes after that information is obtained, including management of the
current health problem, and identification of available assistance, needed nursing services,
and needed collaboration with other health care team members.
The Neuman Systems Model also can be applied to evidence-based practice. For ex-
ample, nurses can ask themselves and their colleagues the following questions:
How do we embrace new information?
What is our relationship with each other, processes, and policies?
Have we had experience with similar situations, and if so, how did we manage it?
Is there a better way to manage the situation to further improve outcomes?
Who else needs to be involved to maximize the outcome for all involved?
Many other questions about the Neuman Systems Model and evidence-based prac-
tice can be asked each day. When striving toward improvement of client care, we need to
look forward and not accept that is the way we have always done it.
Integrating evidence-based practice is a sign of professionalism, a hallmark of high-
quality care, and one of the first steps toward Magnet Recognition (American Nurses
Credentialing Center, 2008). Nurses at Allegiance Health are empowered to make changes
with sound information. Allegiance Health has integrated the Neuman Systems Model
 Chapter 19 Nursing Services at Allegiance Health 273

BOX 19-2
Simple Steps to Great Outcomes: Utilizing the Iowa Model and Neuman System
Model to Drive Evidence-Based Practice

As a starting point, the Iowa Model identifies the There is much research and evidence avail-
issue as a problem-focused trigger or a knowl- able. The hospital has three nurses certified
edge-focused trigger. For example, a question or as wound, ostomy, and continence nurses
statement that might be proposed is: (WOCNs).
Patients with pressure ulcers have poorer Iowa: Need to create a plan.
outcomes. NSM: Collectively looking at the variable
This would be identified as a problem- and answers to the above questions to com-
focused trigger, leading the researcher down a spe- plete the analysis and move forward with
cific path of the Iowa Model. Other steps in the Iowa the plan.
Model flow sheet and related Neuman Systems Collect baseline dataWe have our
Model (NSM) questions in the process include: spot checks on prevalence.
Design evidence-based practice (EBP)
Iowa: What do we know about this issue? protocolThe policy and algorithm are
NSM: Has this happened before? Is this the being reviewed.
major health problem? ImplementPlan is being generated
With regard to pressure ulcers, what is the now.
most current research, who is accountable Evaluate process and outcomesStaff
for the assessment and care, and what are should be involved in this to best un-
the national guidelines and standards? derstand the opportunities of these
steps and the value of research.
Iowa: Is this a priority for the organization?
Iowa: Adopt the change.
NSM: How does your ability to function dif-
fer from before you came to the hospital? NSM: What can you do to help in your care?
Monitor and analyze structure, pro-
Yes! It has significant potential for poor cess, outcomes, client/family affect/
outcomes if not dealt with in a consistent outcomes, staff effects/outcomes, cost,
and timely manner. New regulations look and environment.
at avoidable and unavoidable incidences This is a process for changeHow dif-
and can cost the hospital reimbursement. ferent is it from the nursing process?
Iowa: Assemble a relevant team. How different is it from the Neuman
Systems Model for client care and high-
NSM: Using an interdisciplinary approach, quality outcomes for coordination of
what can caregivers, family, and friends do care?
for you? Change is goodA process to direct
A team has been assembled to review the the investigation and potential change
processes currently in place, needs for edu- gives the problem structure and an
cation, and level of monitoring currently in organized approach to look at the
place. question.
Research and use of EBP knowledge is
Iowa: Review of current research for imple-
not scary, but is necessary to elevate
mentation in practice if there are sufficient
our profession and practice to a profes-
data.
sional level. Critical thinking with knowl-
NSM: Has this ever happened before? What edge and research facilitates organized
level of independence do you hope for thought toward change.
yourself?
274 Section 6 The Neuman Systems Model and Administration of Nursing Services

into our care delivery model, and the Research Council identified the Iowa Model as the
framework for evidence-based practice and research at the hospital.

OUTCOMES OF USING THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL

Our goal is to utilize the Neuman Systems Model to improve client care plans and facili-
tate discharge planning. Desired outcomes include a decrease in length of stay, a de-
crease in readmissions, and an increase in Press Ganey (2008) patient satisfaction scores.
We currently are in the development phase of monitoring the desired outcomes
within the context of the Neuman Systems Model. At this time, we are tracking the results
of three Press Ganey questions to monitor care improvement:
1. Amount of attention paid to a patients special or personal needs
2. Extent to which a patient felt ready to be discharged
3. Degree to which hospital staff addressed a patients emotional needs
Preliminary findings revealed no statistically significant differences in mean scores
for the three questions since implementing the Neuman Systems Model into our nursing
care. In addition, the readmission index is below expectations. In contrast, our Press
Ganey scores for standard of nursing care have improved since we implemented the
model. It is unclear, however, exactly how Neuman Systems Modelguided client care di-
rectly affects length of stay, readmission, and Press Ganey patient satisfaction scores, as
many factors other than nursing care may affect those particular outcomes.
Following implementation of the Neuman Systems Model, an 11-question Likert
scale survey, which took no more than 5 minutes to complete, was electronically distrib-
uted to all nursing staff. The survey was designed to determine the extent to which the
nursing staff thought that the Neuman questions helped them with care planning and dis-
charge planning, which in turn might improve employee satisfaction and increase patient
satisfaction. A total of 221 nurses completed the survey. Findings revealed that the vast
majority (96%) of respondents were aware that a nurse theorists work was used at
Allegiance Health, and almost three-quarters (73%) indicated that the Neuman questions
are helpful. Almost all (99%) respondents indicated that they thought clients are informed
about their health; more than four-fifths (86%) thought that clients past health experi-
ences affect their hospitalization, and almost all (98%) indicated they were able to gather
enough information for patient care plans. Furthermore, the vast majority (97%) of re-
spondents thought that client expectations related to their function or independence were
realistic. More than three-fifths (64%) of respondents indicated that discharge planning
has improved since implementing the Neuman Systems Model.
Currently, we are trying to decrease the amount of time required to complete the
admission process by decreasing the overall number of questions asked of clients. We are
also attempting to improve the discharge process.

Conclusion
As a wholistic wellness model, the Neuman better health and well-being at every stage of
Systems Model is consistent with our mission, life. Allegiance Health subscribes to a
which declares, We lead our community to Nursing Professional Practice Model, which
 Chapter 19 Nursing Services at Allegiance Health 275

includes use of a nursing conceptual model to make changes in nursing practice especially
guide nursing practice. We will continue to when explicit nursing conceptual models and
teach new nursing staff about the benefits of theories may not be familiar to all nurses. It is
using a nursing conceptual model to guide important that all leadership staff support any
practice during orientation. We will also con- new changes to facilitate the entire process.
tinue to provide ongoing education to nursing Future plans call for continued improve-
staff to enhance knowledge of Neuman ment in the admission and discharge process-
Systems Model implications for client care and es, and to expand implementation of the
to measure their knowledge of the model and Neuman questions (Box 19-1) from inpatient
their job satisfaction. settings to outpatient settings, such as the
Any change is difficult and time-con- Emergency Department, home health, hos-
suming to implement. It is a challenge to pice care, and IV therapy.

References
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2008). Titler, M. G., Kleiber, C., Steelman, V. J., Rakel, B.,
Magnet recognition program. Retrieved July 2, Budreau, G., Everett, L., Buckwalter, K. C.,
2008, from http://www.nursecredentialing.org/ Tripp-reimer, T., & Goode, C. J. (2001). The
Magnet.aspx Iowa model of evidence-based practice to pro-
Press Ganey Surveys and Reports. Retrieved July mote quality care. Critical Care Nursing Clinics
27, 2008, from http://www.pressganey.com/cs/ of North America, 13, 497509.
our_services/surveys_and_reports
    
CHAPTER 20
Utilizing the Neuman Systems
Model to Maintain and
Enhance the Health of a
Nursing Service: Riverside
Methodist Hospital
Lisa Kinder
Deborah Napier
Michelle Rubertino
Angela Surace
Judith Burkholder

The client in the Neuman Systems Model can be as varied as an individual person or an
entire health care organization. This chapter presents a description of the adoption and
use of the Neuman Systems Model within a large urban hospital for both purposes.

RIVERSIDE METHODIST HOSPITAL

As the flagship of OhioHealth, a multihospital system in the Midwest, Riverside Methodist
Hospital (Riverside) is licensed for 1,059 beds. Riverside has a strong tradition of ap-
proaching the delivery of health care from a wholistic perspective, attested to by
OhioHealth being recognized nationally by Fortune Magazine in 2007 and 2008 as one of
the 100 Best Companies to Work For. Inasmuch as two-thirds of the magazines score is
based on a survey of randomly selected OhioHealth employees (our associates), it is clear
that our associates not only understand and appreciate the opportunity to participate in
our mission but also know how much they are valued. Riverside believes that this strong
culture of valuing associates results in better care for our patients.
Riversides long history of excellent patient care has also centered on a wholistic
consideration of the nursepatient relationship. Contemporary nursing practice at
276
 Chapter 20 Utilizing the NSM to Maintain and Enhance the Health of a Nursing Service 277

Riverside advances because of the responsibility, autonomy, and expertise with which
nurses approach their professional development. Documentation of the excellence of
nursing practice at Riverside comes from Magnet Recognition, which the nursing service
received from the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2006. Prior to receiving
Magnet designation, Riverside nurses worked for 4 years to articulate, implement, and
formalize the aspects of excellent nursing practice required for the Magnet Recognition
Program (American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2008).

USING THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL

AT RIVERSIDE METHODIST HOSPITAL
Utilizing the Neuman Systems Model to guide administration of nursing services requires
the implementation of primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions to promote system
stability. The Riverside system associates recognized the potential value of the Magnet
Recognition program not only as a designation about the current health of our nursing
service but also as a process and vehicle to facilitate evolution to an exceptional nursing
service. Desire for Magnet status became a beneficial stressor from an external source for
the organization.

A Primary Prevention Intervention

Primary prevention intervention involved a gap analysis performed by an outside consult-
ant. This health assessment was a complete examination of our policies, processes, and
outcomes. We received a satisfactory report with a number of recommendations.
The first recommendation centered on direct patient care delivery. A formal concep-
tual model that could be used as a guide for nursing service delivery and nursing practice
had not yet been identified. Although a few elements of a model were evident, we need-
ed a conceptual model that was broad enough to address the entire scope of nursing
practice over a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and community services and that would
also be consistent with our mission and vision statements.
The second recommendation involved the health of our nursing service. We had an
operational gap that was evident in nursing units that functioned in silos and in a rudi-
mentary shared governance structure.

Secondary Prevention Interventions

Based on those two recommendations from our health assessment, we decided to en-
hance our well-being through two secondary prevention interventions. First, to address
the lack of a formal conceptual model to guide nursing practice, we implemented the
Neuman System Model because the focus and content of that model best exemplifies the
patient care provided at Riverside. This systems approach is concerned with the whole
situation and all variables involved, and could be used to acknowledge the complexity of
clients and their relationships within a large health care setting.
Second, we soon realized that beyond its focus on individual client care, the
Neuman Systems Model applied more broadly to care of our nursing service as a client
system. We adopted shared governance as the secondary prevention intervention to
break down our silo mentality and increase staff nurse participation in decision making.
278 Section 6 The Neuman Systems Model and Administration of Nursing Services

Implementation of the two secondary interventions met with a positive response

the Neuman Systems Model was universally accepted by Riverside nurses practicing in
various health care settings. We had done a good job of identifying a conceptual model
that made sense to our nursing staff. The same held true for shared governance. An
external consultant, with expertise in shared governance, helped create a structure that
generated excitement and buy in from the nursing staff. Open communication and in-
tellectual stimulation were constants in the process of the development of the first shared
governance council, the Staff Nurse Leadership Council (SNLC). The SNLC membership
included council chairs from all nursing units at Riverside.

Tertiary Prevention Interventions

The result was a nursing service with a more optimal state of wellness that had the poten-
tial to activate strengthened lines of resistance. To sustain these gains, we implemented
several tertiary prevention interventions. Nurses working on various units developed case
studies based on their specific patient populations to ensure the Neuman Systems Model
remained a vital part of client care. The shared governance council structure was expand-
ed to include other nursing voices in addition to the staff nurse perspective, including the
Nurse Educator Council, the Advanced Practice Council, and the Nurse Manager Council.
Systems thinking became integrated into our work in both nursing administration
and practice. Within our hospital system, we provide a continuum of patient care in acute
inpatient units, ambulatory clinics, home care, hospice, and diagnostic services. All utilize
the Neuman Systems Model in guiding both clinical practice and the administration of
these nursing services.
We utilize the Neuman Systems Model in all of our education efforts. For example,
Nursing Grand Rounds highlight aspects of nursing practice throughout the organization.
The Neuman Systems Model informs and is cited in these monthly presentations through
case studies. Nurses are able to see direct and practical application of this conceptual
model in multiple clinical settings.
Our management style also is influenced by the Neuman Systems Model.
Leadership within a shared governance framework promotes effective horizontal and ver-
tical communications. Shared governance centers on accountability, partnership, equity,
and ownership and emphasizes the relatedness between people and systems (Crow,
2008). As such, each Shared Governance Council aligns itself with Riversides Balanced
Scorecard. The scorecard has four quadrants, each of which represents current assessment
of one of our areas of wellnessquality of care, quality of work-life, customer service, and
finance. Through the accountability required by the Balanced Scorecard, all aspects of the
nursing service support the mission, vision, and goals of the organization.
Along with shared governance, we implemented management policies and prac-
tices that support systems thinking. Our policy review process requires periodic examina-
tion of external evidence and current internal best practices throughout the organization
from each unit council. Moreover, every morning and afternoon, all units send a repre-
sentative to a daily operations meeting to coordinate staffing, information flow, and new
initiative implementation throughout nursing and other services. In addition, evaluations
promote the principles of relatedness and integration by utilizing the 360 degree process
described by Maxwell (2006) in The 360 Degree Leader. This management style empha-
sizes the importance of leading up, leading across, and leading down.
 Chapter 20 Utilizing the NSM to Maintain and Enhance the Health of a Nursing Service 279

Reaction to a Noxious Stressor

All interventions we used to improve the health of the nursing service were tested with
the arrival of a noxious stressor when the organization experienced the unanticipated loss
of five specialty physicians within the same procedural area. Their exodus created an im-
mediate financial crisis for the organization. This stressor, although internal to Heart
Services and external to the most of the nursing service, required a response from the en-
tire Riverside administrative team. As the whole system reacted to the introduction of this
external noxious stressor, administrators determined that we would like to achieve an op-
timal state of wellness, to completely heal, and return to wholeness. We did not want to
have a diminished state of wellness and live with lower bottom-line revenue. The
Riverside executive team, including the chief nursing officer (CNO), prescribed a secondary
prevention intervention. Inasmuch as our greatest expense was our payroll, productivity
was the most efficient way to address the financial stressor. Accordingly, productivity was
mandated to increase to 103 percent for all services. As the largest service, it was essential
that the nursing service achieve the outcome of this prevention intervention.
Fortunately, the current state of health for our nursing service was excellent due to
the success of the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions we had been
using. Our lines of defense were healthy and flexible enough to adjust to the prescribed
intervention of 103 percent productivity. Physiologically, our shared governance structure
was firmly in place. Through the councils, our CNO carried the message of the importance
of tightening our belts to meet the crisis. Informing and empowering the entire nursing
service through these forums allowed nurses and nursing councils to be creative in this en-
deavor and to demonstrate strong evidence of our current psychological well-being. Lack
of silo thinking prevented our nursing service from developing a we/they mentality with
the heart specialty area; we were all together in this sociocultural boat. Our developmen-
tal strength was documented by having evaluation procedures already in place, such as an
online tool to monitor productivity in real time. Our basic value system held us in good
stead, and we were able to maintain our spiritual core throughout this time.
Much to the gratification of all Riverside associates, the 103 percent productivity
goal was achieved in a very short period of time and sustained throughout the year.
Furthermore, the openness and transparency fostered additional creative solutions for re-
ducing expenses. By the end of the fiscal year, the original budget goal was attained
financial health was restored.
The nursing services response to this noxious stressor and its extremely positive
commitment were the key factors in stabilizing the situation and returning the organization
to an optimal state of wellness. This was clearly evident to the executive team and result-
ed in an enhanced reputation for the nursing service throughout the organization. There
was also an increased sense of cohesiveness within nursingsense of a job well done
when asked to respond.

Conclusion
With a new state of health comes the need to as our goal as a tertiary prevention interven-
be ready to respond to the next stressor. tion to meet financial challenges of the fu-
Riverside adopted 103 percent productivity ture. However, not all secondary prevention
280 Section 6 The Neuman Systems Model and Administration of Nursing Services

interventions designed to meet and reduce exactly what will happen, we do know that all
the harmful effects of a stressor can be con- systems are dynamic and in a constant state of
tinued indefinitely as they evolve to tertiary change. We are confident that our knowledge
prevention interventions to preserve gains. and implementation of the Neuman Systems
Already there are some signs that it might not Model as a guide for nursing practice and ad-
be possible to sustain the 103 percent pro- ministration of nursing services will hold us in
ductivity goal over time without other seque- good stead.
lae developing. Although we do not know

References
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2008). Maxwell, J. C. (2006). The 360 degree leader:
Magnet Recognition program. Retrieved July 2, Developing your influence from anywhere
2008, from http://www.nursecredentialing.org/ in the organization. Soundview Executive
Magnet.aspx Book Summaries (http://www.executive-book-
Crow, G. (2008, March). Moving forward: Shared summaries.com/).
governance 2008. Continuing Education Work-
shop presented at Riverside Methodist Hospital.
 SECTION SEVEN
    

The Neuman Systems Model

and Theory Development
This page intentionally left blank
    
CHAPTER 21
Deriving Middle-Range
Theories from the Neuman
Systems Model
Eileen Gigliotti

Any conceptual model, including the Neuman Systems Model, is too abstract and general
for direct empirical testing by means of research. Grand theories, which are somewhat
more concrete and general than conceptual models, and middle-range theories, which are
even more concrete and general than conceptual models, can be derived from or linked
with conceptual models. Middle-range theories then can be tested by means of research.
The Neuman Systems Model, like all nursing conceptual models, provides a context
and structure for research. Just as a frame provides structure for a house, dictating the
types of walls, plumbing, and other parts to be used, as well as their placement and rela-
tion to each other, the Neuman Systems Model provides a structure for research, includ-
ing guidelines for the study of its concepts and how the concepts are related to each
other (see Chapter 10).
The purpose of this chapter is to describe the process of using the Neuman Systems
Model as a context for deriving and testing middle-range theories. The chapter, which ex-
tends the content of Fawcett and Gigliottis (2001) paper, presents the details of a five-
step process that involves: (1) understanding the content of the Neuman Systems Model,
(2) reviewing existing Neuman Systems Modelbased research, (3) constructing a concep-
tual-theoretical-empirical structure (C-T-E), (4) clearly communicating the C-T-E structure,
and (5) evaluating the empirical adequacy of the middle-range theory and the legitimacy
of the Neuman Systems Model. The chapter includes an example of the five-step process
used to develop and test the theory of maternal-student role stress (Gigliotti, 1997a, 1999,
2004, 2007).

283
284 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

A FIVE-STEP PROCESS TO DERIVE AND TEST

MIDDLE-RANGE THEORIES
Step 1: Understand the Content of the Neuman Systems Model
The researcher who plans to use the Neuman Systems Model to guide research needs to
understand the content of the model. The Neuman Systems Model concepts and the non-
relational propositions, which are the definitions of the concepts, provide a starting point
for the derivation of theory concepts that are congruent with the model. The relational
propositions of the Neuman Systems Model are statements of the relations between its
concepts and statements of the effect of one concept on another; they provide a starting
point for the derivation of theory propositions that are congruent with the model.
The concepts and relational propositions of the Neuman Systems Model are given in
Boxes 21-1 and 21-2, respectively. The nonrelational propositions of the model, that is,
the concept definitions, are provided in Appendix A.
The relational propositions are particularly important because if they are incorrectly
specified, the hypotheses specified in the middle-range theory will be flawed (Gibbs,
1972). After the Neuman Systems Model relational propositions are identified, the gap be-
tween the conceptual model language and any test of the derived middle-range theory,
which requires a mathematical language (Blalock, 1961), must be bridged. Gigliotti
(1997b) provided one example of the conceptual and empirical considerations necessary
when using the Neuman Systems Model as a guide for research. In that paper, she ex-
plained how the conceptual-empirical gap is bridged for the Neuman Systems Model
lines of defense and resistance and the appropriate statistical procedures for quantitative
studies. In addition, Gigliotti (2001a) presented the results of her integrative review of re-
ports of 10 quantitative studies that included explicit relational statements. In that paper,

BOX 21-1
Concepts of the Neuman Systems Model

Client system Flexible line of defense

Individual Normal line of defense
Family
Lines of resistance
Community
Social issue Internal environment
Interacting variables External environment
Physiological Created environment
Psychological Optimal client system stability
Sociocultural
Developmental Variances from wellness
Spiritual Reconstitution
Stressors Prevention as intervention
Intrapersonal Primary prevention as intervention
Interpersonal Secondary prevention as intervention
Extrapersonal Tertiary prevention as intervention
Basic structure or central core
 Chapter 21 Deriving Middle-Range Theories from the Neuman Systems Model 285

BOX 21-2
Relational Propositions of the Neuman Systems Model

The client is a system capable of both input developmental, and spiritualdetermine

and output related to intrapersonal, inter- the nature and degree of the system reac-
personal, and extrapersonal environmental tion or possible reaction to the stressor.
influences, interacting with the environ- Lines of resistance in the client (internal and
ment by adjusting to it or, as a system, ad- external resources) are activated to combat
justing the environment to itself. potential or actual stressor reactions.
Input, output, and feedback between the The client is an open system interacting in
client and the environment is of a circular total interface with both internal and exter-
nature; client and environment have a recip- nal environmental forces or stressors.
rocal relationship, the outcome of which is Furthermore, the client is in constant
corrective or regulative for the system. change, with reciprocal environmental inter-
Many known, unknown, and universal envi- action, at all times moving either toward a
ronmental stressors exist. Each differs in its dynamic state of stability or wellness or to-
potential for disturbing a clients usual ward one of illness in varying degrees.
stability level, or normal line of defense. The process of interaction and adjustment
The particular interrelationships of client results in varying degrees of harmony, sta-
variablesphysiological, psychological, so- bility, or balance between the client and the
ciocultural, developmental, and spiritual environment. Ideally, there is optimal client
at any point in time can affect the degree to system stability.
which a client is protected by the flexible The major concern for nursing is in keeping
line of defense against possible reaction to a the client system stable through accuracy
single stressor or a combination of stressors. both in assessing the effects and possible
When the cushioning, accordion-like effect effects of environmental stressors and in as-
of the flexible line of defense is no longer sisting client adjustments required for an
capable of protecting the client/client sys- optimal wellness level.
tem against an environmental stressor, the In keeping the system stable, the nurse cre-
stressor breaks through the normal line of ates a linkage among the client, environ-
defense. The interrelationships of variables ment, health, and nursing.
physiological, psychological, sociocultural,

she identified which Neuman Systems Model and middle-range theory concepts were
linked in relational propositions, the congruency between Neuman Systems Model and
middle-range theory relational propositions, the congruency between relational proposi-
tions at the conceptual, theoretical and empirical levels, and interpretation of the results
within the context of the Neuman Systems Model.

Step 2: Review Existing Neuman Systems ModelGuided Research

As the researcher becomes increasingly familiar with the content of the Neuman Systems
Model, it is useful to carefully review existing Neuman Systems Modelguided research
and published reviews of that research. Several excellent integrative reviews of Neuman
Systems Modelguided research are now available. Fawcett and Giangrandes (2001, 2002)
reviews focused on identifying all Neuman Systems Modelbased studies conducted
through 1997. They classified each study according to type of research, Neuman Systems
286 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

Model phenomena studied, extent of Neuman Systems Model usage, findings, and scientif-
ic merit. They also drew conclusions about existence of Neuman Systems Modelbased
programs of research and offered directions for future research. Gigliotti and Fawcett
(2002) identified research instruments used to operationalize Neuman Systems Model con-
cepts. They reviewed 63 studies and identified instruments used, middle-range theory con-
cepts measured, and the link between the instrument and the Neuman Systems Model.
Skalski, DiGerolamo, and Gigliotti (2006) reviewed the Neuman Systems Modelbased re-
search literature addressing stressors and identified common stressor themes in five patient
populations. Contemporary researchers may want to use these three integrative literature
reviews as templates for reviews of more recent Neuman Systems Modelbased research.
When conducting a Neuman Systems Modelbased literature review, attention
should focus on the level of relational statement testing. Building on Silvas (1986) three-
level schema for categorizing use of a conceptual model as a guide for research (minimal-
ly integrated, used to organize the study, and explicitly tested), Gigliotti (2001a) identified
four levels in her review of the Neuman Systems Modelbased research (Box 21-3). She
found that 14 of 92 Neuman Systems Model quantitative studies were classified as Level
1; 34, as Level 2; 34, as Level 3; and only 10, as Level 4.

Step 3: Construct a Conceptual-Theoretical-Empirical Structure

A C-T-E structure for research is similar to a blueprint because it illustrates concepts and
their relations to each other in a diagram. A diagram of the C-T-E structure is vital to deriving
and testing theories guided by a conceptual model because the process of moving from
the conceptual model concepts to the empirical indicators that operationalize the middle-
range theory concepts is complicated and can be confusing if not illustrated clearly. As the
C-T-E structure diagram is created, the vertical linkages between the conceptual model
concepts, any grand theory concepts, the middle-range theory concepts, and the empiri-
cal indicators must be clearly illustrated. If a diagram of the C-T-E structure is not created,
it is easy to lose track of what the linkages are, which can result in flaws in logical rea-
soning. The C-T-E structure also provides an outline for the critical review of literature
that provides the theoretical and empirical support for selection of theory concepts and
propositions.

BOX 21-3
Levels of Use of the Neuman Systems Model as a Guide for Research

Level 1: Research reports that include only Level 3: Research reports that include rudi-
a brief mention of the Neuman Systems mentary relational propositions. For example,
Model or describe the model in detail but a relation between a stressor and an out-
never make clear how the middle-range come may be proposed but the outcome is
theory concepts are related to the Neuman not clearly derived from Neuman Systems
Systems Model concepts. Model concept.
Level 2: Research reports that include use Level 4: Research reports that include explic-
of the Neuman Systems Model as an organ- it middle-range theory relational propositions
izing framework, such as needs assessment that are clearly congruent with relational
or stressor categorization. propositions of the Neuman Systems Model.
 Chapter 21 Deriving Middle-Range Theories from the Neuman Systems Model 287

Step 4: Clearly Communicate the Conceptual-Theoretical-Empirical

Structure
The legitimacy of the Neuman Systems Model can be tested only indirectly, due to its
high level of abstraction. Therefore, the linkages between the Neuman Systems Model
concepts and the relevant grand and middle-range theories must be explicit not only in a
diagram (Step 3) but also in narrative form. The narrative form of the C-T-E structure be-
gins by identifying the Neuman Systems Model as the conceptual model that provides the
guide for the research. A brief overview of the relevant Neuman Systems Model concepts,
nonrelational propositions, and relational propositions follows, along with statements that
clearly link the model concepts and propositions with the theory concepts and proposi-
tions. If the research involves the Neuman Systems Model, a grand theory, and a middle-
range theory, all relevant concepts and propositions must be identified at the three levels
of abstraction. If the research involves only the Neuman Systems Model and a middle-
range theory, the concepts and propositions must be identified at the two levels of
abstraction. Once the middle-range concepts are identified, statements that link those
concepts with relevant empirical indicators are added to the narrative.
Statements about data analysis techniques then can be included to explain how the
middle-range theory relational propositions, which may be stated as hypotheses, are to
be tested.
It is important to note that only the Neuman Systems Model concepts and proposi-
tions that are relevant to the study should be included in the C-T-E structure diagram and
narrative. Sometimes, a research report includes a description of the entire conceptual
model but it is never made clear which concepts were used for the study, which creates
confusion for readers and prevents other researchers from replicating or building on the
study.
The Neuman Systems Model concepts and propositions also can be used as the
headings for various sections of the review of relevant theoretical and empirical literature
that provides the rationale for the study. This strategy reinforces the linkage of the con-
ceptual model with the other components of the study, that is, the theory and the empir-
ical methods.

Step 5: Evaluate the Legitimacy of the Neuman Systems Model

The final step in using an explicit conceptual model to guide research is to evaluate both
the empirical adequacy of the middle-range theory concepts and propositionsthat is, the
congruency of those concepts and propositions with the theory that was generated or
testedas well as the legitimacy of the conceptual modelthat is, whether the study de-
sign and findings support the utility, soundness, and believability of the conceptual model
(Fawcett & Garity, 2009).
The evaluation starts with examination of the extent to which the data that were col-
lected are consistent with the concepts and propositions of the middle-range theory that
was tested. The conclusion reached serves as the basis for statements about the empirical
adequacy of the middle-range theory concepts and propositions, the adequacy of any
grand theory concepts and propositions that were included in the C-T-E structure, and the
legitimacy of the Neuman Systems Model. The statements typically are presented in the
results, discussion, and conclusion sections of research reports. For example, a brief para-
graph that includes the overall results and their implications for the legitimacy of the
288 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

Neuman Systems Model can be included at the beginning of the results section. The final
paragraph of the results section should be a summary of the findings in terms of the mid-
dle-range theory concepts and propositions, as well as any grand theory concepts and
propositions, and then their Neuman Systems Model counterparts.
The discussion and conclusion sections usually begin with an interpretation of the
results in terms of the middle-range theory concepts and relational propositions. Once
the meaning of the results for the empirical adequacy of the middle-range theory has
been discussed, the meaning of the results for the adequacy of any grand theory concepts
and propositions is discussed. Finally, the meaning of the results for the legitimacy of the
Neuman Systems Model should be discussed. Throughout the discussion and conclusion
sections, any conceptual, theoretical, or empirical flaws that were found should be noted,
along with any statistical problems. Delineation of any flaws or problems will lay the
groundwork for future research and may identify elements of the Neuman Systems Model
that require refinement, which reinforces its dynamic nature.

USING THE FIVE-STEP PROCESS: MATERNAL-STUDENT

ROLE STRESS THEORY
Study 1 (Gigliotti, 1997a, 1999)
The purpose of Gigliottis first study of maternal-student role stress was to test an ex-
planatory middle-range theory of conditions under which multiple role stress develops in
women who are mothers and who are returning to college. The psychological and socio-
cultural flexible line of defense (FLD) variables were regarded as a buffer between the
stressor (being a mother and a student) and normal line of defense (NLD) invasion (mul-
tiple role stress).

STEP 1: UNDERSTAND THE CONTENT OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL The Neuman
Systems Model was initially chosen as a framework because the study included Kahn,
Wolfe, Quinn, and Snoeks (1964) systems-based grand theory of role stress. Kahn et al.
proposed that environmental role stressors may result in experienced role stress if not mit-
igated by personality characteristics and interpersonal relations. Role stress may then lead
to role strain, again if not mitigated by interpersonal relations and personal characteristics.
Kahn et al.s work is congruent with two Neuman Systems Model propositions which as-
sert that (1) stressors exist in the environment and may result in a stress response, or NLD
invasion, if not buffered by the FLD; and (2) the initial stress response may result in a cen-
tral core response if not mediated by the lines of resistance. Due to its complexity, it was
not possible to test the entire Neuman Systems Model (Gigliotti, 1997b). Instead, it was
decided to concentrate on the relations between stressors, the FLD, and the NLD.
While developing an understanding of the Neuman Systems Model content and of
Kahn et al.s (1964) grand theory, simultaneous work was under way to locate and under-
stand congruent middle-range theory concepts. Although the process of translating stres-
sors and NLD invasion to middle-range theory concepts was straightforward, defining the
FLD proved more difficult, because this concept needed to be represented by rapidly
changing client system variables that buffer the response to stressors.
Moreover, it was decided to use only two FLD variables because the relational
propositions dictated the use of hierarchical multiple regression with interaction terms
 Chapter 21 Deriving Middle-Range Theories from the Neuman Systems Model 289

(Gigliotti, 1997b); use of all five FLD variables (physiological, psychological, sociocultu-
ral, developmental, and spiritual) would result in severe multicollinearity. It was decided
to use the sociocultural and psychological client system variables in the FLD, along with
their interaction, because they were most congruent with Kahn et al.s (1964) conceptual-
ization of personality characteristics and interpersonal relations. However, it could be ar-
gued that other Neuman Systems Model concepts also could be personality characteris-
tics, which highlights the need for careful attention not only to the Neuman Systems
Model concepts but also to all other concepts included in a study. Clearly, the process of
linking the Neuman Systems Model to grand theory and middle-range theory is an itera-
tive, back-and-forth process.

STEP 2: REVIEW EXISTING NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODELGUIDED RESEARCH A review of

then available Neuman Systems Modelguided research did not uncover any Level 2 stud-
ies (see Box 21-3) concerning the needs or stressors of women experiencing role stress.
However, two studies (Ziemer, 1983; Herald, 1993) that included similar Neuman Systems
Model concept relations were foundthe relations among stressors, the FLD, and the
NLD. Those studies were noteworthy especially because they had explicit relational state-
ments (Gigliotti, 2001a).
Interestingly, both Ziemer (1983) and Herald (1993) had operationalized stressors as
sample limitations. Another commonality was that both researchers conceptualized the
FLD and the NLD as one variable. Careful reading of the theoretical rationale for each
study revealed that their conceptualization of the FLD and NLD is congruent with
Neuman Systems Model relational propositions. In particular, both (researchers) envi-
sioned that the FLD and NLD had the capacity to be strengthened, thereby having greater
joint ability to ward off stressors (Gigliotti, 2001a, p.151).
Those earlier studies were invaluable as the C-T-E structure for the study began to be
constructed. The final decision for the study was that the FLD and NLD should be separate
variables and that the five client system variables (physiological, psychological, sociocultu-
ral, developmental, and spiritual) in the FLD also should be separate. The earlier studies
also provided the solution to the problem of operationalizing myriad environmental role
stressors in the lives of women who are mothers returning to college. These included col-
lege major, previous degree status, ages of children, and marital and immigration status.
Following the lead of Ziemer (1983) and Herald (1993), these role stressors were controlled
for in the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the sample.

STEP 3: CONSTRUCT A CONCEPTUAL-THEORETICAL-EMPIRICAL STRUCTURE The role stress

experienced by adult women who are mothers pursing their first college degree is a com-
plex problem and is of interest to many disciplines, including sociology, psychology,
womens studies, higher education counseling, and nursing. Simultaneous review of this
literature was facilitated and organized by the Neuman Systems Model concepts and
propositions. In particular, although Kahn et al.s (1964) grand theory proposes that con-
flicting and ambiguous role expectations can result in role stress if not mitigated by per-
sonality characteristics and interpersonal relations, middle-range theory concepts were
needed to bring those relatively abstract concepts to a more concrete level that permits
operationalization. Accordingly, middle-range theory concepts that could stand in for role
expectations, personality characteristics, interpersonal relations, and role stress were con-
sidered in light of the Neuman Systems Model concepts of stressors, the FLD, and the
290 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

Neuman Interpersonal Psychological Sociocultural Normal line of

systems and variable in the variable in the defense
model extrapersonal flexible line of flexible line of invasion
concepts environmental defense defense
stressors

Kahn et al.'s Objective role Personality Interpersonal Subjective role
grand conditions characteristics relationships stress
theory
concepts

Middle- Occupying the Psychological Perceived social Perceived
range maternal and involvement in support multiple role
theory student roles maternal and stress
concepts student roles

Empirical Sample Maternal role Norbeck social Perceived
indicators inclusion and involvement support multiple role
exclusion questionnaire questionnaire stress scale
criteria student role
involvement
questionnaire

FIGURE 21-1 Conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure for the study of multiple role stress in
mothers attending college (Gigliotti, 1997a, 1999). Reprinted with Sage Publishing permission.

NLD, as well as the relational propositions linking those concepts. The vertical linkages
from the Neuman Systems Model concepts to the Kahn et al.s grand theory concepts to
the middle-range theory concepts are illustrated in Figure 21-1 (C-T-E structure).
Continuing review of the literature revealed that maternal role behaviors involve nur-
turance and training of a child (Bergum, 1989), whereas student role behaviors involve
nurturance and training of oneself (Mezirow, 1978). Those role behaviors can result in role
conflict when enacted simultaneously. The student role also involves looking at role as-
sumptions in a new way (Mezirow, 1981), which creates ambiguity. Viewing women who
are both mothers and students as enacting two roles with conflicting and ambiguous ex-
pectancies is congruent with the Neuman Systems Model concept of environmental stres-
sors and with Kahn et al.s (1964) concept of conflicting and ambiguous role expectations.
However, within the context of the Neuman Systems Model, stressor strength also
must be considered, which required accounting for differences in the ages of the
womens children, the womens marital and immigration status, and their college major.
Following the lead of Ziemer (1983) and Herald (1993) in their handling of stressors,
stressor strength was controlled for through sample inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Accordingly, the sample was limited to women who had at least one child younger than
19 years of age presently living at home, all were married, and all were majoring in nurs-
ing (see Figure 21-1). This strategy was particularly helpful because the intent was to test
the Neuman Systems Model relational proposition asserting that when the FLD is no
longer capable of protecting the client system against an environmental stressor, the stressor
breaks through the NLD, and the interrelationships of the physiological, psychological,
sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual variables in the FLD determine the nature and
degree of client system reaction to the stressor.
 Chapter 21 Deriving Middle-Range Theories from the Neuman Systems Model 291

Additional literature review revealed that psychological involvement in a role made

one more susceptible to problems in that role (Kanungo, 1982). This idea was appealing
because it is congruent with Kahn et al.s (1964) grand theory concept of personality char-
acteristics and provided a way to conceptualize the psychological variable in the FLD as
role involvement, while indirectly accounting for environmental stressors (role problems).
Because the women were enacting two roles (mother and student), role involvement was
ultimately operationalized using the Maternal and Student Role Involvement Questionnaires
(see Figure 21-1).
Furthermore, Epstein (1987) claimed that the womans ultimate interpretation of her
multiple role experience as either exhilarating or debilitating is dependent on her social
support. That idea is congruent with Kahn et al.s (1964) concept of interpersonal rela-
tions and with the Neuman Systems Model sociocultural variable in the FLD. Social sup-
port was operationalized by using the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (Norbeck,
Lindsey, & Carrieri, 1981, 1983; see Figure 21-1).
After much deliberation, Kahn et al.s (1964) concept of role stress was conceptu-
alized for this study as perceived multiple role stress, or the feeling that meeting the
demands of either role interferes with meeting the demands of the other role and that it
is not clear exactly how the demands of both the maternal and student roles should be
met. The Kahn et al.s concept of role stress and the middle-range theory concept of per-
ceived multiple role stress, which was measured by the Perceived Multiple Role Stress
Scale (Gigliotti, 2001b), are congruent with the Neuman Systems Model conceptualization
of NLD invasion (see Figure 21-1).

STEP 4: CLEARLY COMMUNICATE THE CONCEPTUAL-THEORETICAL-EMPIRICAL STRUCTURE

The C-T-E structure for the study was communicated in a nine-paragraph conceptual
framework section of the research report (see Gigliotti, 1999, pp. 3638). The first two
paragraphs describe the relevant Neuman Systems Model concepts and relational proposi-
tions and set the stage for a description of Kahn et al.s (1964) grand theory concepts. That
is, though there are many Neuman model relational propositions, only those used in the
study (stressors, FLD, NLD) were described and their relations made clear: Environmental
stressors can invade the NLD if not protected by the FLD, which acts as a buffer.
The contents of paragraphs four and five provided the connections between the
Neuman model concepts and Kahn et al.s (1964) conceptsstressors and role expectan-
cies; psychological FLD variable and personality characteristics; sociocultural FLD variable
and interpersonal relations; and NLD invasion and role stress. The linkages were summa-
rized in the fifth paragraph and the diagram of the C-T-E structure (Figure 21-1). In brief,
invasion of the NLD (role stress) occurs when stressors (objective conditions of stress) are
not adequately buffered by the FLDs sociocultural (interpersonal relations) and psycho-
logical (personality characteristics) variables.
Each Neuman Systems Model concept was linked to the relevant Kahn et al.s (1964)
concept and then to the relevant middle-range theory concept and empirical indicator in
paragraphs six through eight. Briefly, invasion of the NLD/role stress became perceived
multiple role stress; stressors/objective conditions of stress became being a mother and
a student; and the FLDs sociocultural variable/interpersonal relations became social
support, while the psychological variable/personality characteristics became role involve-
ment. The operational definitions of each middle-range theory concept also were given.
292 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

The first sentence of the final paragraph summarized the relations. The literature review
section of the research report was structured according to Neuman Systems Model con-
cepts that guided the studyenvironmental stressor strength, NLD invasion, and psycho-
logical and sociocultural FLD variables.

STEP 5: EVALUATE THE LEGITIMACY OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL The legitimacy
of the Neuman Systems Model was addressed in the first part of the results section of the
research report:

There were no statistically significant main or interaction effects for maternal

and student role involvement and perceived social support on perceived
multiple role stress. Thus it can be said that the psychological variable in the
flexible line of defense didnt exert positive pressure to increase likelihood of
normal line of defense invasion. It can also be said that the sociocultural vari-
able in the flexible line of defense didnt exert counter pressure to decrease
likelihood of normal line of defense invasion. Nor did these two variables in
the flexible line of defense interact to ward off the environmental stressor and
prevent invasion of the normal line of defense. (Gigliotti, 1999, p. 41)

The final paragraph of the results section was a summary of the results in terms of
both the middle-range theory concepts and the Neuman Systems Model. The contents of
that paragraph included a statement that the study results revealed that the proposed re-
lations between the FLD psychological and sociocultural variables and NLD invasion
were not supported by the data and a Neuman Systems Modelguided preliminary expla-
nation of those surprising results. Specifically, although it was proposed that the psycho-
logical and sociocultural FLD variables would interact to ward off stressor invasion of the
NLD, the relation held for women 37 years of age and older but not for younger women.
The initial explanation for why an interaction between the two FLD variables was not
found focused on the thought that the womens age should have been included in the
study as the FLD developmental variable.
That line of reasoning was then expanded in the conclusion section of the research
report, with considerable discussion of the relevancy of the developmental variable.
Implications for further development of the Neuman Systems Model through empirical
testing also were described in the conclusion section by acknowledging that the relations
posed by the Neuman Systems Model are highly complex and require a great deal of
specificity at the theoretical and empirical levels and that attention needs to be paid to all
relevant FLD variables. Suggestions for ways of statistically testing these complex relations
also were offered.

Study 2 (Gigliotti, 2004)

The purpose of Gigliottis second study of maternal-student role stress was to test a re-
finement of the original explanatory middle-range theory that was tested in study 1
(Gigliotti, 1999). Specifically, the age-related differences found in study 1 were tested in a
new sample from the same population. It was hypothesized that maternal role involvement
and social support would explain maternal-student role stress development for women
aged 37 years and older but not for women younger than 37 years.
 Chapter 21 Deriving Middle-Range Theories from the Neuman Systems Model 293

STEPS 1 AND 2: UNDERSTAND THE CONTENT OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL AND
REVIEW EXISTING NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODELGUIDED RESEARCH Much deliberation
followed the publication of study 1. The findings of that study led to a deeper under-
standing of the complexity of the Neuman Systems Model. Although the study 1 conclu-
sion had been that the womens age was reflective of the FLD developmental variable,
this interpretation was later rejected because it was not congruent with the Neuman
Systems Model proposition that FLD variables change rapidly, whereas the developmen-
tal changes that surround midlife transition occur over time and are more accurately con-
ceptualized as a process.
A review of womens developmental literature led to the work of Meleis, Sawyer,
Im, Messias, and Schumacher (2000) concerning transitions. They proposed that develop-
mental transition is one of several types of transitions and that the patterns of transitions
can influence ones experience. They also proposed that it is likely simultaneous transi-
tions affect each other, which is congruent with the Neuman Systems Model idea of
simultaneous intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal stressors. Moreover, Meleis
et al. noted that transition conditions such as personal perceptions facilitate or inhibit
transitions, which is congruent with the Neuman Systems Model FLD and NLD variables.
Thus, the transition framework was deemed a good conceptual fit with the Neuman
Systems Model. Furthermore, Meleis et al.s conceptualization of types and patterns of
transitions and transition conditions fit well with the middle-range theory concepts of role
conditions, role involvement, and social support.

STEP 3: CONSTRUCT A CONCEPTUAL-THEORETICAL-EMPIRICAL STRUCTURE Meleis et al.s

(2000) work on transition patterns and properties facilitated further development of the
Neuman Systems Model concept of stressors. In particular, according to Meleis et al., tran-
sitions occur over time, stem from change, foster further change, and lead to shifts in role
relations. They also proposed that engagement, awareness, time span, change/difference,
and critical points/events are essential properties of transitions, which facilitated a richer
conceptualization of environmental stressor strength surrounding a womans decision to
return to college.
Although it had initially been proposed in study 1 that being a mother and a student
was an environmental stressor because the two roles held conflicting and ambiguous ex-
pectancies, the decision to return to college as well as adjustment to being a mother and
a student occurs over time, stems from change (becoming a midlife woman), leads to fur-
ther change, which has been called perspective transformation (Mezirow, 1978, 1981).
Accordingly, midlife was conceptualized in study 2 as a developmental transition that
leads to the situational transition of becoming a college student. Other transitions, such as
immigration and divorce or separation were controlled for through sample inclusion and
exclusion criteria as was done in study 1. Furthermore, because engagement and aware-
ness of the transition are critical elements, it was reasoned that college major would affect
engagement in the transition and former college experience would affect awareness of
the perspective transformation that college offers. Thus, the sample was again limited to
nursing majors who were attending college for their first postsecondary school degree.
The other elements of the C-T-E structure for study 1 were retained but enhanced
by Meleis et al.s (2000) worktransition conditions were represented by personality char-
acteristics (role involvement) and interpersonal relations (social support), and perceived
well-being was represented by role stress. In addition, the concept of maternal/student
294 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

Neuman systems Concurrent Flexible line of Flexible line of Normal line

model concepts environmental stressors defense defense of defense
psychological sociocultural invasion
variable variable

Meleis transition Patterns and properties of Transition Transition Pattern of
framework situational & conditions conditions response
concepts developmental (personal (community
transitions meanings) influences)

Middle-range Being a mother and Psychological Childrens Maternal-
theory concepts undergraduate student involvement in social support student role
during midlife transition the student role stress

Empirical Sample delimitations Student role Norbeck social Perceived
indicators involvement support multiple role
questionnaire questionnaire stress scale

FIGURE 21-2 Conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure for the study of etiology of maternal-

student role stress (Gigliotti, 2004). Reprinted with Sage Publishing permission.

role stress replaced the more generic concept of role stress. The diagram of the C-T-E
structure for study 2 is presented in Figure 21-2.

STEP 4: CLEARLY COMMUNICATE THE CONCEPTUAL-THEORETICAL-EMPIRICAL STRUCTURE

As was written in the report of study 1 (Gigliotti, 1999), the first paragraph of the theoret-
ical rationale section briefly introduced the Neuman Systems Model and the proposed re-
lational propositions of interest. The next paragraph introduced Meleis et al.s (2000)
transition framework and explicated the congruence between the Neuman Systems
Model concepts and relevant transition framework concepts. The next three paragraphs
focused on presentation of relational propositions that were refined on the basis of the
study 1 findings by placing developmental transition at the forefront of the environmen-
tal stressors, and linking that concept to Kahn et al.s (1964) role conditions concept and
to the middle-range theory concept of being a mother and a student during midlife tran-
sition. Two more paragraphs focused on transition conditions. The last paragraph was a
summary of the proposed relational propositions and referred the reader to the diagram
of the C-T-E structure for the study (see Gigliotti, 2004, pp. 156157 for the complete nar-
rative conceptual framework).
The literature review section of the report was structured according to the Neuman
Systems Model concepts augmented by the transition framework concepts. More specifi-
cally, the content about environmental stressors was divided into two subsections
developmental/situational transition and patterns/properties of transitionsto communicate
linkages between the Neuman Systems Model and Meleis et al.s (2000) transitions frame-
works and underscore development of the propositions of the theory of maternal-student
role stress.

STEP 5: EVALUATE THE LEGITIMACY OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL The results of
study 2 led to further refinement in the relevant placement of the Neuman Systems Model
concepts in the theory of maternal-student role stress. In particular, in both studies 1 and
 Chapter 21 Deriving Middle-Range Theories from the Neuman Systems Model 295

2, the FLD psychological variable was conceptualized as both maternal and student role
involvement. However, the study 2 results revealed that only student role involvement in-
teracted with social support, which represented the FLD sociocultural variable. Therefore,
the results were first presented in terms of middle-range theory concepts and then an an-
cillary analysis was reported for this newly found relation, preceded by a discussion
about how the Neuman Systems Model propositions were further refined, in light of the
study 2 results (see the Ancillary Analysis section in Gigliotti, 2004, pp. 162163).
The content of the discussion and conclusion sections focused on statistical implica-
tions of testing the Neuman Systems Model moderating FLD variables, followed by an
evaluation of the Neuman Systems Model, Meleis et al.s (2000) transitions framework,
Kahn et al.s (1964) role theory, and the theory of maternal-student role stress. It was con-
cluded that maternal role involvement was not rapidly changeable and, therefore, not an
appropriate representative for the FLD variable. It was recommended that role involve-
ment be considered as part of midlife developmental transition in future research (see
Discussion and Conclusions sections in Gigliotti, 2004, p.163).

Study 3 (Gigliotti, 2007)

One aim of study 3 (Gigliotti, 2007) was to improve the external validity of the theory of
maternal role stress by generalizing results from women who were mothers and who
were married nursing majors born in the United States (studies 1 and 2) to women who
were mothers, and who were of all marital and immigration statuses and diverse college
majors. Another aim of study 3 was to improve internal validity by improving measure-
ment of the middle-range theory concept of social support.

STEPS 1 AND 2: UNDERSTAND THE CONTENT OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL AND
REVIEW EXISTING NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODELGUIDED RESEARCH Given the extensive
statistical experience of working with the data from studies 1 and 2, the advisability of
testing interaction effects of Neuman Systems Model FLD variables was questioned as
study 3 was being planned. More specifically, during the conceptualization of the FLD for
study 1, the impossibility of operationalizing and statistically testing all five FLD variables
(physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual) led to testing
only the psychological and sociocultural FLD variables. However, the findings for studies
1 and 2 revealed that when strong main effects are present, very little variance is left to be
explained by an interaction term. Specifically, although FLD variables are thought to in-
teract, if each FLD variable also contributes strongly to the regression equation, there is
little to be explained by the interaction of the variables. Accordingly, it was decided to
consider the Neuman Systems Model FLD variables as working together but not interact-
ing and to use a simultaneous multiple regression statistical technique.

STEPS 3 AND 4: CONSTRUCT A CONCEPTUAL-THEORETICAL-EMPIRICAL STRUCTURE AND

CLEARLY COMMUNICATE THE CONCEPTUAL-THEORETICAL-EMPIRICAL STRUCTURE
Because the purposes of study 3 were to improve the external and internal validity of the
theory of maternal-student role stress, the literature review emphasized the middle-range
theory concept of social support. Inasmuch as it was expected that a more inclusive
sample might lead to decreased variance explained by the FLD variables, social support
measurement, which represented the FLD sociocultural variable, needed to be improved.
Specifically, a more heterogeneous sample might improve external validity but decrease
296 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

internal validity through introduction of extraneous variables, such as marital and immi-
gration status. Such an increase in external validity and decrease in internal validity might
result in a decrease in the amount of explained variance. Therefore, efforts to improve in-
ternal validity were directed to measurement of situation-specific social support.
The narrative explanation of the C-T-E structure for study 3 included identification
of the relevant Neuman Systems Model concepts, as well as the linkages between those
concepts, Meleis et al.s (2000) transition framework concepts, Kahn et al.s (1964) role
theory concepts, and the middle-range theory concepts of role involvement and social
support. The C-T-E structure narrative also included a rationale for using situation-specif-
ic and source-specific social support. The diagram of the C-T-E structure was essentially
the same as the diagram displayed in Figure 21-2. The concepts of the Neuman Systems
Model and Meleis et al.s transition framework provided the outline for the literature re-
view section.

STEP 5: EVALUATE THE LEGITIMACY OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL The Neuman
Systems Model was explicitly evaluated in a separate section of the research report (see
Gigliotti, 2007, p. 168 for discussion of the Neuman Systems Model) by noting the need to
consider the FLD variables as working together rather than interacting. The findings had
revealed that the sociocultural variable, represented by childrens social support, explained
so much variance as a main effect that interaction effects would not be statistically signifi-
cant without a very large sample. The feasibility of increasing sample size was discussed,
and it was recommended that each middle-range theory concept and its likely contribu-
tions be considered when testing theories derived from the Neuman Systems Model.

Conclusion
The Neuman Systems Model is an abstract adjustment. All Neuman Systems Model re-
conceptual model that cannot be tested di- searchers share a responsibility to communi-
rectly. Rather, the content of Neuman Systems cate their work clearly and concisely. It is rec-
Model requires linkage with successively ommended that researchers who want to use
more concrete conceptssuch as concepts of the Neuman Systems Model to guide their
grand theories and then concepts of middle- studies develop and clearly explicate the C-T-E
range theorieswhich are then operationalized structure in narrative and diagrammatic forms
by empirical indicators. Inasmuch as misspec- for each study in their research proposals and
ification at any level can result in erroneous in reports of completed research. Such clear
conclusions, it is important that the logical communication of the influence of the
process that was used to forge the linkages be Neuman Systems Model on the derivation of
transparent. Transparency is accomplished the middle-range theory and the way in which
through adhering to the five steps discussed in the theory is tested is crucial to the continued
this chapter. advancement of the model.
The content of this chapter has demon- The names of several middle-range theo-
strated that middle-range theory develop- ries that have been derived from the Neuman
ment, like house building, is a dialectical Systems Model are given in Table 21-1.
process requiring constant consideration and
 Chapter 21 Deriving Middle-Range Theories from the Neuman Systems Model 297

TABLE 21-1 Middle-Range Theories Derived from the Neuman Systems Model

Middle-Range Theory Citation

Theory of Adolescent Vulnerability to Risk Behaviors Cazzell, 2008
Theory of Dialysis Decision Making Breckenridge, 1997, 2002
Theory of Infant Exposure to Environmental Stepans & Knight, 2002
Tobacco Smoke
Theory of Maternal Role Stress Gigliotti, 1997a, 1999, 2004, 2007
Theory of Optimal Client System Stability See Chapter 1 of this book
Theory of Optimal Student System Stability Lamb, 1999
Theory of Prevention as Intervention See Chapter 1 of this book
Theory of Reactions to Mechanical Ventilation Lowry & Anderson, 1993
Theory of Well-Being Casalenuovo, 2002

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tems model and research instruments. In (1981). The development of an instrument to
B. Neuman and J. Fawcett (Eds.), The Neuman measure social support. Nursing Research, 30,
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Herald, P. A. (1993). Relationship between hydra- (1983). Further development of the Norbeck so-
tion status and renal function in patients receiv- cial support questionnaire: Normative data and
ing aninoglycoside antibiotics. Dissertation validity testing. Nursing Research, 32, 49.
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Microfilms No. 9419288) (2006). Stressors in five client populations:
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role conflict and ambiguity. New York: Wiley. Silva, M.C. (1986). Research testing nursing theory:
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CHAPTER 22
Integrative Theorizing:
Linking Middle-Range Nursing
Theories with the Neuman
Systems Model
Katharine Kolcaba
Raymond Kolcaba

Like so many new ideas, the seeds for this chapter were planted at a nursing conference.
The conference focused on the Neuman Systems Model and, after many presentations,
discussions were lively and forward thinking. Though most of the conference presenta-
tions focused on applications of the Neuman Systems Model in different cultures and set-
tings, a few presentations offered compelling reasons for adding the explanatory power of
middle-range theories, which were thought to complement the Neuman Systems Model.
Discovering links and insights between appropriate middle-range theories and the
Neuman Systems Model intrigued some of us as the benefits of doing so became apparent.
The purpose of this chapter is to present a strategy, called integrative theorizing,
that can be used to link a nursing conceptual model with an existing nursing middle-
range theory. More specifically, the chapter presents a discussion of criteria for and ben-
efits of juxtaposing two levels of conceptualizationsa conceptual model of nursing and
a middle-range nursing theory. The example used is the juxtaposition of the Neuman
Systems Model (a conceptual model) with Kolcabas comfort theory (a middle-range
theory). This example represents a departure from what has been done before with
shared and borrowed theories (Villarruel, Bishop, Simpson, Jemmott, & Fawcett, 2001),
because both the Neuman Systems Model and comfort theory originated within nursing
and both retain their unique and original identities. The general benefit for this juxtapo-
sition is that additional insights are created, contributing to a more comprehensive vision
of nursing that was not apparent in either the Neuman Systems Model or comfort theory
alone.

299
300 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

INTEGRATIVE THEORIZING
Meleis (2007), who proposed that an integrative view of truth represents a natural evolu-
tion for nursing knowledge because it denotes a holistic way of thinking and being a
nurse, provided the idea for a label for the linkage of a nursing conceptual model with an
existing middle-range nursing theory. An integrative view of truth takes into account
more than one perspective, justification, pattern, or explanation when examining nursing
problems and their solutions. An integrative view is based on perceptions of both patients
and nurses and better enables researchers and practitioners to identify, define, address,
and measure discipline-driven quality care outcomes. The term integrative theorizing is
used in this chapter to describe the process of deriving insights from the Neuman Systems
Model that provide additional explanatory capabilities for comfort theory, whereas com-
fort theory adds definition and measurement capabilities to the Neuman Systems Model.
The example given in this chapter can be used as a prototype for future integrative theo-
rizing using other pairs of conceptual models and theories.

Levels of Nursing Knowledge

Before discussing criteria and advantages for this type of integration, distinctions between
levels of conceptualization (conceptual models and theories) need to be explained to clar-
ify exactly what is being integrated and to clarify levels for possible future integration.
Nursing knowledge is theoretical in a number of ways. The whole of nursing knowledge
as expressed by language is theoretical in involving one or more conceptual claims
(Higgins & Moore, 2000). Fawcett, Watson, Neuman, Walker, and Fitzpatrick (2001) follow
Merton (1968) in describing a theory as a group of logically interconnected propositions.
This broad definition of theory makes the term theory ubiquitous. Nurses cannot escape
theory because practice and research require reading, discussion, and thinking about nurs-
ing phenomena using concepts and interrelated propositions. Nursing as a historical and
scientific discipline, however, requires using theory in other senses: for interpretation, for
suggesting hypotheses, for explanation, and for providing ethical systems. Some kinds of
nursing conceptualizations need to be distinguished from other kinds in order to under-
stand the boundaries of models and theories important in nursing activity and research.
For example, in all sciences there is concern for explaining and predicting phenom-
ena. Both are conceptual enterprises and involve systematic thought, but on occasion we
need to understand which views are explanatory and which are predictive, as well as the
defining features of each. Nurse theorists, doing theory as conceptual inquiry, have devel-
oped nursing conceptualizations into a number of levels. Fawcett (2005) characterizes a
conceptual model as comprising very abstract and general concepts and the propositions
that relate those concepts together in a meaningful way. The Neuman Systems Model is a
prime example of a conceptual model based on systems theory; Fawcett identified addi-
tional types of conceptual models as interaction models, needs-based models, and out-
comes-based models. All of those types of conceptual models provide the broadest view
of what occurs in a discipline. For this reason, they are useful in reporting observations,
interpreting observations, and thinking about observations.
Conceptual models demonstrate the techniques of conceptual inquiry. These tech-
niques include analysis, synthesis, and various kinds of inference. The conceptual
relations in a model are useful for interpreting phenomena that can result in insightful
 Chapter 22 Integrative Theorizing 301

descriptions and the development of new knowledge. Fawcett (2005) also states that a
conceptual model may be testable but is not sufficient by itself to thoroughly explain
phenomena. The model stands by itself independent of its application in descriptions of
phenomena or states of affairs. As a further point, conceptual models may provide the
broad rationales for policies and procedures used in making decisions (Fawcett, 2005).
At a different level of nursing conceptualization, middle-range theories come between
the very specific hypotheses tested through empirical research and conceptual models
(Merton, 1968). They engage empirical claims, of which some are testable. They are de-
signed to play a heavy predictive role. Because middle-range explanations reveal reasons,
causes, or purposes for phenomena, the same reasons, causes, and purposes can be used
to predict phenomena. Middle-range theories are employed in designing nursing research
and informing practice. Meleis states, The majority of middle-range theories describes
and provides frameworks to deal with the clients experiences with symptoms, and pro-
vides the means to understand responses to health and illness situations (2007, p. 231).
The scope of a middle-range theory, therefore, is more focused than that of a conceptual
model. A conceptual model, however, can unify a number of middle-range theories in
order to link with studies and applications in practice (Merton, 1968).
These distinctions are complicated by the fact that each discipline has its own con-
ceptualizations at these different basic levels. For many years, nurse researchers have
been utilizing linkages between levels of conceptualizations and between disciplines in
different ways. It is not within the scope of this chapter to review all of these methods
that nurses have used. Rather, we present an example for integrating a conceptual model
and a middle-range theory, and in this case, both are from nursing. Given the purposes
of this book, the example on which we build is the integration of Neuman Systems Model
and comfort theory. In our method, neither the conceptual model nor the middle-range
theory is altered, nor is either dependent on the other. The goal for integration is to gen-
erate more complete and fruitful insights for and about definition and measurement, and
to derive more comprehensive methods for nursing research. This example points the
way for how the Neuman Systems Model specifically, and conceptual models generally,
can be translated from abstract descriptions of nursing activity into explanatory, predic-
tive, and decisional contexts. Our method can also be applied between any grand theory
and any middle-range theory, as long as the pairing meets relevant compatibility criteria
set forth later in this chapter. Additionally, at least one of the pairings should be from
nursing to ensure the goal of coming from a nursing perspective. This caveat is important
so that any research is firmly rooted in the nursing perspective, and can be identified as
a nursing study rather than simply a study done by nurses.

Criteria and Strategies for Integrative Theorizing

The success of integrative theorizing is relative to the compatibility of conceptual models
and middle-range theories. So first, we present a list of questions to ask about issues of
compatibility. Second, we discuss strategies for integrative theorizing that can build
knowledge about relations among conceptual models and middle-range theories. Third,
we address applications, looking at how integrative theorizing can provide insights in ad-
dition to those already gleaned from either the conceptual model or middle-range theory
alone.
302 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

CRITERIA FOR COMPATIBILITY The empirically tested roots of a middle-range theory are
the touchstone for rationalizing conceptual models. In nursing, we expect that middle-
range theories should be compatible with a number of conceptual models. On the other
hand, the productivity of integrative theorizing is its primary rationale for research
and practice. Some models and theories may not be sufficiently compatible with a
middle-range theory to allow for productive integrative theorizing. Several heuristic crite-
ria can be applied to determine compatibility. The eight factors that should be consid-
ered are:

1. Shared assumptions. These assumptions pertain especially to the metaparadigm

concepts: health, human beings, environment, and nurse. (If one of the pairings is
borrowed from an outside discipline, the concept of nurse is excluded.) The kinds of
questions to raise about shared assumptions are as follows: Do both views describe
human beings as holistic beings or as possessing particularistic systems? Do both views
describe recipients of care as a community, a group, a family, or an individual? Do both
views hold that the environment blends with the recipient(s) of care, as with energy
fields, or that there are natural boundaries between the environment and the recipient(s)?
Is health defined by both views as a continuum that encompasses chronic illness, death,
and deficits or as a state of well-being defined by a person and his/her family, an employ-
er, a medical system, or politics?
2. Cultural applicability. Are both conceptualizations appropriate for the mix of cul-
tures inherent in health care research today? In which culture(s) has the conceptual
model and middle-range theory been applied and found to be generalizable? This is a
particular burden for transcultural research because most nursing theories, as systems of
concepts, presently originate in English language and by Western nurses. Integrating the
Neuman Systems Model with a middle-range theory from a non-Western culture would
help bridge that gap. (Although comfort theory originated in the United States, the con-
cept of comfort has direct transcultural translations and understanding.)
3. Disciplinary boundaries. Are both parts of the pairing limited to the discipline of
nursing, or does one come from another discipline? Perhaps one of the pairings has lan-
guage that is appropriate across disciplines, bridging disciplinary barriers inherent in non-
standard specialized language.
4. Nursing education. Is the pairing suitable or parallel for enlightening or completing
the nursing process which remains a standard in nursing education? And will the pairing
render one or both systems more translatable to electronic databases found in clinical set-
tings where students learn how to document their observations, interventions, and results?
5. Focus of care. Are both parts of the pairing suitable for the targeted care setting
such as illness or trauma care, preventive care, long-term care, or home care? Are both
views suitable for targeted populations such as pediatrics, gerontology, womens or mens
health care, psychiatric care, and other subpopulations such as cognitively impaired, out-
of control, unconscious, or dying patients?
6. Process or product distinction. Do both parts of the pairing describe the process
of patient care or the desired outcomes (product) of quality health care? Or, does the
process-oriented part inform the outcome-oriented part, whereby one describes actions
and behaviors of health care providers as interventions while the other describes desir-
able, measurable, and logical outcomes related to those actions?
 Chapter 22 Integrative Theorizing 303

7. Shared values. Are techniques for establishing therapeutic relationships between

health care providers and patients important in each part of the pairing? Does the pairing
further inform providers about ways to perceive patients, interpret their needs, and pro-
vide a therapeutic presence? Does one part of the pairing describe ways of being a nurse?
8. Scientific orientation. Are the research methods inherent in each part similar or
commensurable? Are those methods suitable for the specific research problem and the
gathering of evidence for practice?

Giving consideration to those questions is a fluid process with much give-and-take.

The objectives of an inquiry decide if a suitable degree of compatibility exists. If a nurse
seeks only a few insights among the levels of theory, then only some compatibilities may
suffice. If a rather thorough integration of the pairings is sought, however, then most of
the compatibility questions should be addressed. In the latter case, if only one or two of
the criteria are met, then it may be more fruitful to think about a different pairing.

STRATEGIES FOR INTEGRATIVE THEORIZING With compatibility issues aside, we turn to

strategies for integrative theorizing. We have four types of inference at our disposal. An
inference is a conclusion drawn from other claims. How the conclusion is drawn gives us
the type of inference. In other words, the type of reasoning going from some statements
to a conclusion fits into several categories. The first type of inference is inductive infer-
ence, which typically originates from observation (Bishop & Hardin, 2006). Here, we can
reason from experience to a generalization about that experience, or from a narrow gen-
eralization to a wider one. We also can take data derived from a less abstract theory and
try to generalize the data into a broader category inherent in a conceptual model.
The second type of inference is deductive reasoning, which typically involves deri-
vation from general principles (Bishop & Hardin, 2006). Here, we take broader principles,
or more abstract ones, and apply them to narrower principles or less abstract ones. The
conceptual relations in the Neuman Systems Model and their supporting propositions are
ready for deductions into a wide range of empirical contexts, including evidence for best
practices. The question asked in deduction is, Does the truth of the broader principle en-
sure the truth of the narrower one? If the answer is yes, we have a successful deductive
argument. If the answer is no, we have an unsuccessful deductive argument.
The third type of inference is retroductive, which typically can result in new ideas
(Bishop & Hardin, 2006). Retroduction is a kind of inductive reasoning in which similari-
ties between different cases lead us to infer that one case will further conform to charac-
teristics of others. This is straightforward analogical reasoning. If the analogy holds up in
some ways, evidence that it is likely to hold up in others is evident. In diagnostic nursing,
current symptoms lead us into decision trees about a diagnosis and treatment. In integra-
tive thinking, a theory or model such as Neuman Systems Model would be similar to a
middle-range theory in some respects. We would retroduct the conclusion that it or an-
other middle-range theory would conform to the conceptual model in other respects.
A fourth type of inference is abductive. According to Peirce (Peirce et al., 1931),
abductive inference is taken as inference to the best explanation. Abduction is based in
the logical reality that a phenomenon can have more than one explanation. Since alter-
nate explanations are possible, the researcher uses experiential background to abduct the
best, or most likely, explanation. For example, we could abduct that the experience of
pain intensity in childbirth is best explained by a holistic theory rather than a theory only
304 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

about pain management. Furthermore, we could abduct that a middle-range explanation

would increase in explanatory power if it were supplemented with a comprehensive ex-
planation from a conceptual model. Abduction, therefore, involves making conceptual
leaps or educated guesses about relations between observations based in experience and
explanations based in beliefs, patterns, or generalizations.
Through the course of inquiry, these four types of inference- would be used in ap-
plying evidence to practice and using practice as a source of data. Understanding evi-
dence, practice, and their relations is a task guided by a theory, a conceptual model, or
the conceptual context for a conceptual model (Fawcett, 2005). Typically, concepts from
a conceptual model or a grand theory can help with describing practice. Concepts from a
middle-range theory can be operationalized, give parameters of what appropriate evi-
dence would look like, and offer insights into relevant research methods. Integrative the-
orizing can be used to bring the worlds of general description, empirical research, and
implementation of findings together.
The most opportune time to engage in integrative theorizing is when developing a
new research proposal. A clinical problem is identified, and no one middle-range theory
or conceptual model seems to be useful for framing the study. Often, nurses have turned
to conceptual models, grand theories, or middle-range theories outside of nursing to sat-
isfy the gap between existing nursing theories and clinical phenomena of interest. This
choice is enhanced when the researcher then integrates the outside view with a nursing
theory. Another option is to integrate two nursing views from different levels. Either op-
tion will ensure that the study is rooted in nursing.
If data have been collected and analysis has begun, integrative theorizing can be
utilized to offer insights into recalcitrant data or unexpected findings that are not ex-
plained by the single theoretical framework that guided the design of the study. Even
when statistical significance is achieved, a body of evidence may remain that does not
conform to expectations. Insights from a second theory or model, used in conjunction
with the first, may explain these remaining data (Quine & Ullian, 1978). Results from this
process, where one of the theories is from nursing, may also point the way to further
nursing inquiry and gathering of evidence for practice. The integrated theories can be
used in subsequent research to more fully frame the question and methods.
Regardless of whether integrative theorizing is used a priori or post hoc, it is typi-
fied by the five types of intentional actions listed here:

1. Identification of proximal, measurable concepts in a less abstract theory that are in-
stances of distal, abstract concepts from its paired item at a higher level. Measurement
of the former operationalizes the distal concept, at least in part. These proximal con-
cepts may be described as mediators or moderators and can provide instruments that
inform us about the nature of proximal concepts influence on the distal concept
(Mark, Hughes, & Jones, 2004).
2. Dissection or analysis of abstract constructs on the higher level to form separate
measurable components (concepts). These may have been operationalized previ-
ously to test the paired middle-range theory. The research question can be rewritten
to discover if this dissection helps with measurement of all or part of a construct
from the conceptual model (Mark et al., 2004).
 Chapter 22 Integrative Theorizing 305

3. Modification of the context of one of the pairings to bring it into alignment with its
complementary theory for a specific research problem or setting. A middle-range
theory may be designed for testing in a unique setting, and that setting could be
specified when choosing a complementary conceptual model.
4. Explication of the normative values or descriptions of how nurses should be inher-
ent in one of the views, and integrating those values in the other one. Theories that
are technical or physiological in nature can thus be cast in a more humanistic light.
5. Juxtaposition of the two levels of theories with some sort of schematic to depict
shared criteria. Recently scholars have depicted ways to juxtapose two levels of the-
ories: (a) by substruction, as presented by Villarruel et al. (2001), who diagrammed
linkages between a nursing conceptual model and a middle-range sociology theory;
and (b) by knowledge mapping, as presented by Dluhy (1995), where widely ac-
cepted and cogent insights from two or more theories were interwoven and dia-
gramed on a two-dimensional grid.

A third way is to construct a Venn diagram. The use of a Venn diagram to illustrate
how the Neuman Systems Model and comfort theory intersect and set up new insights or
conceptual leaps is shown in Figure 22-1 and discussed in the example given in the next
section of this chapter. It is important to note that integrative theorizing goes beyond the
methods described by Villarruel et al. (2001) and Dluhy (1995) because integrative theoriz-
ing resulted in new insights about definition, measurement, methods, and interpretation of
findings to be applied in future research, while the goal of substruction and conceptual
mapping was to find areas of shared knowledge in post hoc exercises.

Neuman Systems Model (NSM) Comfort Theory (CT)

(ways to inform CT) Shared (ways to inform NSM)

Peaceful death a health-

seeking behavior; focus on
outcomes of care; framework
for ethical decision making
and ways of being a nurse;
Primary, secondary, tertiary
Philosophical roots similar; holistic paradigm; direct measurement of comfort
prevention; focus on
prevention (maintaining ease) as intervention; as mediator or moderator;
assessment; broad constructs
physical, psychological, spiritual, sociocultural, and familiar language; propositions
such as lines of defense and
environmental aspects of clients; both theories easy to test; congruent with
reconstitution indirectly
used for assessment, intervention, goals; NIC, NOC, NANDA; easy to
measured; specialized
transcultural use and applications; based on document comfort in patient
language; developmental
patients needs and perceptions; dynamic systems; records; comfort instruments
factors a part of client system;
multidisciplinary; institutional-level interventions; in different languages and for
self-maintenance strategies;
established through publications in journals and different settings; institutional
formal board of trustees for
texts. integrity includes regions,
perpetuation.
states, countries;
developmental factors as
intervening variables; Web site
for perpetuation.

FIGURE 22-1 Venn diagram of the Neuman Systems Model and comfort theory. Dowd, Kolcaba,
Steiner, and Fashinpaur, (2007).
306 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

Conceptual Leaps (Insights)

1. By definition, the concepts of stability (NSM) and comfort (CT) are similar. A measurement
of comfort, previously operationalized, could be a proxy indicator for stability.
2. Primary prevention techniques (NSM) are described as the teaching of maintenance
techniques and keeping patient in ease (CT) which strengthen (NSM and CT) the
clients flexible line of defense (NSM). These techniques facilitate stability (NSM) or
prolonged comfort (CT) when faced with future stressors (tertiary prevention).
3. Problems with conceptual and operational definitions of reconstitution may be partially
addressed if comfort is used as a mediator in path analysis.
4. Problems with conceptual and operational definitions of created environment may be
partially addressed if comfort is used as a moderator in path analysis.
Recalcitrant Data
1. Why did healing touch (HT) group have shorter maintenance capabilities than coaching
or coaching plus HT?
Because maintenance strategies (tertiary prevention, NSM) were not taught to this
group.
2. Why did wait-list group in stress reduction study return to comfort baseline at the end
of the study, and before interventions were administered?
They reacted to their stressors with natural and learned resistance (NSM).
(Dowd, Kolcaba, Steiner, & Fashinpaur, 2007)

FIGURE 22-1 (continued)

INTEGRATIVE THEORIZING UTILIZING THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS

MODEL AND COMFORT THEORY: AN EXAMPLE
In a recent study, the effects of healing touch (HT) and coaching were measured in three
groups of younger college students who self-identified as having symptoms of situational
stress (Dowd, Kolcaba, Steiner, & Fashinpaur, 2007). Dowd et al. explained that comfort
theory (Kolcaba, 2003, 2007) is a middle-range theory that guided the research from design
of the interventions to selection and measurement of the desired outcomes of reduced
stress-related symptoms and increased holistic comfort. The study results revealed that HT
had better immediate beneficial results on stress and comfort, but had minimal carryover ef-
fects. The coaching group had short-term effects that were similar to the HT group, but
more sustained long-term effects. The group that received both interventions had inconsis-
tent findings that were difficult to explain by comfort theory alone; that is, students in the
combined group demonstrated less comfort and more stress symptoms 10 days after the last
set of interventions than did the coaching group. Some students in the combined group
stated anecdotally that coaching was better for stress management, and that HT was better
for comfort. However, comfort was not sustained by the HT group or the combined group
at time 3 while the coaching group continued to improve on comfort (Dowd et al., 2007).
In post hoc integrative theorizing, the Neuman Systems Model provided an explana-
tory insight for the recalcitrant data. As designed, the HT intervention did not include in-
structions in practices that would help maintain the immediate benefits of HT reported by
students who received it. On the other hand, the interventions of coaching, by definition,
entailed maintenance strategies and when added to the HT intervention (as in the
 Chapter 22 Integrative Theorizing 307

combined group), the coaching intervention provided necessary strategies for mainte-
nance of stress management techniques but not for maintenance of HT techniques (Dowd
et al., 2007). The Neuman Systems Model emphasizes maintenance in the broad definition
of tertiary care, that is, tertiary prevention interventions. The model included insights about
practitioners who provide tertiary care to maintain stability gained from beneficial effects
of treatments, after primary and secondary interventions have been implemented.
Had all students received some measure of tertiary care, the students in the HT
group might have demonstrated stronger carryover effects from their intervention.
Additionally, the combined group might have demonstrated the strongest positive effects
on both stress and comfort compared to the other groups, as was expected when pairing
these complementary therapies. Furthermore, the outcome of comfort would have been
placed in a broader context if it had been conceptualized as a mediator for client stability
and a moderator for client reconstitution. Both of these latter concepts from the Neuman
Systems Model would also have gained operational status. Had comfort theory and the
Neuman Systems Model been integrated, the abstract concepts from the Neuman Systems
Model would then be more easily operationalized by other disciplines interested in stress
management. In this example, the Neuman Systems Model had more conceptual richness
than had the middle-range theory, which was the initial organizing framework.
The Venn diagram (Figure 22-1) illustrates a central intersection when the Neuman
Systems Model and comfort theory are paired using integrative theorizing. The central
area depicts shared foundational elements, such as philosophical roots, assumptions, in-
sights, values, and focus. The outer rings respectively depict areas that can inform the
synergistic partner in order to more fully describe and develop evidence for practice. The
bolded elements in the diagram depict insights relevant to the study with college students
(Dowd et al., 2007). Examples of additional general conceptual leaps that could be
applied to other research programs are listed below the diagram. New explanations of re-
calcitrant data can be formulated through this type of diagram which facilitates solutions,
beginning with more complete definitions of concepts/constructs that are necessary to fill
in the blanks in the recalcitrant data.

ADDITIONAL USES OF THEORETICAL INTEGRATION

Toward a More Structured Knowledge Base
Results from atheoretical studies or those that have no nursing theoretical link cannot be
easily incorporated into the structure of nursing knowledge, and are at risk for losing
their identity as nursing studies. In these cases, nurse researchers can easily conduct some
integrative theorizing and find an umbrella nursing conceptual model to which their
study can be linked. Such linkages help place nursing studies within the structure of
knowledge most useful to the discipline and most readily translated to practice.
A purist approach to integrative theorizing would have nurse researchers only look
for complementary pairs of theories among nursing theories. However, valuable knowl-
edge also can be gained by looking for explanations in a theory or body of knowledge
outside of nursing. With the high value placed on interdisciplinary practice and research
regarding health care, outside disciplines can offer insights about variables that were pre-
viously unexamined by nurses. Linking such variables back to nursing, as demonstrated,
incorporates that variable into nursings body of knowledge.
308 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

The functioning system of knowledge is a dynamic engine for gaining new knowl-
edge. A systematic body of knowledge requires searching for the potential complementary
nature of discrete frameworks that have been used to explain and re-create desired out-
comes. When new evidence is linked to these frameworks the result is better organization,
retention, and application of that evidence. Rather than determining the best explanation
for a given phenomenon, this task involves determining how recalcitrant data are explained
using two (or more) widely accepted but different levels of theories (integrative model). An
integrative model not only gives an additional rationale for unexpected evidence but points
to the sorts of comprehensive explanations that could account for new classes of observa-
tions. New observations or perspectives linked to common interventions then provide oc-
casions for the formation of new hypotheses, setting up the next round of research.

Creating Wow Moments

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of theoretical integration is that ways of being
a nurse can be explicated by pairing a physiological theory, for example, with a human-
istic theory (as mentioned briefly earlier). Nurses and patients want to experience inten-
tional and meaningful moments with each other and family members, the kind that
patients might call wow moments. (Wow! Ill always remember that nurse.) Nurses usu-
ally sense when this happens, and these instances are sustaining, satisfying, and profound
for them as well as for their patients. But nurses often fail to share how the moment in-
tentionally came to be created, especially when they practice without a theory. These
special instances require appropriate theories in order to add both personal and discipli-
nary structure and meaning to such experiences. When nurses are able to describe their
wow moments in terms of theory or theories, the nature of their interactions becomes pur-
poseful and repeatable, and these transformative interactions become associated with the
power of nursing in general, not just with one nurse (Chinn, 1997).
In the example of integrative theorizing presented earlier, comfort theory could in-
form the abstract Neuman Systems Model about an important way of being a nurse (Chinn,
1997), that is, as a comforting nurse. Comfort theory states that the process of comforting
a patient entails the intention to comfort, to be present, and to deliver comforting interven-
tions based on the patients and loved ones unmet comfort needs (Kolcaba, 2003, 2007).
If the patient needs time to voice concerns and questions, the nurse listens attentively and
provides culturally appropriate body language (a comforting intervention). He or she
knows exactly why and when to do this, because the nurse is tuned in to the whole
person as patient and because the nurse wants to provide comfort, to soothe in times of
distress and sorrow. Such an explanation of how to be a nurse is lacking in the Neuman
Systems Model. Integrative theorizing between the conceptual model and the theory adds
context, humanism, and therapeutic explanation that neither alone provided, and more
thoroughly articulates the comforting nature of intentional nursing interactions.

Shared Resources
Currently, perpetuation and dissemination of theory and evidence linked to specific the-
ories can be achieved through diverse avenues such as Web sites, textbooks, journals,
databases for practice and reference, conferences, translations of texts and articles into
different languages, and/or organized trusteeships. But in nursing, each of these avenues
service a contained group of nurses and other providers who are focused on a particular
 Chapter 22 Integrative Theorizing 309

theory. In general, Web sites posted by theorists do not contain links to theories that
may be complementary to their own, such as a link between a conceptual model and a
middle-range theory. An integrated model for perpetuation and dissemination of comple-
mentary theories would facilitate a wider forum for generating ideas, discovering new
candidates for theoretical integration, and developing visionary methods for inquiry re-
quired by emerging health care trends and transcultural nursing. Such an approach would
be especially useful across cultures and nations, where one theory translated from English
could be enlightened by integration with a different level of theory originating in the
native language.

Evidence for Best Practices

Gaining empirical evidence for practice is not the main rationale for integrative theoriz-
ing, because a focus solely on empirics is not consistent with the nursing perspective,
nursing process, human caring, and professional accountability (Fawcett et al., 2001).
Indeed, theory determines what counts as evidence, and what is included in current, hu-
mane clinical practice. To date, much evidence from empirical studies has not been ap-
plied to actual patient care. Perhaps some of this failure can be traced to the atheoretical
or non-nursing nature of many of those studies and/or the atheoretical nature of our prac-
tice settings. Utilizing a theoretical umbrella under which the evidence can be joined, im-
plemented, interpreted, and advanced across hospital units and specialties is an idea that
is gaining currency in the United States. There are several areas in which this can be ac-
complished. Three areas are discussed briefly with applications at the individual level, the
institutional level, and at the community level.
An example of a specific body of knowledge about individuals is the considerable
work done on the clinical problem of urinary incontinence (UI). So much evidence had
accrued from many different sources that researchers were able to develop clinical prac-
tice guidelines to be used in any setting where the patient is incontinent. The only weak-
ness in this body of evidence about UI is that the studies and their findings were largely
based in physiology so the evidence base lacked a consistent or systematic patient per-
spective essential for translation. This weakness was noted in a consensus summit in
2004, at which leaders in the field of UI came together to forge directions for future re-
search and practice. One of their primary recommendations was to encourage the use of
theory and conceptual models to guide research design and methodology, including the
development of incontinence interventions (Wyman et al., 2004, p. 55). Patients per-
spectives have been captured in nursing theories related to self-care or self-management,
adaptation, health promotion, or comfort. Anyone of these patient perspectives would fa-
cilitate translation into patient outcomes.
At the community level, the Neuman Systems Model has been utilized nationally and
internationally to guide public health nursing practice. Neuman believes that one type of
prevention is primary nursing intervention and advocates for selection of desired outcomes
by nurses and client systems. In this theory, community outcomes are not specified so it
would be useful to integrate a middle-range theory that is oriented to community outcomes,
such as Barkers (2001) tidal model. The concept of empowerment from the tidal model is
measurable through a community survey and Barkers outcome of empowerment is rele-
vant to nursing at the community level. Barker pointed out that a main aim of community
interventions is to help people develop their awareness about the significant and positive
310 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

impact that small changes in community services or knowledge can make. From this grass-
roots awareness and empowerment, participation and success in creating change can occur.
At the institutional level, practice guidelines delineate minimum nursing actions
and working conditions in specific settings of care, such as those developed by the
Association for PeriAnesthesia Nursing (2003). Here, practicing nurses developed protocols
for patient management throughout the perioperative stages, after having previously devel-
oped minimal staffing ratios within those settings. Their latter work was undergirded by a
nursing theory (Kolcaba, 2001), which then was utilized to translate the protocols to actions
that were meaningful to each patient in terms of a contract for comfort management. The
theoretical consistency and efficiency with which this was accomplished was admirable and
implementation was facilitated by including the perspectives of patients and nurses.
Nursing research that is broad in scope, compared to small intervention studies, is
focused on administrative issues in health care such as composition of staffing, nurse-
to-patient ratios, and number of hospitalized days. To date, most of this research is about
how these issues influence negative and atheoretical outcomes associated with
subquality care, such as decubiti ulcers, falls, medication errors, and nosocomial infec-
tions (Aiken, Clarke, & Cheung, 2003). On the other hand, value-added, theoretically
based outcomes, such as recovery of function, comfort, preventive care, adequate dis-
charge planning and education, and follow-up care, are what patients and families want
and need from their health care system. These positive values are embedded in nursing
conceptual models and middle-range theories and are, therefore, nursing sensitive.
Some middle-range theories entail measurable value-added outcomes along with
specific relations between these positive outcomes and institutional factors such as favor-
able cost-benefit analyses and patient satisfaction. Evidence that these relations hold up
under rigorous testing is important for improving policies that guide health care delivery.
In this way, the cash value of theoretically based, positive nursing outcomes can effect
positive changes in policy at the micro (hospital) and macro (regional and national) lev-
els. Such outcomes also can be consistently identified with the discipline of nursing.

Best Policies
Best policies at the institutional level are formulated when value-added outcomes are relat-
ed to characteristics of patient care settings such as registered nurse staffing levels, methods
for assignments, value orientation, scheduling, salaries, benefits, attendance, and retention
levels. Some of these settings have undertaken initiatives to improve the workplace envi-
ronment, as in the quest for Magnet Recognition status granted by the American Association
for Credentialing Nurses, or the Beacon Award granted by the Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. One way many nursing leaders proceed with
this task is to choose a nursing conceptual model or theory as a unifying framework, and
both the Neuman Systems Model and comfort theory have been utilized for this purpose
(Kolcaba, Tilton, & Drouin, 2006). The advantages of doing so include having all personnel
on the same page regarding connecting to their patients, formulating new approaches to
achieve positive outcomes, and providing evidence that these new approaches and im-
proved outcomes are empirically linked to institutional data such as cost-benefit ratios,
nurse and patient satisfaction, or morbidity/mortality data. When the unifying framework is
an abstract conceptual model, a middle-range theory that conceptualizes institutional out-
comes, such as comfort theory, is useful for operationalizing selected desired outcomes.
 Chapter 22 Integrative Theorizing 311

Best policies at the regional or national level require even larger bodies of evidence
to be created and implemented. Testing of the relations between theoretical value-added
outcomes and different methods of care delivery and access will provide insights for best
policies that specify how to achieve high-quality care. For example, this currently is being
done in a large health care system that has facilities in several states across the United
States. Anything that is done in one unit, if successful, must eventually be translated to the
entire system. Accordingly, nurse leaders from three different units where different theo-
ries about optimal health care deliveryWatsons (1988) theory of caring, Kolcabas
(2003) theory of comfort, and Koloroutiss (2004) theory of relationship-based carewere
adopted and embraced are currently triangulating the three theories for application across
the entire system. The integration of these three theories has created a more comprehen-
sive theory than if any one theory was used alone because the integrated theory will
include process (nature of the nurseclient relationship from the theories of caring and
relationship-based care), an immediate desired product or outcome (patient/family com-
fort from comfort theory), and a business rationale for administrators to embrace both the
process and product (institutional integrity from comfort theory).

Electronic Databases
Taxonomies of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and desired outcomes are essential for
the construction, wide utilization, and sharing of electronic databases. Ideally, these data-
bases eventually will have some part of their languages in common so they can be uti-
lized across institutional and state lines as well as national boundaries. The language of
conceptual models may not be directly utilizable for classification purposes that call for a
less abstract but articulated empirical vocabulary. A complementary middle-range theory
may fill some of those language gaps.
Through association with their paired companions, theories become more applicable
for electronic databases that are emerging across the country. These databases are invalu-
able for outcomes research conducted regionally, within and among hospital systems. Many
of the variables included in the databases are names of specific interventions and patient
and family goals (value-added outcomes). Some databases also are interdisciplinary.
Intervening factors such as comorbidities, extent of social support, financial status, and liv-
ing arrangements are included. Most of the language in these databases currently is unrelat-
ed to conceptual models, but contains the more ordinary language characteristic of middle-
range theories. Through integrative theorizing, a systematic, theoretical body of evidence
can be constructed about nursings role in patient care. The humanistic or holistic aspects of
nursing that enhance outcomes existentially can be explicated along with technical aspects
of patient care and the contributions from other health-related disciplines. These holistic and
humanistic aspects of patient care are our strength and identity as nurses and must be in-
cluded in any body of knowledge about delivery of health care.

Conclusion
Theory as model or explanation is underdeter- generalizations in conceptual models and mid-
mined by the data, in that the theoretical claims dle-range theories apply to a boundless range
are broader than observations or evidence. The of future cases. Conceptual models are forward
312 Section 7 The Neuman Systems Model and Theory Development

thinking and offer the broadest projections of a to ask questions: Why do it this way, instead
discipline. Middle-range theories address ob- of this way? What overall goal am I trying to
servable clinical phenomena that include new get my patient to achieve? What can nurses do
and sometimes unanticipated cases. Use of the to help this family? Theories are the creative
two levels of generality in tandem promises a and organizing force behind objective, empiri-
host of varied explanations, predictions, pre- cal research and evidence-based practice. The
scriptions, and visions of what is possible in power of theorizing is enhanced by opening
nursing science. Theory drives cognition that in the constraining boxes of their separate lan-
a given context helps form intentions. The cog- guages and foci and creatively utilizing inte-
nitive and motivational inspiration for prescrip- grative methods to better organize and
tions traces its roots back to theory. advance nursing knowledge, describe the
Levine (1995) stated that theory is the human and holistic ways to be a nurse, iden-
poetry of science. It is constructed creatively, tify meaningful evidence, test and translate the
and provides visions of what can and should evidence in actual clinical situations, and doc-
be. With an efficient use of vision words, the- ument the value of nursing to patients, institu-
ory gently guides our thinking, and nudges us tions, and societies.

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Medical Association, 290, 16171623. Fitzpatrick, J. (2001). Nursing theories and
Association for PeriAnesthesia Nursing. (2003). evidence. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 33(2),
ASPAN pain and comfort clinical guideline. 115119.
Journal of PeriAnesthia Nursing, 18, 232236. Higgins, P., & Moore, S. (2000). Levels of theoretical
Barker, P. (2001). The tidal model: Developing an thinking in nursing. Nursing Outlook, 48, 179183.
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Bishop, S., & Hardin, S. (2006). Logical reasoning. theory of comfort for outcomes research.
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Mark, B., Hughes, L., & Jones, C. (2004). The role Villarruel, A., Bishop, T., Simpson, E., Jemmott, L.,
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lief (2nd ed.). New York: Random House.
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 SECTION EIGHT
    

The Future
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CHAPTER 23
The Neuman Systems
Model and the Future
Betty Neuman
Lois Lowry

The Neuman Systems Model is well positioned as a contemporary and future guide for
health care practice, research, education, and administration far into the 21st century. The
concepts and processes of the model are so universal and timeless that they are easily un-
derstood by all members of health care teams worldwide. The model provides a context
for wholistic health care with an emphasis on wellness that is particularly useful within
health care systems in all countries. As social and political events influence wellness and
illness, comprehensive and flexible conceptual models will be required for nurses and
other health care team members in all practice specialties, all areas of research, all types
of health care professions education, and administration of all types of health care systems.
The purpose of this chapter is to revisit the vision and values that spawned the origin of
the Neuman Systems Model and will continue to frame future use of the model. The
chapter also will present the insights and perspectives of several Neuman trustees who
continue to work with the model.

BETTY NEUMAN LOOKS BACK

In the late 1970s, nurse leaders became aware that nursing must become a theoretically
based science and practice. Those leaders accepted that nursing needed to focus on
clients as participants in nursing care within a broad context. New roles and functions for
nurses were emerging, such as the clinical nurse specialist who practiced in community
settings. This new role required curricular changes that would support relevant practice.
Toward that end, I developed the Neuman Systems Model in 1970. A colleague, Rae
Jeanne Young, and I first used the model to teach graduate students at the University of
CaliforniaLos Angeles (Neuman & Young, 1972). My pioneering teaching work with
graduate students in the greater Los Angeles community mental health arena was a key
influence for development of a comprehensive model that members of interdisciplinary
health care teams could use to guide their practice.
317
318 Section 8 The Future

The philosophic basis of the Neuman Systems Model encompasses wholism, a well-
ness orientation, and a dynamic systems perspective of client energy and interaction with
the environment. The dynamism of systems and stress theories provided a broad view and
new perspective as nursing activities expanded into community health arenas. Over the
years, use of the Neuman Systems Model has expanded to virtually all health care special-
ties, thereby supporting the validity of its philosophic basis. My personal philosophy of
helping each other live guided development of the Neuman Systems Model Assessment
and Intervention Tool, which provides nurses with a comprehensive and systemic format
for goal setting and interventions (see Appendix C).

BETTY NEUMAN LOOKS FORWARD

Through communications with students, nurse educators, administrators, and practitioners
in many settings and countries, I have been gratified to learn that the model has proved to
be applicable to current health care trends and relevant for the future. Hospitals seeking
Magnet Recognition are mandated to select professional models of care to guide practice
and research in their respective organizations. The Neuman Systems Model is greatly favored
because of its comprehensive and wholistic structure. For example, Diane Breckenridge,
Neuman trustee and associate director of research at the Abington Hospital in Pennsylvania,
reports 16 Neuman-based studies in progress. Abington Hospital received its first Magnet
Recognition in 2003 and a renewal in 2008. In addition, David Moore, administrative direc-
tor of mental health services for South Jersey Healthcare, reports 2 years of Neuman-based
studies in progress within their Magnet Recognition hospital complex.
Moreover, in the past 2 years, four educational programs at the baccalaureate and
associate degree levels have adopted the Neuman Systems Model as the organizing
framework for their curricula. Model users continue to test the propositions and conduct
inquiries in search of greater understanding of the model components. New findings are
presented at Biennial International Neuman Systems Model Symposia attended by educa-
tors, students, and researchers who are seriously invested in the future of the model.
I believe that theory is vital to the development of an autonomous and accountable
nursing profession. The utility of the Neuman Systems Model as a starting point for theory
development is underscored by Gigliotti (see Chapter 21), who provides details about de-
riving middle-range theory from the model, and by Kolcaba and Kolcaba (see Chapter 22),
who provide a prototype for linking middle-range theories with the model.
The use of the model by clinicians and scholars clearly indicates that the Neuman
Systems Model continues to be useful for directing nursing practice, education, and re-
search. I believe that the model is relevant for the future because of its dynamic and
systemic nature; its concepts and propositions are timeless. There is cumulative research
evidence to support the broad use of the model concepts by the health care disciplines.
The Neuman Systems Model will continue to be adopted and used by academic scholars
and practicing nurses as nursing science continues to evolve.

LOIS LOWRY LOOKS FORWARD

We must ask if the values and philosophies that influenced the development of the
Neuman Systems Model are relevant in todays world. Specifically, is the model as originally
conceptualized helpful in meeting the challenges of today and in the future? Contemporary
 Chapter 23 The Neuman Systems Model and the Future 319

health care is challenged by uncertainty, a shortage of nurses, overwhelming assignments,

and concerns about client and caregiver safety and the quality of client system outcomes.
The use of conceptual models of care, as well as research evidence that is translated into
client care, are ways to meet those challenges.
All health care providers are faced with an array of decisions that must be based on
the best evidence to ensure high-quality care. Research is typically regarded as the
strongest source of evidence on which to base health care decisions (Fawcett & Garity,
2009). Both health care organizations and educational institutions are using information sys-
tems to enhance clinical documentation and to deliver educational courses. Furthermore,
the middle-range theories of caring that embrace compassion, cultural sensitivity, and re-
spect for patients and families must be maintained or the goal of providing safe, wholistic
care will not be met. I believe that the philosophical foundation of the Neuman Systems
Model continues to be appropriate for the many challenges nurses face today. As nurse re-
searchers continue to test model propositions and educators propose creative strategies for
helping others learn how to use the model, its credibility and usefulness are being demon-
strated. Thus, we can conclude that the Neuman Systems Model has and will continue to
contribute to high-quality care practice and relevance far into the future.

THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL TRUSTEES PRESENT

THEIR INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES ON THE FUTURE
Several Neuman Systems Model trustees responded to a call for insights and perspectives
about the relevance of the Neuman Systems Model for the future in relation to trends and
concerns identified in contemporary nursing literature. Each trustee offers views based on
her or his own experiences with the model. Additional discussion of the future projec-
tions of the Neuman Systems Model by some trustees is available in the 20th anniversary
issues of Nursing Science Quarterly (Lowry, Beckman, Gehrling & Fawcett, 2007; Neuman
& Reed, 2007).

Lois Lowry: Theory development is the hallmark of any profession. Conceptual

models of nursing provide a structure for nurses images of reality from which middle-
range theory can be developed and linked. The Neuman Systems Model provides a
universal language linking parts and wholes into a unifying framework for wholistic care.
The importance of understanding the relationship between stress and illness is vital in our
complex world of accelerating change. Nurses will have the opportunity to choose from
a vast repository of information and technological resources, but their presence and
comforting touch will be critical to healing. The Neuman Systems Model concepts of
wholism, wellness, and prevention interventions used to attain, retain, and maintain client
system wellness are perhaps even more viable today than when the model was initially
developed in 1970. The addition of the spiritual variable to the client system in 1989
provided a unique dimension to the model that is increasingly being recognized by
physicians and other health care providers as a vital influence for client wellness.
Education is becoming high-tech with the advent of Internet courses for students,
and the ability to diagnose and treat clients through television connections between med-
ical centers and rural clinics. This raises questions about the importance of human contact
and communication between nurses and clients that have been demonstrated through our
nursing education programs. Human touch is foundational to the development of trust,
320 Section 8 The Future

and communication requires body language to nurture relationships. To accommodate the

era of high technology, I suggest that nursing education programs develop hybrid teach-
ing models that combine human touch with technology. The Neuman Systems Model can
provide the framework for the placement of content in educational programs. Educators
are urged to internalize the model and develop strategies to communicate client care
through technology as well as direct contact.
The Neuman Systems Model can be very helpful in the administration of health care
services. It provides an integrated framework for organizing knowledge related to the
nurse administrators role, combined with the management process. As Kelley and Sanders
(1995) wrote, The framework provides a . . . comprehensive approach to assessing and
resolving problems in nursing administration and to evaluate the total systems response to
stressors.
Hospitals and other health care organizations in the United States are seeking
Magnet status, which is a way of recognizing the excellence of nursing care. One of the
keys to success is to demonstrate how professional models of care, selected by the nurs-
ing staff, are internalized and integrated into client care. Outcomes from nursing innova-
tions based on the professional model must be demonstrated in populations throughout
the institution (American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2008). Given its wholistic focus
and documented use as a guide for nursing practice in diverse clinical specialties and for
delivery of nursing services, the Neuman Systems Model is well positioned as a model of
care for hospitals seeking Magnet status. Betty Neuman and some trustees are prepared to
provide guidance about use of the Neuman Systems Model to health care organizations
that are seeking Magnet status.

Eileen Gigliotti: The strict separation of disciplines is a thing of the past. Widespread
cooperation among disciplines in the sciences and the arts is increasingly commonplace.
Nursing has been at the forefront of this movement, having drawn on knowledge from
other disciplines and framing that knowledge within nursings unique perspective. As
multidisciplinary collaboration builds, nurse researchers will increasingly turn to nursing
models as a frame of reference; a way to reframe interdisciplinary work within nursing
perspectives. The Neuman Systems Model is excellent for this purpose, given the nature of
the five client system variablesphysiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental,
and spiritual. Furthermore, the systems theory base for the model provides a common core
within and across all health care fields. Thus, one can see how its historically
interdisciplinary nature will serve as a logical guide for the research process with all its
inherent richness for other caregivers, while still maintaining a unique nursing focus.

Marlou de Kuiper: I think that the Neuman Systems Model will be very useful in the
future for the majority of people in Holland who depend on health care. Our population is
aging, and people will have to live with chronic mental and physical disease for many
years. Their quality of life will largely depend on how they cope with daily stressors and
how they make the most of their resources. The quality of their negotiations with health
care providers will influence the quality of their lives. People will have to take some
responsibility for their health. Health care providers must help people to identify destructive
behaviors and ineffective patterns. The Neuman Systems Model helps to organize the
thinking of care providers so that they are a useful resource for the people they serve.
 Chapter 23 The Neuman Systems Model and the Future 321

Sarah Beckman: The Neuman Systems Model has demonstrated efficacy in guiding
development of middle-range theories that describe, explain, and predict phenomena
that are particularly relevant to clients and caregivers. The model also guides research
that provides the data needed to structure professional nursing practice, research,
education, and administration of health care services. And, the Neuman Systems Model
provides a common language that promotes global community building and scholarly
works for the further advancement of nursing science.
Karen Gehrling: If theory is to survive, it needs to be tried and tested. Specifically,
concepts and propositions need to be explained, compared, and studied. This means that
research must be conducted, such as Gigliottis (1997) work on the flexible and normal
lines of defense, and my work on reconstitution (see Chapter 4 of this book).
Jacqueline Fawcett: I am especially impressed by the utility of the Neuman Systems
Model as a guide for the research needed for evidence-based practice. I am also
impressed by how easy it is to organize nursing courses in keeping with the concepts of
the model. Research findings can be used to teach students how to assess clients, as well
as to plan, implement, and evaluate prevention interventions.
Barbara Freese: The Neuman Systems Model is a powerful organizing framework to
guide health care planning and delivery away from fragmentation to wholism. It has
served nursing students and practicing nurses well since it was developed. It continues to
offer an approach for comprehensive client-focused care for use by multidisciplinary
health care professionals now and will continue to do so in the future.
Margaret Louis: I see the Neuman Systems Model continuing to be used for its
original purpose to assist students in developing and implementing care for clients. Also,
nurses today need to know how to use electronic data sets. The Neuman Systems Model
can provide a focus and theoretical base for interpreting Electronic Patient Record data
sets. The use of the Neuman Systems Model to organize and interpret these digitalized
sources of health and disease data can improve and refine primary, secondary, and
tertiary interventions that are efficacious and cost-effective.
Diane Breckenridge: The Neuman Systems Model guides nursing practice, education,
administration, and research, which is the basis of my 35 years of work combining a
nursing theory-guided (NTG) evidence-based practice (EBP) approach to patient care with
an emphasis on teaching theory, practice, and research in both health care (e.g., hospital)
and academic settings. This approach, beginning with the Neuman Systems Model as the
conceptual framework in my practice, theoretical teaching, and research, evolved into my
evidence-based professional practice model known as NTG-EBP approach. This NTG-EBP
approach has been instrumental in mentoring nurses in their own evidence-based and
research programs for hospitals seeking Magnet designation in the early 2000s, with a
recent second-time hospital Magnet redesignation attained. The NTG-EBP approach has
evolved into an integration of theories into the practice setting based on the patient, nurse,
interdisciplinary, and systems-wide problems/concerns, ranging from individual patient
care to programs (e.g., emergency preparedness) and focusing on groups of patients and
communities served. Presently, the mentoring of nurses and other health care providers
from six different hospitals pursuing Magnet status or recognition as centers of excellence
includes the integration of middle-range theories as well as other theorists (e.g., Watson,
322 Section 8 The Future

Roy, Benner) concepts commencing with the problem/concern to the outcomes of

evidence-based best practices. Nurses and other health care providers, locally and
globally, through evidence-based best practices, will be able to provide safe, effective,
timely, efficient, and equitable interdisciplinary client care, both for individual patients and
to large groups in times of disasters.

Barbara Cammuso: Global environmental changes, political unrest, and the potential
threat of biological and chemical terrorism have precipitated the need to develop
innovative primary, secondary, and tertiary preventions as interventions for individuals,
families, groups, communities, and countries around the world. Currently, there is
concern about the possibility of the combination of biological and chemical terrorism
with cyber-terrorism that could affect multiple hospitals and destroy their treatment plans.
The Neuman Systems Model can be utilized to guide nurses to comprehensively identify
system invasion and plan prevention interventions to treat victims seeking care in these
hospitals. In addition, the model provides an excellent framework for curriculum plans
involving technology in educational programs that will prepare students to assess cyber-
terrorism and plan effective prevention interventions.
Diana Newman: I think that the Neuman Systems Model is especially appropriate for
forward-looking movements in nursing and nursing education, such as the doctor of
nursing practice degree and the baccalaureate degree to PhD degree accelerated
programs. The Neuman Systems Model can be applied to Institute of Medicine Report
(2001) goals for improving nursings emergency preparedness, as well as for use as a
guide for clinical immersion experiences, and for client system simulations and other
technological advances.

Janet Sipple: The Neuman Systems Model will flourish in the future as a classic
framework for the synthesis of complex human data relevant to the nursing care process
for individuals, families, and communities in worldwide settings. This projection about
the model is firmly rooted in my 50 years of nursing practice, education, and research,
many of which involved working with the Neuman Systems Model.

Rae Jeanne Memmott: I see the Neuman Systems Model as an aid to interdisciplinary
health care. It provides an assessment and intervention tool that can be used by all health
care team members to promote a wholistic approach to client care. I have used it in this
way in my interdisciplinary care to cultures in Guatemala.

Betsy McDowell: I predict that use of the Neuman Systems Model will increase
exponentially in the practice, research, education, and administration arenas, based on
the following characteristics of the model:

Assumptions have been clearly delineated so the user easily understands the guid-
ing principles on which the model is based.
The model is comprehensive enough to be applicable regardless of setting: the
home, workplace, hospice, critical care units, and so on.
The model focuses on a dynamic client system in interaction with the environment,
whether the client system is an individual, family, group, or community.
Holistic assessment using the Neuman Systems Model perspective includes client
strengths and resources as well as client needs and responses to negative stressors.
 Chapter 23 The Neuman Systems Model and the Future 323

The ultimate goal for using the Neuman Systems Model is to assist client systems to
reach an optimal level of wellness that is specific and unique.
The Neuman Systems Model has yielded several middle-range theories useful in re-
search and to guide practice.
Future development of the Neuman Systems Model will focus on further explication
of the concept of the created environment, quantitative and qualitative research to test the
concepts of the model, and increased visibility of the model in practice, education, and
administration.
Michel Tarko: The Neuman Systems Model has influenced psychiatric nursing
education in Canada for nearly two decades. The influence continues to expand with the
inclusion of the model across the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric
Nursing degree program at Douglas College. Over the past decades through my research,
I had the privilege of developing a spiritual assessment tool to enhance the use of the
Neuman Systems Model for health promotion and prevention. I have co-constructed two
taxonomies using the model: a taxonomy of family nursing diagnoses by Tarko and Reed in
the text on family nursing by Bomar (2004), and a taxonomy of nursing diagnoses by Tarko
and Helewka (2010). As an educator, researcher, and administrator, I envision the utility of
the Neuman Systems Model to be ever-expanding as more nurses are educated in the use of
the model, and are able to influence change in their workplaces based on health promotion
and prevention tools with all client systems locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

USE OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL WORLDWIDE

Neuman Systems Model international collaboration began in the 1980s in Canada,
England, Sweden, Puerto Rico, the Netherlands, and the Pacific Rim countries of Taiwan,
Thailand, and Korea. Some countries have adopted the model for guiding education
(Canada, Puerto Rico); others have conducted research (Sweden, Holland) and still others
emphasize Neuman-based practice (Korea, Thailand). For example, Susie Kim was awarded
a World Health Organization grant for conducting research, the Nest of Love project, that
returned psychiatric patients to the community under the guidance of advanced practice
nurses. Other countries have joined the ranks of those who adopted the model over the
past 20 years. Israel, Jordan, and Turkey adopted the model as a curriculum guide.
Doctoral students in Turkey are conducting Neuman-based research for their dissertations.
The model concepts are easily understood by all cultures; thus, countries continue
to request implementation information. Nurses in Japan translated the Neuman book into
Japanese in the 1990s. The Netherlands reports the most integrated use of the model.
Franz Verberk and Marlou de Kuiper translated the Neuman Systems Model book into
Dutch in 1998, which contributes to the widespread use of the model in the Netherlands
by nurses and health care professionals from other disciplines. Marlou de Kuiper, a
Neuman trustee, serves as a resource and was instrumental in establishing an
International Neuman Systems Model Association (INSMA), which offers annual programs
to educate students and practitioners about the model. Andre Merks, another Neuman
trustee, is conducting a longitudinal study at the Emergis Psychiatric Institute in Zeeland
to test the efficacy of using a nursing model to guide practice. The comprehensive adop-
tion of the Neuman Systems Model in Holland can serve as a prototype for other coun-
tries for organization, implementation, and evaluation of the model.
324 Section 8 The Future

Conclusion
The Neuman Systems Model is meeting con- generate and test middle-range theories derived
temporary challenges to provide holistic care from the model (see the Research and Theory
to individuals, families, groups, and commu- sections of the bibliography in Appendix G). A
nities. Betty Neuman and the members of the comprehensive bibliography of all articles and
INSMA are committed to working with all books published about the model is main-
health care team members to further develop tained by Trustee Jacqueline Fawcett (see
and shepherd the utilization of the model in Appendix G).
practice, education, research, and administra- Internet availability greatly facilitates
tion worldwide. Many INSMA trustees contin- global communication, collaboration, and re-
ue to serve as consultants in the use of the search. The Neuman Systems Model was ini-
Neuman Systems Model to nursing education tially developed for use in all fields of health
programs and health care organizations. care. That initial focus is consistent with and
Neuman Systems Model International spon- supportive of the contemporary emphasis on
sors a biennial international Neuman Systems interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and trans-
Model Symposium to educate, network, and disciplinary care as a means of achieving high-
share knowledge and research findings about quality outcomes in all client system situations
the model. The Neuman Systems Model and settings in a global health care system. It is
Research Institute provides a network for re- clear, then, that the value of the comprehen-
searchers and awards funds to support small- sive, systemic nature of the Neuman Systems
scale studies (see Appendix D). Trustees and Model continues to increase as challenges to
other nurse researchers conduct research to the health care system escalate.

References
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2008). organizations. In B. Neuman (Ed.), The Neuman
Magnet Recognition program. Retrieved July 2, systems model (3rd ed., pp. 347364). Stamford,
2008, from http://www.nursecredentialing.org/ CT: Appleton & Lange.
Magnet.aspx Lowry, L., Beckman, S., Gehrling, K. R., & Fawcett,
Bomar, P. J. (2004). Promoting health in familier: J. (2007). Imagining nursing practice: The
Applying family research and theory to nunsing Neuman systems model in 2050. Nursing Science
practice. Philadelphia: Saunders. Quarterly, 20, 226229.
Fawcett, J., & Garity, J. (2009). Evaluating research Neuman, B., & Reed, K.S. (2007). A Neuman
for evidence-based nursing practice. Philadelphia: systems model perspective on nursing in 2050.
F. A. Davis. Nursing Science Quarterly, 20, 111113.
Gigliotti, E. (1997). Use of the Neumans lines of Neuman, B., & Young, R. J. (1972). A model for
defense and resistance in nursing research: Con- teaching total person approach to patient prob-
ceptual and empirical considerations. Nursing lems. Nursing Research, 21, 264269.
Science Quarterly, 10, 136143. Tarko, M. & Helewka, A. (2010). The client system
Institute of Medicine (2001). Crossing the quality as individual. In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett (Eds.),
chasm. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. The Neuman systems model (5th ed., pp. 3768).
Kelley J. A., & Sanders, N. F. (1995). A systems ap- Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
proach to the health of nursing and health care
    

Appendices
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 APPENDIX A
The Neuman Systems Model Definitions
Betty Neuman

Basic Structure: The basic structure or central core is the source of the five client
system variables and represents human processes of living and dying within the
context of the fluid intersection of the five interrelated and interacting client system
variables. Basic survival factors common to human beings are located in the central
core, including innate or genetic features and strengths and weaknesses of the
client system parts. The basic structure represents the basic client system energy
resources.
Boundary Lines: The flexible line of defense is the outer boundary of the client
system. All relevant variables must be taken into account, as the whole is greater
than the sum of the parts; a change in one part affects all other system parts.
Client/Client System and Client System Variables: A total open system in inter-
action with the internal and external environments. A composite of five variables
(physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual), each of
which is a subpart of all parts, forms the whole of the client. The client as a system
is composed of a core, or basic structure, and surrounding protective concentric
rings. The concentric rings are composed of similar factors, yet serve varied and dif-
ferent purposes in retention, attainment, or maintenance of system stability and in-
tegrity or a combination of these. The client is considered an open system in total
interface and exchange of matter and information with the environment. The client
is viewed as an open system, and the term can be used interchangeably with the
client/client system; that is, individual, family, community, and social issues are con-
sidered a system with boundaries and identifiable interacting parts.
Degree of Reaction: The degree of reaction is the degree of system instability
resulting from stressor invasion of the normal line of defense.
Environment: The environment consists of both internal and external forces sur-
rounding the client, influencing and being influenced by the client, at any point in
time, as an open system. The created environment is an unconsciously developed
protective environment that binds system energy and encompasses both the internal
and external client environments; it acts as a perceptual safety mechanism to main-
tain system stability.
Feedback: The process within which matter, energy, and information, as system
output, provide feedback for corrective action to change, enhance, or stabilize the
system.
Flexible Line of Defense: The flexible line of defense is a protective, accordion-
like mechanism that surrounds and protects the normal line of defense from inva-
sion by stressors. The greater the expansiveness of this line from the normal line of
defense, the greater the degree of protectiveness. Examples are situational, such as
recently altered sleep patterns or immune functions that could threaten system sta-
bility and lessen the potential for survival and optimal wellness.
327
328 Appendices

Health: A continuum of wellness to illness, dynamic in nature, that is constantly

subject to change. Optimal wellness or stability indicates that total system needs are
being met. A reduced state of wellness is the result of unmet systemic needs. The
client is in a dynamic state of either wellness or illness, in varying degrees, at any
given point in time. Health is related to available energy to support the system.
Input/Output: The matter, energy, and information exchanged between client and
environment that is entering or leaving the system at any point in time.
Lines of Resistance: Protection factors activated when stressors have penetrated
the normal line of defense, causing the reaction of symptomatology. The resistance
lines ideally protect the basic structure and facilitate reconstitution toward wellness
during and following treatment, as the stressor reaction is decreased and client re-
sistance is increased. All lines of defense and resistance are considered to contain
both internal and external resources.
Negentropy: A process of energy conservation that increases organization and
complexity, moving the system toward stability at a higher degree of wellness.
Normal Line of Defense: An adaptational level of health developed over time and
considered normal for a particular individual client or system; it becomes a standard
for wellness deviance determination.
Nursing: A unique profession concerned with all variables affecting clients in their
environment. Nursing is preventive intervention.
Open System: A system in which there is a continuous flow of input and process,
output and feedback. It is a system of organized complexity, in which all elements
are in interaction. Stress and reaction to stress are basic components.
Prevention as Intervention: Intervention typology or modes for nursing action
and determinants for entry of both client and caregiver into the health care system.
Primary prevention: before a reaction to stressors occurs. Secondary prevention:
treatment of symptoms following a reaction to stressors. Tertiary prevention: main-
tenance of optimal wellness following treatment.
Process/Function: The process, or function, of the system is the exchange of mat-
ter, energy, and information with the environment and the interaction of the parts
and subparts of the client system. A living system tends to move toward wholeness,
stability, wellness, and negentropy based on effective use of available energy
resources.
Reconstitution: Represents the return and maintenance of system stability, follow-
ing treatment of a stressor reaction, which may result in a higher or lower level of
wellness than previously. It represents successful mobilization of client system ener-
gy resources.
Stability: A desired state of balance or harmony while system energy exchanges
take place without disrupting the character of the system. The dynamic nature of
stability is seen as the client, as a system, adequately copes with stressors to retain,
attain, or maintain optimal health and integrity.
Stressors: Environmental factors that are intra-, inter-, and extrapersonal in nature
and that have the potential for disrupting system stability by penetrating a systems
lines of defense and resistance. Their outcome may be either positive or negative;
 Appendix A 329

client perception and coping ability are major considerations for caregivers and
clients. The effect of stressors that are perceived as negative is referred to as stress,
whereas the effect of stressors that are perceived as positive is referred to as
eustress.
Wellness/Illness: Wellness is a stable condition in which system subparts are in
harmony with the whole system. Wholeness is based on the interrelationships of
variables, which determine the amount of resistance to stressors. Illness is on the
opposite continuum from wellness and represents instability and energy depletion
among the system parts or subparts affecting the whole.
Wholistic: A system is considered wholistic when its parts or subparts can be or-
ganized into an interrelating whole. The ideal is one of keeping parts stable within
their intimate relationships with the whole system, that is, individuals are viewed as
wholes whose component parts are in dynamic interdependent interaction while
adjusting to environmental stressors.

Copyright 1985 by Betty Neuman; revised 1987, 2000, and 2009 by Betty Neuman.
 APPENDIX B
Betty Neumans Autobiography and Chronology of the
Development of the Neuman Systems Model
Betty Neuman

I was born in southeastern Ohio on September 11, 1924, on our 100-acre family farm. My
father, a farmer, died at age 37, when I was 11 years old and my brothers were ages 5 and
16. My mother was a hardworking, enterprising housewife, managing well our limited fi-
nancial resources.
My older brother, mother, and I engaged in several summers of hard physical labor
to keep the family and farm intact. My younger brother escaped most of the labors, be-
cause my mother moved us to a nearby town, Marietta, Ohio, which is also where I com-
pleted my final year of high school. My older brother married and continued to maintain
the family farm. I am proud of my early farming heritage, because it taught me the impor-
tant values of simplicity, humility, and self-reliance.
Because my father always praised his nurses during six years of intermittent hospi-
talizations prior to his death from chronic kidney disease, I began to idealize the nursing
profession early in life. I developed a strong commitment to becoming an excellent bed-
side nurse to repay a debt of gratitude to society. Another very important influence was
the shared stories of my mothers charity experiences as a self-taught rural midwife. She
was often called at night and rode by horse and buggy to perform home deliveries; a fa-
vorite memory is stealing away to read her battered general medical book.
When I graduated from high school in the summer of 1942, our country was six
months into World War II. Local employment opportunities were limited. Being financial-
ly unable to attend nearby Marietta College as I had always wanted, I obtained a position
at Wright Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, as an aircraft instrument repair technician. It
was particularly exciting to install instruments in fighter warplanes following their repair.
I recall refusing an offer of transfer to the New Yorkbased Sperry Rand Company after
receiving the highest test results in this specialty area. Deciding factors were continuing
homesickness, my desire to accumulate money toward a nursing education, and my char-
itable involvement in the Dayton YWCA as a recreation hostess for servicemen. Later, dur-
ing evening school classes, I was chosen as a draftsperson by an aircraft contracting
agency, where I worked for a year at a higher salary. Concurrent with this position, I
often worked evenings as a short-order cook to supplement my income and contribute to
my mother and younger brothers needs.
By the time that I had nearly accumulated the necessary funds for entrance into
nurses training, the Cadet Nurse Corps Program became available, expediting my en-
trance into the three-year diploma nurse program at People Hospital, Akron, Ohio, now
renamed General Hospital Medical Center. My goal of becoming an excellent bedside
nurse was well under way when I graduated with honors as part of two combined grad-
uating classes in the fall of 1947.
Although the diploma program followed the medical model, since the hospital was
private in nature and had established a fine reputation, students were required to give ex-
cellent total care to clients.

330
 Appendix B 331

During these years I had saved enough money to purchase a 1935 Ford Coupe for
$275 from a family friend. Taking our mother with us, my younger brother and I drove
south to Florida then west to Los Angeles, where an uncle lived. Three months after ar-
riving, my mother and brother drove back home to Ohio, and I took up a staff position at
the Los Angeles General Hospital as a communicable disease nurse. At the end of six
months, I accepted a promotion to head nurse and remained there another year. Since I
was eager to explore other areas of nursing, I assumed a 1-year school nurse position fol-
lowed by a 1-year industrial nurse position, both in the greater Los Angeles area.
In 1950, I returned to the Los Angeles General Hospital as a private duty nurse and
remained there until 1956. During that time I developed a broad knowledge base and
skill in critical care for medical, surgical, pediatrics, and many other specialty areas, such
as burns, polio, and head injuries. This was long before the development of critical care
units. A variety of shift work accommodated the evening classes I was taking in prepara-
tion for a 1-year, full-time residency to complete the baccalaureate degree in nursing at
UCLA. In 1954, I married a beginning resident obstetrician of the Good Samaritan
Hospital, helping facilitate both our educational programs. I graduated with honors from
UCLA in June 1957 with a major in public health nursing. My degree was the first among
a large extended family of 125 first cousins; to travel so far from home was considered
wayward. After helping initiate my husbands private practice, I worked as an office man-
ager and nurse until the birth of a beautiful daughter, Nancy, in 1959.
Between 1964 and 1966, while pursuing a masters degree at UCLA, my weekend,
evening, and summer nursing activities included special education projects for the
Glendale Memorial Hospital, acting as relief psychiatric head nurse at the Queen of
Angels Hospital, and volunteer crisis counseling at the Benjamin Rush Clinic, Venice
Clinic, and Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center. Donna Aquilera and I were chosen by
UCLA faculty to represent the School of Nursing at these clinic facilities to determine the
efficacy and relevancy of the nurse role as counselor within early community psychiatric
settings. We were fortunate to be the first nurses to validate the nurse-counselor role with-
in such settings, and we received excellent supervision from agency directors well known
in subsequent psychiatric literature. As a result of this experience, I continued to accumu-
late volunteer counseling hours to become one of the first California Nurse Licensed
Clinical Fellows of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.
My masters program was completed in June 1966. It was a federal grant-funded
specialty program to prepare public health/mental health nurse consultants to pioneer
nurse role development within newly emerging community mental health centers, for
which no specific functions or processes were yet developed. In January 1967, I became
a UCLA faculty member, assuming chairmanship of the program from which I graduated,
though I had no previous teaching or curriculum preparation. Initial activities included
grant writing to secure funds for expanding the program to become the first in communi-
ty mental health nurse education. It became an two-quarter postgraduate program for
nurses who had completed a graduate degree in psychiatric nursing. It included one se-
mester each in community organization and planning and mental health consultation.
This program, which began in the fall of 1967, pioneered the first post-masters-level nurse
involvement in role definition with interdisciplinary groups that were beginning to func-
tion in the newly emerging community mental health centers in the greater Los Angeles
area. Early in the teaching program, an explicit teaching and practice model for mental
health consultation was developed by me, validated by students, and published in 1971
332 Appendices

in a coauthored mental health textbook for nurses. Entitled Consultation and Community
Organization in Community Mental Health Nursing, the book has long been out of print;
little interest existed in the area of community mental health for nursing during the late
1960s and early 1970s. Nevertheless, I am indeed grateful for the vital feedback and ex-
traordinary pioneering and cooperative spirit of my students, particularly during the ear-
liest period of this program implementation. They both reinforced and helped me expand
my own knowledge and skill as I role-modeled for them the mental health consultation
process and nurse role development within a variety of community mental health facilities.
In 1970, I developed the Neuman Systems Model to provide unity, or a focal point,
for student learning. Graduate students requested an initial entry class that would provide
an overview of the four variables of man (physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and
developmental), which they would subsequently study in depth in their newly developed
clinical specialty programs. I was chosen by the curriculum committee to develop and co-
ordinate the course, in which guest faculty most knowledgeable in these four areas
would lecture. Since my major concern was how to provide structure to best integrate
student learning in a wholistic manner, I personally developed the model design as it ex-
ists today and received course-teaching faculty approval of its use for student integration
of their lecture material. Because of heavy time commitments with the developing com-
munity mental health program, I asked for a co-coordinator and chose a young psychi-
atric faculty member, Rae Jeanne Young (now Neuman Systems Model trustee Rae Jeanne
Memmott), who agreed that we should evaluate the effectiveness of the model design as
a teaching tool. It is important to state that I was neither knowledgeable about nursing
models nor had a clear trend yet begun in nursing for developing models. The Neuman
Systems Model was developed strictly as a teaching aid, and use of the model proved
positive for student learning following a 2-year evaluation period.
The model was first published in 1972 in the May-June issue of Nursing Research.
The article, A Model for Teaching Total Person Approach to Patient Problems, was the
basis for The Betty Neuman Health-Care Systems Model: A Total Approach to Patient
Problems, a chapter in the first book on nursing conceptual models, Riehl and Roys
Conceptual Models for Nursing Practice (1974). Joan Riehl, a faculty colleague and friend,
had invited me to coauthor the book, but because of an impending move east, I directed
her to Sister Callista Roy, a former UCLA classmate of mine.
The community mental health program continued to expand, with students from
throughout the United States and other countries. Two additional faculty were added; one
was Kristine Gebbie, a particularly competent program graduate, who contributed signif-
icantly to further development of the program. Several articles were coauthored by the
program faculty, including a research project on Measurement of Change in Problem
Solving Ability among Nurses Receiving Mental Health Consultation.
Concurrent with the 612-year faculty position, beginning in the winter of 1967 I
taught many on- and off-campus credit workshops (some extending through the winter
of 1978), conferences, and seminars for the UCLA Extension Division Continuing
Education Department and for the Western Interstate Council for Higher Education,
Colorado, in states west of the Mississippi River. Teaching areas included group leader-
ship, interviewing, family counseling, crisis intervention, mental health consultation, psy-
chiatric community mental health issues, and curriculum development.
During this same time period, my professional activities also included community-
based noncredit course teaching, workshops and conferences, interdisciplinary health
 Appendix B 333

care consultation, guest lectures, paper presentations, and various facilitative and leader-
ship functions within nursing and interdisciplinary groups in several states. Mental health
consultation activities both fulfilled student learning needs through role modeling and
provided community service to satisfy university requirements. I provided consultation
for nursing and interdisciplinary caregiver groups in state mental hospitals, home health
agencies, public health agencies, mental health centers, convalescent care centers, penal
institutions, hospitals, Watts teen centers, schools, and industries. Facilitating factors
for my personal and professional development during these years were both the profes-
sional need for creativity and the freedom to be creative. The challenges of continual
ambiguity and risk taking, caused by rapid change and lack of mentors, also became mo-
tivational in themselves. A tribute must be paid to the UCLA School of Nursing dean, Lulu
Wolfe Hassenplug, and nurse continuing education director, Marjorie Squaires, for provid-
ing many opportunities combined with a lack of constraints related to my functioning.
During 1972, increased graduate student interest in the mental health consultation
process and the Neuman Systems Model resulted in guest lectures in other UCLA clinical
nurse specialist classes.
It was in the Neuman model chapter of Riehl and Roys Conceptual Models for
Nursing Practice that the model was first classified as a systems model. (Neuman, 1974).
Development of the wholistic systemic perspective of the Neuman Systems Model was
facilitated by my own basic philosophy of helping each other live, many diverse observa-
tions and clinical experiences in teaching and encouraging positive aspects of human
variables in a wide variety of community settings, and theoretical perspectives of stress
related to the interactive, interrelated, interdependent, and wholistic nature of systems
theory. The significance of perception and behavioral consequences cannot be overesti-
mated. The preventions adapted from Caplans work provided an intervention typology
for nursing consistent with the systemic perspective of the model.
During the summer of 1973, I made a permanent move east to maintain my mother
within her home during her aging years of declining health. Sustaining factors that kept
our family viable through many challenges, both personal and professional, were my
beautiful daughter Nancys presence, creativity, spontaneity, joy of life, and many person-
al talents and achievements, as well as my husband Krees consistent support, under-
standing, and love.
From the fall of 1973 through the summer of 1977, a part-time position as the state
mental health nurse consultant for the state of West Virginia provided many challenges
and professional growth activities in the statewide mental hospital system, such as consul-
tation to and for hospital administrators, interdisciplinary groups, and program develop-
ment and evaluation. Organizational development activities included conflict resolution,
third-party consultation, educational conferences, workshops, seminars, and program
planning.
Having been one of the first nurses licensed as a marriage, family, and child coun-
selor in the State of California (in 1970) and also as a clinical member of the American
Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and Ohio Social Work Counselors, I have
continually maintained a limited private counseling practice since licensure. In 1974, I
taught clergy counseling for a local Ohio mental health center. During the same year I
helped initiate, develop, and support continuance of a program called Hope in a West
Virginia state facility for the retarded. The goal was to teach, through a short-term resi-
dential program, self-help skills to children with mental retardation so they could stay at
334 Appendices

home, rather than be institutionalized; to redirect parents in their parenting efforts; and to
support skill development to stabilize the home environment. This program evolved into
a 14-year model program within the state system. I have also had limited involvement in
Ohio as a licensed real estate agent, having secured original California licensure in 1971
and Ohio licensure in 1973. Continued love for the land has also led to involvement in se-
curing selected Ohio-based land parcels for private brokerage to oil- and gas-drilling
companies. Perhaps because of early work influence at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, I ac-
quired a private pilot license while living in California. Another personal interest that
has continued through the past few years has been in personal investments and rental
housing.
In the fall of 1978, following my mothers death, personal activities focused on
rental property management and other investments. These interests coincided with pro-
fessional activities at nearby Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, including curriculum consult-
ant to the School of Nursing, project planning director for development of a masters-level
nursing program, and director of nursing and allied health within the University Extension
Division to facilitate nursing continuing education workshops.
Following several years of accumulating credit hours toward a doctoral degree at
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, in 1985 I completed a doctoral degree in clinical psychol-
ogy on transfer to Pacific Western University in Los Angeles. To my amazement and
honor, in recent years, I received honorary doctoral degrees from Neumann College and
Anna Maria College.
Several years ago, my husband Kree retired and began to pursue oil painting. We
particularly enjoyed walking, reading, music, and gardening. Unfortunately, in the fall of
1992 a major stroke left him aphasic and physically debilitated. He died in 1995. Our
daughter Nancy, following success in community theater during high school years, was
motivated to complete an acting degree at UCLA. Now, she is a licensed psychologist in
a private counseling practice. She has frequently been engaged in theater stage produc-
tions and television commercials. She has taught acting and had roles in both feature and
television films. Nancy now lives in the state of Washington with my grandchild, Alissa,
who was born in 1994. Our visits are, indeed, very special occasions.
Following the development of several nursing models during the early 1970s, it was
not until the mid-1970s that planning for their implementation began within university
settings. From 1976 to the present, my major professional roles have been consultant for
Neuman Systems Model implementation, lecturer at conferences, and author. Within the
role of consultant for the model, a major function has been that of networking among
those using the model or considering its use; clarifying the models intent, purpose, and
components; and supporting implementation plans or existing programs incorporating it.
Through international travel, I have enjoyed very much the courtesies, sharing, and com-
parative views of other nurse professionals, along with important feedback that the model
is easily used in diverse cross-cultural settings. Within the lecturer role, I have presented
the model to several larger international nurse audiences in the United States and many
other countries, including England, Denmark, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, New
Zealand, Kuwait, and the Far East.
My publications since 1980 include a revised chapter in the second edition of
Conceptual Models for Nursing (1980), with practice tools developed to further facilitate
Neuman Systems Model implementation and for use in nursing practice; the first edition
(1982) of The Neuman Systems Model: Application to Nursing Education and Practice; a
 Appendix B 335

chapter on family use of the model in Family Health: A Theoretical Approach to Nursing
Care, edited by Clements and Roberts (1983); an article in Senior Nurse (London) (fall
1985); and an invitational chapter on the model in Swedens annual Nursing Care Book
(winter 1986). A second book edition entitled The Neuman Systems Model was published
in 1989 and a comprehensive third edition book was published in 1995. The third edition
contained chapters addressing newer areas of concern for research, international use of
the model, and nurse administrative and research protocols. Dr. Jacqueline Fawcett joined
me as coeditor for the fourth edition of the book, which included integrated reviews of
the Neuman Systems Modelbased literature about nursing practice, nursing research,
nursing education, and administration of nursing services. That edition of the book also
included chapters about practice and educational tools derived from the Neuman Systems
Model, as well as chapters about research instruments derived from the model and other
instruments used in Neuman Systems Modelguided nursing research. And now, the fifth
edition of the book has been published. This edition provides updates to reflect increas-
ing trends for practice excellence and new examples of use of the model in nursing edu-
cation and administration.
Since 1980, several important changes have been made that have enhanced the
model. A Nursing Process Format was designed, using the model terminology to facilitate
its implementation. The many other practice tools that have been derived from the model
are listed in Chapter 8. A list of educational tools derived from the model is given in
Chapter 7.
A major theory for the model was identified in cooperation with Audrey Koertvelyessy,
a colleague and former Neuman trustee member from Ohiothe theory of client system
stability. Other theories that have been derived from the Neuman Systems Model are listed
in Chapter 21 of this book.
In the 1989 book edition, a new perspective to expand the concept of environ-
mentthe created environmentwas presented, and the spiritual variable was explicitly
added to the model diagram as one of the client variables; further explication of the spir-
itual variable was presented in Chapter 1 of the fourth and fifth editions of the book. A
clearer model explanation has been offered by segmenting the model components into
the four concepts of the metaparadigm of nursingclient, environment, health, and nurs-
ing. The relationship of primary prevention and health promotion has been further clari-
fied, as well as the defense and resistance lines utilization. In addition, Section Two of
this fifth edition of the book includes chapters that present expansion of the client system
as an individual, a family, a group, and a community, as well as advances in thinking
about the created environment and reconstitution. That section also includes a chapter
addressing critical thinking within the context of the Neuman Systems Model.
The initial term patient was changed to client in the 1980 publication to fulfill the
need for a qualifying term that would indicate respect and imply a collaborative lateral re-
lationship between caregivers and the clients they serve. The model title has changed
over the years, as the following chronology of publications shows:

1972: A Model for Teaching Total Person Approach to Patient Problems (Neuman &
Young, 1972)
1980: The Betty Neuman Health Care Systems Model: A Total Approach to Patient
Problems (Neuman, 1980)
1982: The Neuman Health Care Systems Model (Neuman, 1982)
336 Appendices

1989: The Neuman Systems Model (Neuman, 1989)

1995: The Neuman Systems Model (Neuman, 1995)
2002: The Neuman Systems Model (Neuman, 2002)
2010: The Neuman Systems Model (Neuman, 2010)
Until and unless research proves the need for change, the original diagram for the
Neuman Systems Model will remain the same as when it was developed in 1970, since its
structure and concepts are easily understood and implemented around the world.
Ongoing development and contemporary use of the Neuman Systems Model is evi-
dent at international symposia. The First Biennial International Neuman Systems Model
Symposium was held in 1986 at Neumann College in Aston, Pennsylvania. By the time this
book is published, 12 other well-attended symposia will have since been held in various
locations in the United States and in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Each sympo-
sium has shown increased international participation with increasing levels of scholarship.
Although it is difficult to maintain an accurate count of the use of the Neuman
Systems Model, publications, presentations, and anecdotal reports indicate that the model
is used worldwide, in as many as 350 different nursing education and practice settings.
Lists of educational and health care settings that are known to have used the Neuman
Systems Model are given in Appendix F of this book. A comprehensive bibliography of
publications based on the Neuman Systems Model and information about the Neuman
Systems Model Web site are given in Appendix G.
The Neuman Systems Model Trustees Group was incorporated in 1988. The trustees
have introduced and facilitated model implementation throughout the world through
paper presentations, publications, and consultation. The name of the group was changed
to the Neuman Systems Model International in 2007. A list of the current trustees with
contact information is given in Appendix E of this book. The International Neuman
Systems Model Association (INSMA) was established in Holland several years ago. INSMA
is the first of potentially many associations devoted to Neuman Systems Modelbased ac-
tivities located in various countries around the globe. The Neuman Systems Model
Research Institute was established in 2003 (see Appendix D).
My hope for the future remains the same as that for the past, that through continued
nurturance, the Neuman Systems Model will live well into the 21st century to benefit
nursing, and other health disciplines, at all levels, and across all cultural boundaries.

References
Neuman, B. (1974). The Betty Neuman health-care systems model: A total person
approach to patient problems. In J.P. Riehl & C. Roy (Eds.), Conceptual models for
nursing practice (pp. 99114). New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Neuman, B. (1980). The Betty Neuman health-care systems model: A total person
approach to patient problems. In J.P. Riehl & C. Roy (Eds.), Conceptual models for
nursing practice (2nd ed., pp. 119134). New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Neuman, B. (1982). The Neuman health-care systems model: A total approach to client
care. In B. Neuman, The Neuman systems model: Application to nursing education
and practice (pp. 829). Norwalk, CT: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Neuman, B. (1989). The Neuman systems model. In B. Neuman, The Neuman systems
model (2nd ed., pp. 363). Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange.
 Appendix B 337

Neuman, B. (1995). The Neuman systems model. In B. Neuman, The Neuman systems
model (3rd ed., pp. 361). Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange.
Neuman, B. (2002). The Neuman systems model. In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett (Eds.), The
Neuman systems model (4th ed., pp. 333). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Neuman, B, (2010). The Neuman systems model. In B. Neuman & J. Fawcett (Eds.), The
Neuman systems model (5th ed., pp. 333). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Neuman, B., & Young, R.J. (1972). A model for teaching total person approach to patient
problems. Nursing Research, 21, 264269.
 APPENDIX C
Assessment and Intervention Based on the Neuman
Systems Model
Betty Neuman

The Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process Format delineates the steps of the nursing
processnursing diagnosis, nursing goals, and nursing outcomes (Table C-1). The
Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool is a methodology for imple-
mentation of the Nursing Process Format. The tool was first published in 1974 (Neuman,
1974). Throughout the intervening years, others have modified the original assessment
and intervention tool for particular clinical situations and clinical populations. Anyone
wishing to modify the original tool for other clinical situations and populations should
consider that proper assessment includes knowledge of all stressors influencing the
clients perceptual field, and that the meaning of a stressor should be validated by both
the client and caregiver, highlighting discrepancies for resolution, and leading to relevant
nursing actions.

NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION TOOL

The Assessment and Intervention Tool includes the major components of the Neuman
Systems Model, as well as client systemspecific needs, such as age, situational differ-
ences, and special requirements. The Assessment and Intervention Tool is a generic guide
for assessment and intervention within the context of the Neuman Systems Model. It is,
therefore, appropriate for use with any designated client systeman individual, a family,
a community, or a social issue. A unique feature of the tool is that the data obtained from
client system perceptions influence the overall goals for nursing action. It is suggested
that caregivers use the tool as an interview guide rather than submitting it to clients for
completion.
An overview of the Assessment and Intervention Tool is displayed in Table C-2. As
can be seen, the type of stressors that are relevant, the reaction that occurs, the focus of
assessment, and the intervention goals for each prevention-as-intervention modality are
listed. The Assessment and Intervention Tool Overview can be used as a checklist in con-
junction with the Assessment and Intervention Tool. The Assessment and Intervention
Tool is displayed in Tables C-3, C-4, C-5, and C-6.

338
 Appendix C 339

TABLE C-1 Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process Format

Nursing Diagnosis

Variances from I. Nursing diagnosis

wellness are
A. Databasedetermined by:
determined by
1. Identification and evaluation of potential or actual
correlations and
stressors that pose a threat to the stability of the
constraints
client/client systems.
2. Assessment of condition and strength of basic
structure factors and energy resources.
3. Assessment of characteristics of the flexible
and normal lines of defense, lines of resistance,
degree of potential reaction, reaction, and/or
Database potential for reconstitution following a reaction.
4. Identification, classification, and evaluation of
potential and/or actual intra-, inter-, and
extrapersonal interactions between the client and
environment, considering all five variables.
5. Evaluation of influence of past, present, and
possible future life process and coping patterns on
client system stability.
6. Identification and calculation of actual and potential
internal and external resources for optimal state of
Hypothetical wellness.
interventions are 7. Identification and resolution of perceptual
determined for differences between caregivers and client/client
prescriptive system.
change Note: In all of the above areas of consideration the
caregiver simultaneously considers five variables
(dynamic interactions in the client/client system)
physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
developmental, and spiritual.
B. Variances from wellnessdetermined by:
1. Synthesis of theory with client data to identify
the condition from which a comprehensive
diagnostic statement can be made. Goal
prioritization is determinded by client/client
system wellness level, system stability needs, and
total available resources to accomplish desired goal
outcomes.
2. Hypothetical goals and interventions postulated to
reach the desired client stability or wellness level,
that is, to maintain the normal line of defense and
retain the flexible line of defense, thus protecting
the basic structure.

(continued)
340 Appendices

TABLE C-1 (continued)

Nursing Goals

Caregiver inter- II. Nursing goalsdetermined by:

vention strategies A. Negotiations with the client for desired prescriptive
negotiated to change or goal outcomes to correct variances from
retain, attain, and wellness, based on classified needs and resources
maintain client/ identified in the nursing diagnosis.
client system B. Appropriate prevention-as-intervention strategies
Caregiver- stability are negotiated with the client for retention,
client/client attainment, and/or maintenance of client system
system stability as desired outcome goals. Theoretical
negotiation perspectives used for assessment and client
for data synthesis are analogous to those used for
prescriptive intervention.
change

Nursing Outcomes

Confirmation of III. Nursing outcomesdetermined by:

prescriptive A. Nursing intervention accomplished through use of
change or refor- one or more of three prevention-as-intervention
mulation of nursing modes:
goals 1. Primary prevention (action to retain system
stability)
2. Secondary prevention (action to attain system
stability)
3. Tertiary prevention (action to maintain system
stability), usually following secondary prevention
as intervention
Nursing Short-term outcomes B. Evaluation of outcome goals following intervention
intervention influence either confirms them or serves as a basis for
using one or intermediate and reformulation of subsequent goals based on systemic
more long-range goal feedback principles.
prevention-as- determination C. Intermediate and long-range goals for subsequent
intervention nursing action are structured in relation to short-term
modes goal outcomes.
D. Client goal outcome validates the nursing process.

Client outcome
validates nursing
process and acts
as feedback for
further systems
input as required

Copyright 1980 by Betty Neuman. Revised 1987 by Betty Neuman.

 Appendix C 341

TABLE C-2 Assessment and Intervention Tool Overview

Primary Prevention Secondary Prevention Tertiary Prevention

Stressorsa Stressorsa Stressorsa

Convert or potential Overt, actual, or known Overt, or residual
Possible convert
Reaction Reaction Reaction
Hypothetical or possible, Identified symptoms or known Hypothetical or known
based on available stress factors residual symptoms of
knowledge known stress factors
Assessment Assessment Assessment
Based on client assessment, Determined by nature and degree Determined by degree
experience, and theory of reaction of stability following
Risk or possible hazard Determine internal and external treatment and
based on client and available resources to resist the futher potential
caregiver perceptions reaction reconstitution for
Meaning of experience to Rationale for goalscollaborative possible regression
client goal setting with client factors
Lifestyle factors
Coping patterns (past,
present, possible)
Individual differences
identified
Intervention as prevention Intervention as treatment Intervention as reconstitution
Strengthen client flexible Wellness varianceovert Following treatment
line of defense symptomsnursing diagnosis Motivation
Client education and Need priority and related goals Education and
desensitization to Client strengths and weaknesses Reeducation
stressors related to the five client system Behavior modification
Stressor avoidance variables Reality orientation
Strengthen individual Shift of need priorities as client Progressive goal setting
resistance factors responds to treatment (primary
Optimal use of available
prevention needs and tertiary
internal and external
prevention may occur
resources
simultaneously with treatment
of secondary prevention) Maintenance of clients
optimal functional
Intervention in maladaptive
level
processes
Optimal use of internal and
external resources, such as
energy conservation, noise
reduction, and financial aid
a
Assessment should include information concerning the relationship of the four variablesphysiological, psychological,
sociocultural, and developmental. (Since 1989, a fifth variable has been addedspiritual.) Reproduced, with revision
(1987), from B. Neuman, The Betty Neuman Health Care Systems Model: A Total Approach to Patient Problems, in
Conceptual Models for Nursing Practice, edited by J. P. Riehl and C. Roy (New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1974).
342 Appendices

TABLE C-3 Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool: Client Assessment
and Nursing Diagnosis

Client
A. Intake Summary
1. Name_______________________________________
Age________________________________________
Sex________________________________________
Marital status________________________________
2. Referral source and related information.

B. Stressors as Perceived by Client (If client is incapacitated, secure data from family or other resources.)
1. What do you consider your major stress area, or areas of health concern? (Identify three areas.)
2. How do present circumstances differ from your usual pattern of living? (Identify lifestyle patterns.)
3. Have you ever experienced a similar problem? If so, what was that problem and how did you
handle it? Were you successful? (Identify past coping patterns.)
4. What do you anticipate for yourself in the future as a consequence of your present situation?
(Identify perceptual stressors, that is, reality versus distortionsexpectations, present and possible
future coping patterns.)
5. What are you doing and what can you do to help yourself? (Identify perceptual stressors, that is,
reality versus distortionsexpectations, present and possible future coping patterns.)
6. What do you expect caregivers, family, friends, or others to do for you? (Identify perceptual stressors,
that is, reality versus distortionsexpectations, present and possible future coping patterns.)

C. Stressors as Perceived by Caregiver

1. What do you consider your major stress area or areas of health concern? (Identify three areas.)
2. How do present circumstances differ from your usual pattern of living? (Identify lifestyle patterns.)
3. Have you ever experienced a similar problem? If so, what was that problem and how did you
handle it? Were you successful? (Identify past coping patterns.)
4. What do you anticipate for yourself in the future as a consequence of your present situation?
(Identify perceptual stressors, that is, reality versus distortionsexpectations, present and possible
future coping patterns.)
5. What are you doing and what can you do to help yourself? (Identify perceptual stressors, that is,
reality versus distortionsexpectations, present and possible future coping patterns.)
6. What do you expect caregivers, family, friends, or others to do for you? (Identify perceptual
stressors, that is, reality versus distortionsexpectations, present and possible future coping
patterns.)

D. Summary of Impressions of Stressors: Note any discrepancies or distortions between the client
perception and that of the caregiver related to the situation.
1. Intrapersonal Stressors
a. Physical (examples: degree of mobility, range of body function)
b. Psychosociocultural (examples: attitudes, values, expectations, behavior patterns, and nature of
coping patterns)

(continued)
 Appendix C 343

TABLE C-3 (continued)

c. Developmental (examples: age, degree of normalcy, stressors related to present situation)

d. Spiritual belief system (examples: hope and sustaining stressors)
2. Interpersonal Stressors
Examples are resources and relationship of family, friends, or caregivers that either influence or
could influence client/client system and caregiver perceptions.
3. Extrapersonal Stressors
Examples are resources and relationship of community facilities, finances, employment, or other
areas that either influence or could influence client/client system and caregiver perceptions, and
formation of a nursing diagnosis.

E. Formulation of a Comprehensive Nursing Diagnosis

This is accomplished by identifying and ranking the priority of needs based on total data obtained
from the clients perception, the caregivers perception, or other resources, such as laboratory reports,
other caregivers, or agencies. Appropriate theory is related to the above data.
Reassessment is a continuous process and is related to the effectiveness of intervention based on the
prior stated goals. Effective reassessment would include the following as they relate to the total client
situation:
1. Changes in nature of stressors and priority assignments
2. Changes in intrapersonal stressors
3. Changes in interpersonal stressors
4. Changes in extrapersonal stressors
In reassessment, it is important to note the change of priority of goals in relation to the primary,
secondary, and tertiary prevention-as-intervention categories. An assessment tool of this nature
should offer a current, progressive, and comprehensive analysis of the clients total circumstances and
relationship of the five client variables (physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and
spiritual) to environmental influences.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE OF THE ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION TOOL

Table C-3. Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool: Client
Assessment and Nursing Diagnosis
CATEGORY ABIOGRAPHICAL DATA

A-1. This section includes general biographical data. However, certain agencies may re-
quire additional data in this area.
A-2. Referral source and related information are important. They provide the back-
ground history of a client and make possible any contacts with those who inter-
viewed the client earlier. Requests from agencies for reciprocal relationships might
be recorded in this area.
344 Appendices

TABLE C-4 Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool: Summary
of Goals with Rationale

Primary Secondary Tertiary

Prevention Prevention Prevention
(Prevention of treatment) (Treatment) (Follow-up after treatment)
Immediate
Goals:
1.
2.
3.
Rationale:

Intermediate
Goals:
1.
2.
3.
Rationale:
Future
Goals:
1.
2.
3.
Rationale:

TABLE C-5 Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool: Intervention
Plan to Support Stated Goals

Primary Secondary Tertiary

Prevention Prevention Prevention

Date
Goalsa Goalsa Goalsa
1. 1. 1.
2. 2. 2.
3. 3. 3.
Intervention: Intervention: Intervention:
Outcome: Outcome: Outcome:
Comments: Comments: Comments:

a
Goals are stated in order of priority.
 Appendix C 345

TABLE C-6 Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool: Format
for Prevention as Intervention

Nursing Action

Primary Prevention Secondary Prevention Tertiary Prevention

1. Classify stressors that 1. Following stressor invasion, 1. During reconstitution,

threaten stability of the protect basic structure. attain and maintain
client/client system. Prevent 2. Mobilize and optimize maximum level of
stressor invasion. internal/external resources to wellness or stability
2. Provide information to retain attain stability and energy following treatment.
or strengthen existing conservation. 2. Educate, reeducate,
client/client systems 3. Facilitate purposeful and/or reorient as
strengths. manipulation of stressors needed.
3. Support positive coping and and reactions to stressors. 3. Support client/client
functioning. 4. Motivate, educate, and system toward
4. Desensitize existing or involve client/client system in appropriate goals.
possible noxious stressors. health care goals. 4. Coordinate and
5. Motivate toward wellness. 5. Facilitate appropriate integrate health
6. Coordinate and integrate treatment and intervention service resources.
interdisciplinary theories and measures. 5. Provide primary and/or
epidemiological input. 6. Support positive factors secondary preventive
7. Educate or reeducate. toward wellness. intervention required.
8. Use stress as a positive 7. Promote advocacy by
intervention strategy. coordination and
integration.
8. Provide primary preventive
intervention as required.

Note: A first priority for nursing action in each of the areas of prevention as intervention is to determine the
nature of stressors and their threat to the client/client system. Some general categorical functions for nursing
action are initiation, planning, organization, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, integrating, advocating,
supporting, and evaluating. An example of a limited classification system for stressors is illustrated by the
following four categories: (1) deprivation, (2) excess, (3) change, and (4) intolerance.

Copyright 1980 by Betty Neuman. Revised 1987 by Betty Neuman.

CATEGORY BSTRESSORS AS PERCEIVED BY CLIENT

B-1. It is important to find out how a client perceives or experiences his or her particu-
lar health situation or condition. By clarifying the clients perception, data are ob-
tained for optimal care planning.
B-2. The client should be encouraged to discuss how present lifestyle is related to past
or usual lifestyle patterns. A marked change may be significantly related to the
course of an illness or possible illness.
346 Appendices

B-3. This area relates to coping patterns. It is important to learn what similar conditions
may have existed in the past and how the client has coped with them. Such data
provide insight about the type of resources available that were mobilized to deal
with the situation. Past coping patterns may be significantly related to the present
situation, making possible certain predictions as to what a client may or may not be
able to accomplish based on system strengths and weaknesses. For example, symp-
toms of present loss might be exaggerated following unresolved past losses.
B-4. The area of client expectations is important in planning health care interventions.
Goals for care could be inappropriate if not based on clarification of how the client
perceives his or her situation or condition. For example, a client might erroneously
think the situation is terminal while the caregiver attempts to prepare the client for
living.
B-5. If the extent of client motivation to help him- or herself can be known, available in-
ternal and external resources can be more wisely used in the clients behalf.
B-6. The health care cost stressor can often be a source of stress for the client. Sufficient
data should be obtained from the client about the health care services the client
thinks are needed. However, the caregiver should bear in mind that the client fre-
quently requires help in determining what services are realistic and how they can
best facilitate wellness.

CATEGORY CSTRESSORS AS PERCEIVED BY CAREGIVER

The fact that caregivers have a perspective different from that of the client is considered
a positive stressor. Education, past experiences, values, personal biases, and unresolved
personal conflicts can, however, distort the caregivers clear conception of the clients ac-
tual condition. Category C was included to reduce this possibility. Questions 1 through 6
are essentially the same as those in Category B so that the clients perception can be com-
pared with the caregivers perception of the client. The interviewer should know the basis
for his or her own perceptions, as well as the clients, so that the reality of the clients sit-
uation or condition can be fairly accurately described in a summary of impressions.

CATEGORY DSUMMARY OF IMPRESSIONS OF STRESSORS AS PERCEIVED BY BOTH

CLIENT AND CAREGIVER

These categories deal with the intra-, inter-, and extrapersonal stressors. In order to assess
an individuals total situation or condition at any point, it is necessary to know the relation-
ships among internal environmental stressors, stressors occurring between the individual
and the environment and external environmental stressors that affect or could affect the in-
dividual. This set of questions attempts to clarify these relationships so that goal priorities
can be established.

CATEGORY ENURSING DIAGNOSIS

A clear, comprehensive statement of the client condition requires the reconciliation of per-
ceptual differences between client and caregiver. All pertinent aspects of client data must
be ordered according to need priority before appropriate client goals can be determined.
 Appendix C 347

Table C-4. Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool:

Summary of Goals with Rationale
Once the major problem has been defined in relation to all stressors affecting the client
situation or condition, further classification is needed. A decision must be made as to
what form of intervention should take priority. For example, if a reaction has not yet oc-
curred and the client has been assessed as being in a high-risk category, intervention
should begin at the primary prevention-as-intervention level. Moreover, one should be
able to state the logic or rationale for the intervention. If a reaction is noted on assess-
ment (i.e., symptoms are obvious), intervention should begin at the secondary preven-
tion level (treatment). When assessment is made following treatment, intervention
should begin at the tertiary prevention level (this is known as maintenance following
treatment).
By relating all stressors affecting the client, it is possible to determine fairly accurate-
ly what type of prevention intervention is needed (primary, secondary, or tertiary), as
well as the rationale to support the stated goals. At whatever point interventions are
begun, it is important to attempt to project possible future health care requirements.
These data may not be readily available on initial assessment but should be noted when
possible to provide a comprehensive and progressive view of the clients total condition.
It is important to relate this section of the assessment and intervention tool to the inter-
vention plan.

Table C-5. Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool:

Intervention Plan to Support Stated Goals
This portion of the Assessment and Intervention Tool is in the form of a worksheet that
provides progressive data about the type of intervention given, by goal, as listed and
ranked by priority. The type of interventions and their outcomes are noted. The comment
section might include data useful for future planning, such as new goal priorities based
on changes in the clients condition or responses and success or failure of past or present
intervention, or both. This format classifies each intervention in a consistent, progressive,
and comprehensive manner to which any caregiver can meaningfully relate. This process
of classifying data allows one to see the relationship of parts to the whole system thereby
reducing care fragmentation and costs.
Because there are conflicting views about how to arrive at and state the nursing di-
agnosis, it is important to provide such information for use of the Neuman Systems Model.
To date, no definitive or satisfactory answer has been offered to the question, How do you
use theory in making a nursing diagnosis based on the Neuman Systems Model?
In addition to the general problem of conflicting views on how the nursing diagno-
sis is arrived at and best stated, there are some specific stressors that contribute to a con-
fusing and faulty nursing diagnosis: (1) existing North American Nursing Diagnosis
Association (NANDA) diagnostic nomenclature does not fit the entirety of nursing mod-
els; (2) interpretation of client data may be faulty or information may be insufficient; and
(3) theory may not be explicitly used or it may be improperly related to client data. It is
more common for theory to be explicitly related to intervention than to assessment and
the nursing diagnosis.
348 Appendices

Table C-6Neuman Systems Model Assessment and Intervention Tool: Format

for Prevention as Intervention
This portion of the Assessment and Intervention Tool lists the actions that can be taken as
part of each prevention-as-intervention modality.

USING THE ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION TOOL:

A FAMILY CASE STUDY
To best resolve the nursing diagnosis dilemma in using the Neuman Systems Model and
the Neuman Systems Model Nursing Process Format (Table C-1), a brief family case study
is presented here. The case study is followed by an illustration of the way client data and
theory are synthesized into what is known as variance from wellness, that is, the differ-
ence from the normal or usual wellness condition. The areas of wellness variance, or
those of major concern that provide the basis for a wholistic and comprehensive nursing
diagnostic statement, include the entire client-family condition as a system. Since theory
is related to client data, defensible and logical client goals are readily determined from
the diagnostic statement for subsequent appropriate intervention, in order to retain, at-
tain, and maintain system stability or wellness. Theory appropriate to the nursing diag-
nostic statement also will be found to be relevant for nursing intervention.

The B Family
The B family moved from a metropolitan to a rural area, where Mr. B assumed the super-
intendents position at the local school district. Mrs. B had worked very hard at various
jobs to help her husband acquire his doctoral degree and to advance his career goals. She
had not wanted to make this move because of her mothers terminal bone cancer, which
would necessitate long trips every other weekend for family visits. At the time of the
move, Mr. and Mrs. B. were both in their late thirties and had two teenage daughters
(ages 14 and 16).
Mrs. B devoted all her time to family needs, keeping the home and environment im-
maculate. The family profile was one of happiness, togetherness, and religious centered-
ness, though there was little socialization in the home. Both daughters were obese and
shy, with social contacts only while at school. The younger daughter was in competition
with the older daughter, who was favored by the parents. There were frequent purchases
of the newest styles in clothing for all family members. A public image of the ideal prop-
er family prevailed.
Then, to supplement the family income, Mrs. B assumed a position in a nearby
dairy, rising early in the morning and riding to work with a close neighbor, Mrs. P, who
also worked there. Though all family members kept a low social profile, during their
year-and-a-half stay, the family had won the respect of all residents of the small village in
which they lived. Mr. B excelled in the school system.
During the winter preceding the elder daughters high school graduation and soon
following her eighteenth birthday, she suddenly told the family that she was in love
with the neighbors wife, the woman with whom Mrs. B rode to work. Following attempt-
ed violence toward Mrs. P, the mother collapsed and was hospitalized for hypoglycemic
shock; the elder daughter promptly moved into Mrs. Ps home, with her husband present.
 Appendix C 349

Two days following hospital discharge, Mrs. B attempted suicide with an overdose
of sleeping medication. Mrs. B improved to some degree because of counseling while
hospitalized. Neither the younger daughter nor Mr. B became involved, but rather continued
with usual school activities. The older daughter completed high school while continuing
to live across the street with Mrs. P, whose husband finally moved out of their residence.
She remained estranged from her family. Though the school system invited Mr. B to con-
tinue, he relinquished his position at the end of the school year, assuming a position near
Mrs. Bs mother, who died one week prior to their move. Mr. Bs major concern was that
he might lose his new position if the family crisis should become known. The younger
daughter became more withdrawn and the crisis remained essentially unresolved for all
family members. Since the family chose not to share their dilemma with distant family
members, there was no support from relatives, neighbors were immobilized, and there
was no appropriate follow-up therapeutic family intervention from the community agen-
cies. The family moved away and failed to keep contact with the villagers.

MAJOR STRESSORS FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER

1. Mr. Bloss of status

2. Mrs. Bquestionable mothering role and loss
3. Younger daughterunmet developmental needs
4. Older daughterunmet developmental needs

FAMILY PERCEPTION OF THEIR CONDITION

Mrs. P had unjustly invaded the B family system, creating the major crises that occurred.

CAREGIVER PERCEPTION OF THEIR CONDITION

The parents had failed to relate effectively to their daughters developmental needs and to
those of the family as a system.
Rigid family interaction patterns were considered a major causal stressor in the cri-
sis situation. Mr. B also failed to recognize and support the needs of his wife before and
after the crisis. Community resources failed to provide appropriate family intervention,
and unresolved family crises remained.

DETERMINATION OF THE NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Variance from wellness is first determined by the following synthesis or integration of the
database, with various appropriate theories (placed in parentheses in relation to analyses
of the database) as follows:

The familys past accumulated energy drain weakened the flexible line of defense, al-
lowing stressors to penetrate the solid or normal defense line of the family, causing
a series of near-fatal crises. A serious threat to the basic structure of the family exist-
ed for which there had been no previous coping mechanisms developed as internal
lines of resistance (crisis, systems, communication, and nursing process theories).
Social role and function as well as educational differences can influence family be-
havior. Integrating differing expectations, which can become internal and external
350 Appendices

stressors, into the intrafamily system is often difficult to accomplish while maintain-
ing family stability (role and systems theories). Unless individual needs are identi-
fied and met, family integrity may be jeopardized, especially when new coping
strategies are required (personality, developmental, change, and family theories).
Excessive energy was required to maintain the public image of Mr. B, while the
growth and development needs of the two daughters and their mother were gross-
ly compromised over the years (growth and development theory). The autocratic,
rigid family interaction patterns failed to allow for free expression of emotions, dif-
ferences, ideas, and individuation. The needs of one family part or member, Mr. B,
superseded the needs of the other three, creating a dysfunction of the family system
(systems and family theories).

VARIANCE FROM WELLNESS

1. Mothers suicide attempt

2. Fathers public image
3. Younger daughters immobilization
4. Older daughters abandonment

From the specific areas of variance from wellness (theory and database synthesis),
the following holistic and comprehensive nursing diagnostic statement was made:

Erosion of the family system because of the continuous, unresolved stressor of rigid
family rules to maintain Mr. Bs public image resulted in bankruptcy of family emotions and
energy, negating sustaining family communications during the crises.

Once a meaningful and comprehensive diagnostic statement of the overall situation

can be made, major areas for goal setting and subsequent intervention can logically be
determined and defended as required. The use of theory, then, is circular; that is, the
same theories used in determining major wellness variance also can be used for purpose-
ful outcome goals and intervention. Nurse professionalism is related to skill in synthesis
of established scientific theory with client data to frame an accurate client diagnostic
statement and present a logical, defensible justification for the decisions made.

REFERENCE
Neuman, B. (1974). The Betty Neuman health-care systems model: A total person ap-
proach to patient problems. In J. P. Riehl & C. Roy, Conceptual models for nursing
practice (pp. 99114). Norwalk, CT: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
 APPENDIX D
The Neuman Systems Model Research Institute
Eileen Gigliotti
Jacqueline Fawcett

The idea for a Neuman Systems Model Research Institute originated with a proposal by
Smith and Edgil (1995) for an Institute for the Study of the Neuman Systems Model. Their
proposal focused on an organizational strategy that would facilitate generation and test-
ing of middle-range theories derived from the Neuman Systems Model.

EVOLUTION OF THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Formal approval for the Research Institute was given by the Neuman Systems Model
Trustees at the 2003 Biennial Symposium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Gigliotti (2003)
then introduced the Research Institute and described the work that already had been
done by individual scholars and members of informal interest groups to advance under-
standing of various concepts of the Neuman Systems Model and to integrate the growing
body of literature about the use of the model in research, education, practice, and admin-
istration of nursing services.
Current work focuses on clarification of Neuman Systems Model concepts and their
usage in the research literature, as well as continuing to establish ties with the national
and international Neuman Systems Model research community. Toward that end, the first
Neuman Systems Model Think Tank was held in June 2008 in New York City. The
Trustees of Neuman Systems Model International, along with other invited researchers,
focused on the meaning of the concept of the basic structure/central core. The result of
dialogue was an expanded definition of this Neuman Systems Model concept, which is
given in Chapter 1 and Appendix A of this book.

Research Institute Grants and Fellowships

At the 2005 Biennial Symposium in Akron, Ohio, the Neuman Systems Model trustees
voted to establish Research Institute fellowships in an effort to build ties among re-
searchers using the Neuman Systems Model and further the work of generating middle-
range theories from the model. Caroleann Skalski and Louisa DiGerolamo were named
the first Research Institute fellows in recognition of their work to identify commonalities
among stressors in the Neuman Systems Modelbased research literature. Their work,
presented at the 2005 Biennial Symposium, as later published in the Journal of Advanced
Nursing (Skalski, DiGerolomo, & Gigliotti, 2006).
At a 2008 meeting of the Neuman Systems Model trustees in New York City, the pur-
pose and scope of the Research Institute fellowships were reexamined, and the trustees
voted to establish two distinct awardsthe Patricia Chadwick Neuman Systems Model
Research Grant and the John Crawford Neuman Systems Model Research Institute Fellow
Awards. The two awards are named for deceased trustee members of Neuman Systems
Model International (see Appendix E of this book).

351
352 Appendices

The purpose of the $1,000 Patricia Chadwick Neuman Systems Model Research
Grant is to fund a research project by a novice researcher that will lead to the develop-
ment of new nursing knowledge framed within the Neuman Systems Model. One grant is
awarded biennially.
The purpose of the John Crawford Neuman Systems Model Research Institute
Fellow Awards is to recognize outstanding contributions to the use of the Neman Systems
Model as a research model. Up to five $100 awards are given biennially.
Information about the two types of awards is available on the Neuman Systems
Model Web site (http://neumansystemsmodel.org/) and in Boxes D-1 and D-2.

BOX D-1
John Crawford Fellowship Award Announcement

THE JOHN CRAWFORD NEUMAN Application to include 5 copies of the

SYSTEMS MODEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE following materials:
FELLOW AWARD
1. Nomination: Must include a formal
Purpose: The purpose of this award is to statement by a nominator who is
recognize an outstanding contribution to knowledgeable about the use of the
use of the NSM as a research model. NSM as a research model (nominators
NSM background statement neces-
Funding: Up to five $100 NSM Research sary). This statement must address the
Fellow Awards will be made. above eligibility criteria.
Eligibility: 2. Agreement to present at the next
1. Educational and/or experiential prepa- NSM symposium: Applicant must
ration in use of the NSM sign the agreement to present the
2. Contribution to use of the NSM as a work if award is made. Note that
research model symposium registration fees will be
3. Potential for future contribution to the waived but all other expenses are the
NSM Research Institute responsibility of the applicant. As
4. The fellow must be nominated by an noted above, in the event that the
NSM Trustee or a person knowledge- Fellow cannot attend the symposium,
able in use of the NSM as a research arrangements must be made by the
model. Fellow to have his/her work presented
5. The fellow must agree to present by a symposium attendee.
his/her work at the next NSM sympo- 3. Biographical Sketch: (No CVs
sium. Symposium Fees will be waived accepted):
but the fellow must cover travel ex- Education (institution/location, de-
penses. In the event that the Fellow gree, year conferred, field of study)
cannot attend the symposium, arrange- Interest/work accomplished in use
ments must be made by the Fellow to of the NSM as a research model
have his/her work presented by a sym- Current employment title and
posium attendee. organization
 Appendix D 353

Neuman Systems Model Background: Send applications to:

should include applicants education
Professor Eileen Gigliotti
and experience in using the NSM in-
Department of Nursing,
cluding any prior projects (research,
College of Staten Island, City University
education and/or practice).
of New York 2800 Victory Blvd.,
Staten Island, NY 10314
Direct all questions to Professor Gigliotti at
gigliotti@mail.csi.cuny.edu

Consultation Services
Members of the Research Institute are available for consultation and can be contacted via
an e-mail link on the Neuman Systems Model Web site (http://www.neumansystemsmod-
el.org). For example, Dr. Eileen Gigliotti visited Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir, Turkey,

BOX D-2
Patricia Chadwick Research Grant Award Announcement

THE PATRICIA CHADWICK NEUMAN candidates committee and a letter of

SYSTEMS MODEL RESEARCH GRANT support from the advisor must be
attached.
Purpose: The purpose of this research
grant is to fund a research project, by a 3. The awardee must sign the agreement
novice researcher (see below), that will lead to present his/her findings at the next
to the development of new nursing knowl- NSM symposium, if the award is made.
edge framed within the NSM. In the event that the awardee cannot
be present, it is the responsibility of the
Award Cycle: This is a biennial award. The awardee to make arrangements with
work accomplished must presented at the an attendee to present his/her work.
next NSM Symposium, where the awardee Symposium fees will be waived but the
will be formally recognized. awardee must cover travel expenses.
Completed proposals/documentation must be 4. Award will be made based on the pro-
submitted no later than June 1 of even-numbered posed contribution to the NSM of the
years. candidates project and his/her back-
ground with use of the NSM.
Funding: One $1000 grant will be award-
ed. A proposed budget and budget agree- Send applications to:
ment must be attached. Professor Eileen Gigliotti
Eligibility Department of Nursing,
College of Staten Island, City University
1. The awardee must be a novice re-
of New York 2800 Victory Blvd.,
searcher (e.g., doctoral candidate or
Staten Island, NY 10314
within 3 years after graduation from a
Direct all questions to Professor Gigliotti at
research doctoral program).
gigliotti@mail.csi.cuny.edu
2. If a doctoral candidate, the proposal
must have been accepted by the
354 Appendices

in July 2008 to provide consultation regarding use of the Neuman Systems Model as a re-
search model. She is currently working with a doctoral student from Dokuz Eylul
University to provide an example of a nonphysiologically based basic structure/central
core response. Interested researchers who would like to become active within the
Neuman Systems Model Research Institute should contact Dr. Gigliotti via the Web site
e-mail link for information.

REFERENCES
Gigliotti, E. (2003). The Neuman systems model institute: Testing middle-range theories.
Nursing Science Quarterly, 16, 201206.
Skalski, C., DiGerolomo, L., & Gigliotti, E. (2006). Stressors in five client populations:
Neuman systems model-based literature review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 56,
6978.
Smith, M. C., & Edgil, A.E. (1995). Future directions for research with the Neuman systems
model. In B. Neuman (Ed.), The Neuman systems model (3rd ed., pp. 509517).
Norwalk, CT: Appleton & Lange.
 APPENDIX E
Trustees of Neuman Systems Model International
Betty Neuman

When the Neuman Systems Model was first published, it was intended for nursing; I
thought that if it proved valuable, the profession would recognize the fact and further de-
velop, refine, and nurture it. Until such time as it either proved or disproved its utility, I
considered myself a servant of the model, shepherding it during the struggles of its early
years. My goal was to provide visibility through attempts to clarify its concepts, develop
tools for its use, and motivate and network with those who were using or planned to use
it, until it reached maturity. My hope is that the nursing profession, in its continuing ef-
forts to be creative with the Neuman Systems Model, will preserve the integrity and iden-
tity of the model in future development and utilization of its concepts. The model is now
used worldwide, providing new parameters, concepts, and terminology for nursing and
other health disciplines appropriate for the 21st century.
I am most appreciative of the work of many fine people who in various ways have
facilitated the visibility and mature state of the model. Much time, talent, faith, pioneering
spirit, effort, and nurturance was required for it to withstand the test of time in proving its
value for organizing health care activities and giving direction for high quality care.
The model is now officially placed with the Trustees of the Neuman Systems Model
International, whose internalization of the model components, competency, and dedica-
tion offer assurance that the model will live on. The Neuman Systems Model Trustees
Agreement follows.

THE NEUMAN SYSTEMS MODEL TRUSTEES AGREEMENT

Betty Neuman

Purpose
The purpose of this Neuman Systems Model Trustees Agreement, established in the fall of
1988 by the Trustor, Betty M. Neuman, RN, PhD, is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate
the integrity of the model for the future of nursing.

Membership
The membership will be called The Neuman Systems Model Trustees Group, Inc., and
will initially include professional nurses from the United States and other countries who
for the past two years have been committed to and engaged in the development or use of
the Neuman Systems Model. Upon resignation, the current member may appoint a suc-
cessor with the above qualifications for majority-vote acceptance by the current member-
ship group. A two-thirds vote is required for decision making.

Functions
1. Present or facilitate presentation of the model and its usage at conferences and
meetings.
355
356 Appendices

2. Achieve unanimous agreement on any future permanent changes in the original

Neuman Systems Model diagram.
3. Consult or provide consultation activities for nursing education and practice imple-
mentation.
4. Provide information, networking, and support to those requiring or requesting it.
5. Trustee member sharing and updating of information and activities related to the
model on a continuing basis with a commitment to its further development.
6. Plan, promote, and conduct national and international conferences on the Neuman
Systems Model.
7. Establish by-laws or protocol for Trustee Group membership involvement as required
for continued functional relevancy.

Active Membership
Current and former Neuman Systems Model International Trustees, as of August 2009, are
listed here.

Current Trustees (as of August 2009)

Betty Neuman, Founder/Director: Box 77, Watertown, OH 45787. Telephone/ fax 740-
749-3322
Lois W. Lowry, President (1988): 500 Lentz Landing La., Nebo, NC 28761,USA. (H) 828-
659-8249; cellphone 828-460-3528; (e-mail) doclowryrn@verizon.net
Michael Tarko, President-Elect (1999): 1025 Chilco St., Penthouse 301, Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada, V6G2R7. (H) 604-682-7035; (W) 604-777-6400; (fax) 604-
777-6500; (e-mail) mtarko@jibc.ca
Eileen Gigliotti, Immediate Past President (2003): 704 Ocean Terr., Staten Island, NY
10301, USA. (H) 718-273-8895; (W) 718-982-3819; (fax) 718-273-8895; (e-mail)
gigliotti@mail.csi.cuny.edu
Diana M. Newman, Secretary (1998): 33 Shore Rd., Plymouth, MA 02360, USA. (H/fax)
508-833-4694; (W) 617-879-5040; (e-mail) dianadoc@comcast.net; diana.newman@
mcphs.edu.
Sarah Beckman, Treasurer (2002): Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne,
2101 East Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN46805 USA. (W) 260-481-6274; (Secretary)
260-481-6284; (fax) 260-481-6482; (e-mail) beckmans@ipfw.edu
Diane Breckenridge (1988): 608 Creek La., Flourtown, PA, 19031, USA. (H) 215-836-
2193; (W) 215-481-5539; (W) 215-951-1771; (fax) 215-836-2194; (e-mail) dbrecken-
ridge@amh.org or Breckenridge@lasalle.edu
Barbara Cammuso (1995): 6 Westport Dr., Shrewsbury, MA 01545, USA. (H) 508-842-
3579; (W) 978-665-3365; (fax) 508-845-9402; (e-mail) bcammuso@fsc.edu
Jacqueline Fawcett (1988): PO Box 1156, Waldoboro ME, 04572, USA. (H) 207-832-7398;
(W) 617-287-7539; (fax) 617-287-7527; (e-mail) jacqueline.fawcett@umb.edu
Barbara T. Freese (1995): 200 Greenville St., Abbeville, SC 29620, USA. (H) 864-366-
6232; (fax) 864-388-8122; (e-mail) bfreese@lander.edu
Karen Reed Gehrling (1988), 10631 Scotney, N.W., Uniontown, OH 44685, USA. (H)
330-966-0756; (W) 330-471-8163; (e-mail) kgehrling@malone.edu
Marlou de Kuiper (1997), Karperstraut 36, 3525 CB Utrecht, Holland. (H) 030 267 6681;
(W) 31-30-254-7528; (e-mail) marlou.dekuiper@hu.nl
 Appendix E 357

Theresa Lawson (2009): 5 Forest Glenn Ct., Pelzer, SC 29669, USA. (H) 864-341-1152;
(W) 864-388-8273; (e-mail) tlawson@lander.edu
Margaret Louis (1988): 2479 Walsh Glen Ct., Henderson, NV 89052, USA. (H) 702-269-
6768; (W) 702-895-3812; (fax) 702-895-4807; (e-mail) Margaret.louis@unlv.edu
Betsy M. McDowell (2002): 131 Annie Dr., Ninety Six, SC 29666, USA. (H) 864-543-5283;
(e-mail) betsy.mcdowell@newberry.edu
Rae Jeanne Memmott (1988): 795 E550 N. Lindon, UT 84042, USA. (H) 801-796-7762;
(W) 801-422-7210; (fax) 801-422-0536; (e-mail) rae_jeanne_memmott@byu.edu
Andre Merks (2009): Poolsterstraat 16, 4356BT Oostkapelle, The Netherlands. (W ) +31
113267235; (e-mail) merks@emergis.nl
Barbara Fulton Shambaugh (1993): 77 Pond Ave., Suite 1501, Brookline, MA, USA
02445. (H) 617-566-6029; (fax) 617-731-0368; (e-mail) bjreader@aol.com
Janet Sipple (1988), 4741 Cheryl Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18017, USA. (H) 610-865-2003; (W)
610-861-1608; (fax) 610-625-7779; (pager) 610-606-3602; (e-mail) sipplej@mora-
vian.edu
Kathleen O. Vito (2005): 1122 Rainbow Cir., Pittsgrove, NJ 08318, USA. (H) 856-358-6308;
(e-mail) drkvito@yahoo.com;kathleen or Vito@stockton.edu or kvito@cshealth.org
Neuman Web site: http://neumansystemsmodel.org(e-mail Betsy Mc Dowell at betsy.
mcdowell@newberry.edu)

Former Trustees
Patricia Aylward: 210 NE 8th Ave., High Springs, FL 32643, USA. (H) 386-454-5358; (fax)
386-454-5288; (e-mail) Pataylward@aol.com
Charlene Beynon: Research, Education, Evaluation & Development Services, Middlesex-
London Heath Unit, 50 King St., London, Ontario N6A5L7, Canada. (H) 519-473-
1743; (W) 519-663-5317 ext. 2484; (fax) 519-432-9430; (e-mail) cbeynon@uwo.ca or
Charlene.beynon@mlhu.on.ca
Cynthia Capers: College of Nursing, University of Akron, 209 Carroll St., Akron, OH,
44325-3701, USA. (H) 330-867-4377; (W) 330-972-7552; (fax) 330-972-5737; (e-mail)
capers@uakron.edu
Patricia Chadwick EdD, RN (deceased)
Nahn Chang
Veronica Connors
Dorothy Craig: 424 Martin Grove Rd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M9B4M2. (H) 416-626-
3529; (e-mail) Dorothy.craig@utoronto.ca
John Crawford, RPN, BA, MA, PH D (Deceased)
Linda Drew
Gerry Green
Kathleen Heslin
Patricia Hinton-Walker
Jean Kelly
Audrey Koertvelessy
Louise Matte-Lewis
Rosalie Mirenda: 461 Spring Valley Rd., Media, PA 19063, USA. (H) 610-565-2904; (W)
610-558-5501; (fax) 610-558-5643; (e-mail) rmirenda@neumann.edu
Dorothy Mrkonich
358 Appendices

Jan Russell (1988): 6726 Fontana, Prairie Village, KS 66208, USA. (H) 913-362-6481; (W)
816-235-1713; (fax) 816-235-1701; (e-mail) russellj@umkc.edu
Raphella Sohier: 12 Tweevoetjesweg, Bilzen, 3740 Belgium. (W ) 011-32-89-51-55-35
Mary Colette Smith
Eleanor Stittich

Neumann University Archives

For Neumann University Web site changes contact Lisa Cadorette by e-mail at
cadoretL@neumann.edu
Sr. Marie Therese Carr: Neumann University Archives, 322 MB, One Neumann Dr.,
Aston PA, 19014-1298, USA. (W) 610 558-5206; (fax) 610-459-1370; (e-mail)
carrm@neumann.edu
 APPENDIX F1
Use of the Neuman Systems Model as a Guide
for Nursing Education
Betty Neuman
Lois Lowry
Jacqueline Fawcett

Publications and anecdotal reports reveal that the Neuman Systems Model has been used
successfully as a guide for curriculum construction and revision in various types of nurs-
ing education programs in the United States and other countries, as well as a guide for
continuing education and in-service education programs. The first program to adopt the
Neuman Systems Model as a curricular framework was St. Xavier College in Chicago in
1974. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, many baccalaureate and associate degree
programs in the United States adopted the model. Additionally, programs in several other
countries have adopted the model as a curricular framework (Lowry, 2002). Over the
years, some of the programs have moved to a more eclectic approach that combines con-
cepts from other models with some Neuman Systems Model concepts, such as stress, sys-
tems, and primary prevention.
The names of the schools in which the Neuman Systems Model has been used at
some time are listed here. A list of educational programs currently using the Neuman
Systems Model Appears in Table F-1. The Neuman Systems Model has also been used to
guide development of a physical therapy curriculum (Lowry, 2002; Toot & Schmoll, 1995).

PUBLICATIONS
Practical Nursing Programs
Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville, Florida (Neuman, 1995)
Texas Womans University, Houston (Gerontic Nursing) (Gunter, 1982; Lowry, 2002)

Associate Degree Nursing Programs

Athens Area Technical Institute, Athens, Georgia (Lowry, 2002; Lowry & Newsome,
1995)
Cecil Community College, North East, Maryland (Johnson, 1989; Lowry, 1986, 1988,
1998, 2002; Lowry & Green, 1989; Lowry & Jopp, 1989; Lowry & Newsome, 1995;
Strickland-Seng et al., 1996)
Central Florida Community College, Ocala, Florida (Lowry, 2002)
Contra Costa College, San Pablo, California (personal communication, Rita
Ruderman, April 20, 2001)
Indiana UniversityPurdue University at Fort Wayne (Beckman et al., 1998a, 1998b;
Freiburger, 1998; Lowry, 2002; Lowry & Green, 1989; Lowry & Newsome, 1995)
Los Angeles County Medical Center School of Nursing, Los Angles, California (Bloch &
Bloch, 1995; Hilton & Grafton, 1995; Lowry, 2002)

359
360 Appendices

TABLE F-1 Current Use of Neuman Systems Model by Nursing Education Programs

College/University Level of Date of Model

Education Adoption

Anna Maria College; Paxton, MA BS, MS 1980

Athens Area Technical Institute; Athens, GA AD 1990
California State University; Channel Islands, Ventura, CA BS 2002
California State University; Fresno, CA BS, MS 1989
Cecil Community College; North East, MD AD 1981
Central Florida Community College; Oceola, FL AD 1994
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, Orlando, FL BS 2002
Holy Names College; Oakland, CA BS 2004
Gult Coast Community College; Panama City, FL PN, AD 2000
Fitchburg State College; Fitchburg, MA BS 1992
Holy Names College; Oakland, CA BS 1994
Indiana University-Purdue University; Ft. Wayne, IN AD/BS 1984
Lander University; Greenwood, SC BS 1985
Loma Linda University; Loma Linda, CA BS, MS 1992
Los Angeles County Medical Center; Los Angeles, CA AD 1989
Louisiana College; Pineville, LA BS 1984
Mansfield College; Mansfield, PA BS 1987
Minnesota Intercollegiate Consortium; St. Olaf, MN BS 1986
Neumann College; Aston, PA BS 1980
Nova Southeastern University; Ft. Lauderdale, FL BS 2000
Santa Fe Community College; Gainesville, FL PN, AD 1985
Seattle Pacific College; Seattle, WA BS 1982
Southern Adventist University; Collegedale, TN AD 1999
St. Anselms College; Manchester, NH BS 1985
Texas Womans University; Houston, TX BS only 1979
University of Nevada; Las Vegas, NV BS, MS only 1979
University of Tennessee; Martin, TN BS 1989
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Dutch Reformed University; Zwolle, Holland BS 1997
 Appendix F1 361

Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville, Florida (Lowry, 2002; Lowry & Green,
1989; Lowry & Newsome, 1995; Neuman, 1995; Sutherland & Forrest, 1998)
Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tennessee (Lowry, 2002)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Louis et al., 1989; Lowry, 2002; Lowry & Green,
1989)
Yakima Valley Community College, Yakima, Washington (Evans, 1998; Lowry, 2002;
Lowry & Newsome, 1995)

Baccalaureate Nursing Programs

Anna Maria College, Paxton, Massachusetts (see Cammuso, Silveri, & Remijan in
Section Four of this book)
Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark (Johansen, 1989; Lowry, 2002)
Avon and Gloucestershire College of Health, School of Nursing, Avon, England
(Child care curriculum) (Vaughan & Gough, 1995)
Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada (Practicum courses) (Craig, 1995;
Lowry, 2002)
California State University in Fresno (Lowry, 2002; Stittich et al., 1989, 1995)
Douglas College Department of Psychiatric Nursing, British Columbia, Canada (see
Tarko & Helewka in Section Four of this book)
Dutch Reformed University Department of Nursing, Zwolle, Holland (de Kupier,
2002)
Escola Superior De Enfermagem De Maria Fernanda Resende, Lisbon, Portugal
(Neuman, 1995)
Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, Massachusetts (Nursing Process with Families/
Groups in Communities course) (Cammuso & Wallen, 2002)
Indiana UniversityPurdue University at Fort Wayne (see Beckman, Lowry, &
Boxley-Harges in Section Four of this book)
Lander University, Greenwood, South Carolina (Hasell, 1998; Lowry, 2002; Reed-
Sorrow et al., 1989; Sipple & Freese, 1989)
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California (see Burns in Section Four of this
book)
Minnesota Intercollegiate Nursing Consortium: College of St. Catherine, St. Paul;
Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter; St. Olaf College, Northfield (Glazebrook,
1995; Mrkonich, Hessian et al., 1989; Lowry, 2002; Mrkonich, Miller et al., 1989;
Reed-Sorrow et al., 1989)
Neumann College, Aston, Pennsylvania (Lowry, 2002; Mirenda, 1986; Strickland-
Seng et al., 1996)
North DakotaMinnesota Nursing Education Consortium (Tri-College University):
Moorhead State University, Moorhead, Minnesota; Concordia College, Moorhead,
Minnesota; North Dakota State University, Fargo (Lowry, 2002; Nelson et al., 1989)
Okanagan University, British Columbia, Canada (Beddome, 1995; Lowry, 2002)
Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada (Laschinger et al., 1989; Lowry, 2002)
Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Community Health
Nursing course) (Craig, 1995)
362 Appendices

Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire (Beyea & Matzo, 1989; Bruton &
Matzo, 1989; Busch & Lynch, 1998; Lowry, 2002)
Saint Xavier College, Chicago, Illinois (Lebold & Davis, 1980, 1982; Lowry, 2002)
Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts (Edwards & Kittler, 1991)
State University of New York at Brockport (Weitzel & Wood, 1998)
Texas Womans University, Houston, Texas (Gerontic Nursing) (Gunter, 1982; Lowry,
2002)
Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska (Beitler et al., 1980)
University College of Caring Sciences, Eskilstuna, Sweden (Primary Health in
Nursing courses) (Engberg, 1995; Lowry, 2002)
University College of Health Sciences, Jnkping, Sweden (Primary Health in
Nursing courses) (Engberg, 1995; Lowry, 2002)
University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Craig, 1995; Lowry, 2002)
University of MissouriKansas City (Conners, 1982, 1989; Lowry, 2002)
University of Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada (Craig, 1995; Lowry,
2002)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Louis et al., 1989; Lowry, 2002)
University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Community Health Nursing,
Occupational Health Nursing, Nursing Management of the At Risk Gravida During
Antepartum and Intrapartum, Nursing Management of the Neonate at Risk courses)
(Bourbonnais & Ross, 1985; Craig, 1995; Lowry, 2002; Ross et al., 1987; Story &
Ross, 1986)
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Knox et al., 1982; Kilchenstein &
Yakulis, 1984; Lowry, 2002)
University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
(Craig, 1995; Lowry, 2002)
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Psychiatric Nursing
course) (Craig, 1995; Dyck et al., 1989; Lowry, 2002; Peternelj-Taylor & Johnson, 1996)
University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia (Lowry, 2002; McCulloch, 1995)
University of Tennessee at Martin (Strickland-Seng, 1995, 1998; Lowry, 2002)
University of Texas at Tyler (Klotz, 1995; Lowry, 2002)
University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Craig, 1995; Lowry, 2002)
University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada (Community Health
Nursing course) (Craig, 1995)
University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Family and Community Health
Nursing courses) (Craig, 1995; Lowry, 2002)
University of Wyoming, Laramie (Dale & Savala, 1990; Nichols et al., 1989)

Masters Degree Nursing Programs

California State University, Fresno (Lowry, 2002; Nuttall et al., 1998; Stittich et al., 1989)
Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, Massachusetts (forensic nursing) (Cammuso &
Wallen, 2002)
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio (Nursing Service Administration Program) (Lowry,
2002; Neuman & Wyatt, 1980)
Northwestern State University, Shreveport, Louisiana (Lowry, 2002; Moxley & Allen,
1982)
 Appendix F1 363

Texas Womans University, Dallas and Houston, Texas (Conners et al., 1982;
Johnson et al., 1982; Lowry, 2002; Neuman, 1995; Tollett, 1982)
University of MissouriKansas City (Conners, 1982, 1989; Lowry, 2002)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Louis et al., 1989; Lowry, 2002)
University of Texas at Tyler (Klotz, 1995; Lowry, 2002)
Continuing Nursing Education/Inservice Nursing Education (Baker, 1982a, 1982b;
Capers, 1986; Engberg et al., 1995; Harty, 1982; Roberts, 1994; Story & DuGas,
1988)

ANECDOTAL REPORTS (NEUMAN, 2002)

Akureye University, Baccalaureate Nurse Program, Akureye, Iceland
Auburn University, Baccalaureate Nurse Program, Auburn, Alabama
Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina
Bowie State University, RN-BSN Completion and Master Program, Bowie, Maryland
Daemen College, RN-BSN Completion Program, Amherst, New York
Delta State University, Cleveland, Mississippi
East Tennessee State University in the Department of Professional Roles/Mental
Health Nursing
Escola Superior De Enfermagem Maria Fernanda Resende, Lisbon, Portugal
Indiana Wesleyan College Marion, Indiana Baccalaureate and Masters Program level
Community Health
Gulf Coast University, Panama City, Florida, Associate Degree Program
Linn-Benton College, Associate Degree in Nursing, Albany, Oregon
The Los Angeles County USC Medical Center School of Nursing, Associate Degree in
Nursing, Los Angeles, California
Louisiana College, Baccalaureate Nurse Program, Pineville, Louisiana
Mansfield University, Baccalaureate Nurse Program, Mansfield, Pennsylvania
Maribor University, Baccalaureate Nurse Program, Maribor, Slovenia
McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana (trilevel nurse program and a
four-school intercollegiate consortium program for a master of science in nursing)
Milligan College, Milligan College, Tennessee, Baccalaureate Program
Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Washington
Tri-County College Nursing Consortium (State University of North Dakota in Wells
Fargo, North Dakota, and Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota)
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
University of Guam, Baccalaureate Nurse Program, Mangilao, Guam
University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
University of Puerto Rico, San Juan
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
University of Tennessee at Martin, Department of Nursing, Baccalaureate Nurse
Program, Martin, Tennessee
William Rainey Harper College, Associate Degree Nurse Program, Palatine, Illinois
Veterans General Hospital Nursing, Taipei, Taiwan
Yang Ming Medical College, Taiwan
364 Appendices

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 APPENDIX F2
Use of the Neuman Systems Model as a Guide
for Nursing Services
Betty Neuman
Jacqueline Fawcett

The utility of the Neuman Systems Model in nursing service administration has been well
documented. According to Sanders and Kelley (2002), who reported the results of an inte-
grative review of the literature addressing use of the model as a guide for nursing services:

The clarity, simplicity, and generalizability of the Neuman Systems Model is demon-
strated by the frequency with which it has been implemented in clinical agencies as a frame-
work for both administrative and clinical practice. . . . The use of the Neuman Systems Model
in clinical practice agencies has been as pervasive in other countries as in the United States.
Second only to the United States, Canada has adopted the Neuman Systems Model as the
nursing model of choice for guiding nursing practice in a variety of health care agencies.
(pp. 280, 283)

Publications and anecdotal reports have revealed that the Neuman Systems Model
has been implemented successfully at the unit or organization level in many countries.
The list of known health care organizations that have used the Neuman Systems Model is
given here. See also Chapters 16, 19, and 20 of this book.

PUBLICATIONS
Allied Home Health Association, San Diego, California (Pinkerton, 1974)
Mount Sinai Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut (Caramanica & Thibodeau, 1987, 1989;
Craig & Beynon, 1996; Moynihan, 1990)
Kuakini Health Care System, Honolulu, Hawaii (Craig & Beynon, 1996)
Francis Ashbury Manor United Methodist Homes, Ocean Grove, New Jersey
(Schlentz, 1993)
Senior Health Service Community Nursing Center, University of Rochester,
Rochester, New York (Dwyer et al., 1995)
Chester Community Nursing Center, Chester, Pennsylvania (Reitano, 1997)
Community nursing center in eastern Pennsylvania (Newman, 2005)
Friends Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Scicchitani et al., 1995)
Hospital-Based Community Case Management Program, Sedgwick County, Kansas
Collington Episcopal Life Care Community, Mitchellville, Maryland (Rodriguez,
1995)
Childrens Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan (Torakis, 2002; Torakis &
Smigielski, 2000)
Allegiance Health, Southern Michigan (see Burnett & Johnson-Crisanti in Section Six
of this book)
Jefferson Davis Memorial Hospital, Natchez, Mississippi (Craig & Beynon, 1996;
Hinton-Walker & Raborn, 1989)
370
 Appendix F2 371

Riverside Methodist Hospital, Ohio (see Kinder, Napier, Rubertino, Surace, &
Burkholder in Section Six of this book)
Hospice of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Echlin, 1982)
Whitby Psychiatric Hospital, Whitby, Ontario, Canada (Craig & Beynon, 1996; Craig &
Morris-Coulter, 1995)
Geriatric Day Hospital, Parkwood Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada (Neuman,
1995)
Middlesex-London Health Unit, Public Health Nursing Division, Ontario, Canada
(Beynon, 1995; Craig, 1995; Craig & Beynon, 1996; Drew et al., 1989; Mytka &
Beynon, 1994)
ElginSt. Thomas Health Unit, Public Health Nursing Division, St. Thomas, Ontario,
Canada (Craig, 1995)
Regional Neonatal Education Program of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
(Dunn & Trpanier, 1989)
Elizabeth Bruyere Health Center, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Craig & Beynon, 1996;
Felix et al., 1995; Neuman, 1995)
Manitoba Department of Health, Manitoba, Canada (Drew et al., 1989)
St. Joseph Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland (Craig & Beynon, 1996)
Burford Community Hospital, Oxfordshire, England (Johns, 1991)
Queen Alexandra Hospital, Intensive Therapy Unit, Portsmouth, England (Fulbrook,
1991)
Paediatric Unit, Royal Infirmary, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (Kenyon & Barnett,
2001)
Community Psychiatric Nursing Practice: Breconshire, Powys, Wales; Ystradgynlais,
Powys, Wales (Davies, 1989; Davies & Proctor, 1995)
Emergis, The Institute for Mental Health Care, Zeeland, Holland (de Munck &
Merks, 2002; see also Merks, van Tilburg, & Lowry in Section Six of this book)
Riagg Zuid Hollandse Eilanden (An agency for ambulatory mental health patients),
Holland (Verbeck, 1995)
Rykov Hospital, Jnkping, Sweden (Craig & Beynon, 1996)
Primary Health Care Center, Savsjo, Sweden (Engberg, 1995)

ANECDOTAL REPORTS (NEUMAN, 2002)

Nurse-Managed Clinics
Lander University, Greenwood, South Carolina
Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Indiana
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service Health Care Program

Health Care Organizations

Tripler General Army Medical Center, selected nursing service areas, Honolulu, Hawaii
Anderson Hospital, Nursing Service, Marysville, Illinois
St. Patricks Hospital, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Area Medical Center, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Rural Health Program, Lake Charles, Louisiana
372 Appendices

West Calcasieu-Cameron Hospital Nursing Service, Sulphur, Louisiana

University of Maryland, Baltimore, Institute for Emergency Medical ServicesCritical
Care Unit, Baltimore, Maryland
The Collington Care Retirement Community Nursing Service and Clinic, Hyattsville,
Maryland
Boston City Health Department, Boston, Massachusetts
St. Luke Hospital, Nursing Service, Fargo, North Dakota
South West Medical Center Nursing Service, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oregon State Psychiatric Hospital Nursing Service, Salem, Oregon
Mercy Catholic Medical Center, Fitzgerald Mercy Division, Darby, Pennsylvania
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Neonatal Clinical Care Unit, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
Altoona Hospital, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Oklahoma State Department of Public Health, Public Health Nursing Service,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Mountain View Hospital, Nursing Service, Madras, Oregon
Methodist Central Hospitals, Memphis, Tennessee
Childrens National Medical Center (personal communication to J. Fawcett, July 2008)
Juan de Fuca Hospitals, Victoria, British Columbia
Community Health Program, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Centre de Sante, Elizabeth Bruvere Health Center (tertiary care), Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada
Riverside Acute Care Hospital Nursing Service, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Peterborough Civic Hospital, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
Chedoke-McMaster Hospital, Ontario, Canada
Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Victoria Hospital, Ontario, Canada
University Hospital of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Psychiatric Centers for Interdisciplinary Care Continuity, Holland
WHO Collaborative Center for Primary Health Care Nursing, Maribor, Slovenia

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 APPENDIX G
Neuman Systems Model Bibliography
and Web Site Information
Jacqueline Fawcett

Neuman Systems Model Web site: http://www.neumansystemsmodel.org

Neuman Systems Model Archives
Sr. Marie Therese Carr, Archivist
CARRM@neumann.edu
Neumann University
One Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 19014-1298
http://www.neumann.edu/academics/undergrad/nursing/archives.asp

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Dissertation Abstracts International, 50, 1328B.
Thornhill, B. E. (1986). A Q-analysis of stressors in the primipara during the immediate
postpartal period. Dissertation Abstracts International, 47, 135B.
Underwood, P. W. (1986). Psychosocial variables: Their prediction of birth complications
and relation to perception of childbirth. Dissertation Abstracts International, 47, 997B.
Vincent, J. L. M. (1988). A Q analysis of the stressors of fathers with an infant in an inten-
sive care unit. Dissertation Abstracts International, 49, 3111B.
398 Appendices

Wallom, B. L. L. (2000). Coping behaviors and drug use among fifth- and sixth-grade stu-
dents. Dissertation Abstracts International, 61, 3076A.
Watson, L. A. (1991). Comparison of the effects of usual, support, and informational nurs-
ing interventions on the extent to which families of critically ill patients perceived their
needs were met. Dissertation Abstracts International, 52, 2999B.
Webb, C. A. (1988). A cross-sectional study of hope, physical status, cognitions and mean-
ing and purpose of pre- and post-retirement adults. Dissertation Abstracts International,
49, 1922A.
Whatley, J. H. (1989). Effects of health locus of control and social network on risk-taking
in adolescents. Dissertation Abstracts International, 50, 129B.
Williamson, J. W. (1990). The influence of self-selected monotonous sounds on the night
sleep pattern of postoperative open heart surgery patients. Dissertation Abstracts
International, 51, 1750B.
Yoder, R. E. (1995). Primary prevention emphasis and self-reported health behaviors of
nursing students. Dissertation Abstracts International, 56, 747B.
Young, L. M. (2000). The effects of guided mental imagery on the blood pressure of
clients experiencing mild to moderate essential hypertension. Dissertation Abstracts
International, 61, 787B.
Ziemer, M. M. (1982). Providing patients with information prior to surgery and the report-
ed frequency of coping behaviors and development of symptoms following surgery.
Dissertation Abstracts International, 43, 2165B.

MASTERS THESES
Alford, D. L. (1994). Differences in levels of anxiety of spouses of critical care surgical
patients when the spouse participates in preoperative care. Masters Abstracts
International, 32, 222.
Allen, K. S. (1997). The effect of cancer diagnosis information on the anxiety of patients
with an initial diagnosis of first cancer. Masters Abstracts International, 35, 996.
Alliston, S. A. (2003). Neonatal nurses attitudes, practices, and knowledge of skin care in
the extremely low birth weight infant. Masters Abstracts International, 41, 1704.
Alleyne, A. C. (2008). The effect of malodorous wounds on patients families. Masters
Abstracts International, 46, 2648.
Alleyne, J. L. (2008). The lived experience: How man and their female partners cope with
the impact of localized prostate cancer. Masters Abstracts International, 47, 951.
Anderson, R. R. (1992). Indicators of nutritional status as a predictor of pressure ulcer de-
velopment in the critically ill adult. Masters Abstracts International, 30, 92.
Annamunthodo Allen, M. (2005). The effects of a prenatal health teaching program.
Masters Abstracts International, 43, 1698.
Averill, J. B. (1989). The impact of primary prevention as an intervention strategy. Masters
Abstracts International, 27, 89.
Bagaoisan, C. (2005). Expanding the role of perioperative nursing: An aid to retention
and recruitment strategy. Masters Abstracts International, 43, 820.
Baloush, N. A. (1991). Social support and maternal reaction in Saudi Arabian women
with premature births from a Neuman framework. Masters Abstracts International,
29, 432.
 Appendix G 399

Barnes, M. E. (1994). Knowledge, experiences, attitudes, and assessment practices of

nurse practitioners with regard to stressors related to childhood sexual abuse. Masters
Abstracts International, 32, 223.
Barron, L. A. (1999). Diabetes self-management and psychosocial adjustment. Masters
Abstracts International, 37, 587.
Baskin-Nedzelski, J. (1992). Job stressors among visiting nurses. Masters Abstracts
International, 30, 79.
Baumle, W. M. (1993). A comparison study of the psychological pain response of persons
on long-term intermittent intravenous antibiotic therapy. Masters Abstracts
International, 31, 1199.
Besseghini, C. (1990). Stressful life events and angina in individuals undergoing exercise
stress testing. Masters Abstracts International, 28, 569.
Bischoff, S. M. (1988). Job stress in nurses working in correctional settings. Masters
Abstracts International, 26, 323.
Blount, K. R. (1989). The relationship between the parents and five to six-year-old childs
perception of life events as stressors within the Neuman health care systems frame-
work. Masters Abstracts International, 27, 487.
Boyes, L. M. (1994). The effects of permanent night shift versus night shift rotation on job
performance in the critical care area. Masters Abstracts International, 32, 1366.
Briggs, L. L. (1985). Nursing diagnoses generated from assessment data in a medical or
nursing data base. Masters Abstracts International, 23, 470.
Britt, L. (2006). Investigating differences in management of hyperlipidemia: A comparison
of nurse practitioners and physicians. Masters Abstracts International, 44, 2760.
Brown, F. A. (1995). The effects of an eight-hour affective education program on fear of
AIDS and homophobia in student nurses. Masters Abstracts International, 33, 1487.
Burnett, A. K. (2006). Stress and coping mechanisms of first year university students.
Masters Abstracts International, 44, 312.
Burnett, H. M. (2000). An exploratory study on the perceived health status changes in
criminally victimized older adults. Masters Abstracts International, 38, 418.
Butch, J. M. (2002). Perception of safety in home care. Masters Abstracts International,
40, 975.
Cava, M. A. (1991). A descriptive study of the use of coping strategies to promote well-
ness by individuals who have survived cancer. Masters Abstracts International, 29, 89.
Chun, A. U. (2006). Issues and concerns of transition from a pediatric healthcare facility
to an adult healthcare facility for thalassemia patients. Masters Abstracts International,
44, 2273.
Clevenger, M. D. (1995). Nursing activities and patient control. Masters Abstracts Inter-
national, 33, 1835.
Cole, B. A. (1995). Patient compliance with tuberculosis preventive treatment. Masters
Abstracts International, 33, 1835.
Columbus, L. A. (1991). Effectiveness of a health promotion program in improving older
womens ability to cope. Masters Abstracts International, 29, 274.
Cotten, N. C. (1993). An interdisciplinary high risk assessment tool for rehabilitation inpa-
tient falls. Masters Abstracts International, 31, 1732.
Cullen, L. M. (1994). Nurses perceptions of humor as a preventive intervention to promote
the health of clients in a health care setting. Masters Abstracts International, 32, 592.
400 Appendices

Dash-Martyr, J. M. (2005). Perceptions of the stressors influencing medication compliance

of individuals recovering from a mental illness while living in supportive housing.
Masters Abstracts International, 43, 821.
Donner, P. L. (1994). Maternal anxiety related to the care of an infant requiring pharma-
cological management for apnea of prematurity. Masters Abstracts International, 32,
937.
Elgar, S. J. (1992). The influence of companion animals on perceived social support and
perceived stress among family caregivers. Masters Abstracts International, 30, 732.
Ferguson, M. J. (1995). Relationship between quiz game participation and final exam per-
formance for nursing models. Masters Abstracts International, 33, 173.
Fields, W. L. (1988). The effects of the 12-hour shift on fatigue and critical thinking per-
formance in critical care nurses. Masters Abstracts International, 26, 237.
Fillmore, J. A. (1993). The effects of preoperative teaching on anxiety levels of hysterec-
tomy patients. Masters Abstracts International, 31, 761.
Finney, G. A. H. (1990). Spiritual needs of patients. Masters Abstracts International, 28, 272.
Freund, C. H. (1993). The use of nursing and related theory in school nursing practice.
Masters Abstracts International, 31, 271.
Fruehauf, S. L. (2003). Registered nurse first assistants perceptions of stress when practic-
ing in operating room settings. Masters Abstracts International, 41, 1705.
Fukuzawa. M. (1996). Nursing care behaviors which predict patient satisfaction. Masters
Abstracts International, 34, 1547.
Gaeta, T. V. (1990). A study to determine client satisfaction with home care services.
Masters Abstracts International, 28, 408.
Geiger, P. A. (1996). Participation in a phase II cardiac rehabilitation program and per-
ceived quality of life. Masters Abstracts International, 34, 1548.
Goldstein, L. A. (1988). Needs of spouses of hospitalized cancer patients. Masters
Abstracts International, 26, 105.
Good, B. A. V. (1993). Efficacy of nursing intervention as secondary prevention of chron-
ic nonorganic constipation in older adult nursing home residents: A replication study.
Masters Abstracts International, 31, 1736.
Gray, R. (1998). The lived experience of children, ages 812 years, who witness family vi-
olence in the home. Masters Abstracts International, 36, 1327.
Greve, D. L. (1993). An examination of the efficacy of increased fiber and fluids on the es-
tablishment of voluntary bowel movements in terminally ill older adults receiving an-
tibiotics. Masters Abstracts International, 31, 1203.
Gulliver, K. M. (1997). Hopelessness and spiritual well-being in persons with HIV infec-
tion. Masters Abstracts International, 35, 1374.
Hansen, C. S. (2001). Is there a relationship between hardiness and burnout in full-time
staff nurses versus per diem nurses? Masters Abstracts International, 39, 193.
Harper, B. (1993). Nurses beliefs about social support and the effect of nursing care on
cardiac clients attitudes in reducing cardiac risk status. Masters Abstracts International,
31, 273.
Haskill, K. M. (1988). Sources of occupational stress of the community health nurse.
Masters Abstracts International, 26, 106.
Higgs, K. T. (1995). Preterm labor risk factors identified in an ambulatory perinatal setting
with home uterine activity monitoring support. Masters Abstracts International, 33, 1490.
 Appendix G 401

Holloway, C. (1995). Stress perceived among nurse managers in community health set-
tings. Masters Abstracts International, 33, 1490.
Ivey, B. M. (1994). Social support and the woman with breast cancer: Issues of measure-
ment. Masters Abstracts International, 32, 1628.
Johns, J. R. (2008). Anesthetic use prior to intravenous catheter insertion. Masters
Abstracts International, 46, 3236.
Johnson, K. M. (1996). Stressors of local Ontario Nurses Association presidents. Masters
Abstracts International, 34, 1149.
Kazakoff, K. J. (1991). The evaluation of return to work and retention of employment of
cardiac patients following cardiac rehabilitation programs. Masters Abstracts
International, 29, 450.
Kelleher, J. J. (1991). Health behaviors of HIV positive people. Masters Abstracts
International, 29, 645.
Klimek, S. C. (1995). Identification and comparison of factors affecting breast self-examination
between professional nurses and non-nursing professional women. Masters Abstracts
International, 33, 516.
Kristofersdottir, G. (2001). Oncology nurses perceived knowledge, assessment, and rec-
ommendation of alternative therapies. Masters Abstracts International, 39, 1127.
Larino, E. A. (1997). Determining the level of care provided by the family nurse practi-
tioner during a deployment. Masters Abstracts International, 35, 1376.
LaReau, R. M. (2000). The effect of an initial clinical nursing experience in a nursing home
on associate degree nursing student attitudes toward the elderly. Masters Abstracts
International, 38, 420.
Lehman, K. L. (2007). Resilience and depressive symptoms in midlife women. Masters
Abstracts International, 45, 1942.
Lenhart, E. M. (1994). The effect of preoperative intensive care orientation on postopera-
tive anxiety levels in spouses of coronary artery bypass clients. Masters Abstracts
International, 32, 1372.
Lesmond, J. S. G. (1993). Clients perceptions of the effects of social support in their ad-
justment to breast cancer in a visiting nursing environment in central Ontario, Canada.
Masters Abstracts International, 31, 276.
Levi, C. (2001). School nurses asthma knowledge and management, roles and functions.
Masters Abstracts International, 39, 1558.
Lijauco, C. C. (1998). Factors related to length of stay in coronary artery bypass graft pa-
tients. Masters Abstracts International, 36, 512.
Liso, V. (2001). La reminiscence comme strategie dauto-soin utilsee pur faire face a des
stresseurs quotidiens lies a larthrose chez la femme agee. Etude de cas basee sur le
modele de Neuman [French]. Masters Abstracts International, 39, 195.
Lunario, R. A. (2004). The relationship between frequent suctioning and the risk of VAP.
Masters Abstracts International, 42, 1682.
MacRae, E. R. (2001). Workplace health promotion and wellness programs: Their nature
and scope. Masters Abstracts International, 39, 1128.
Maligalig, R. M. L. (1994). Parents perceptions of the stressors of pediatric ambulatory
surgery. Masters Abstracts International, 32, 597.
Mann, N. J. (1996). Risk behavior of adolescents who have liver disease. Masters Abstracts
International, 34, 1150.
402 Appendices

Mannina, J. M. (1995). The use of puretone audiometry and tympanometry to identify

hearing loss and middle ear disease in school age children. Masters Abstracts
International, 33, 1823.
Marini, S. L. (1991). A comparison of predictive validity of the Norton scale, the Daly
scale, and the Braden scale. Masters Abstracts International, 29, 648.
Marlett, L. A. (1999). The breast feeding practices of women with a history of breast can-
cer. Masters Abstracts International, 37, 1180.
McCarthy, S. P. (2004). Prevalence of stressors related to substance use and abuse in a gay
male sample. Masters Abstracts International, 42, 1683.
McCue, M. M. (1991). The caregiving experience of the elderly female caregiver of a
spouse impaired by stroke. Masters Abstracts International, 29, 218.
McMillan, D. E. (1997). Impact of therapeutic support of inherent coping strategies on
chronic low back pain: A nursing intervention study. Masters Abstracts International,
35, 520.
Meisberger, R. J. (2007). Assessment of early goal directed therapy in the adult septic pa-
tient. Masters Abstracts International, 68, 1459.
Micevski, V. (1997). Gender differences in the presentation of physiological symptoms of
myocardial infarction. Masters Abstracts International, 35, 520.
Miller, C. A. (1988). Effects of support on the level of anxiety for family members and/or
significant others of emergency room patients. Masters Abstracts International, 26,
177.
Morris, D. C. (1991). Occupational stress among home care first line managers. Masters
Abstracts International, 29, 443.
Morrison, L. A. (1993). Palliative care volunteers descriptions of the stressors experienced
in their relationship with clients coping with terminal illness at home. Masters Abstracts
International, 31, 301.
Moynihan, B. A. (1995). A descriptive study of three male adolescent sex offenders.
Masters Abstracts International, 33, 873.
Murphy, N. G. (1990). Factors associated with breastfeeding success and failure: A sys-
tematic integrative review (Infant nutrition). Masters Abstracts International, 28, 275.
Murray, M. M. (1994). Relationships among the frequency of pressure ulcer risk assess-
ment, nursing, interventions, and the occurrence and severity of pressure ulcers.
Masters Abstracts International, 32, 1630.
Neabel, B. (1999). A comparison of family needs perceived by nurses and family mem-
bers of acutely ill brain-injured patients. Masters Abstracts International, 37, 592.
Newman, S. K. (1995). Perceived stressors between partnered and unpartnered women.
Masters Abstracts International, 33, 178.
Nichols, P. R. (2001). The effects of music on pain and anxiety during intravenous inser-
tion in the emergency department. Masters Abstracts International, 39, 196.
Nicholson, C. H. (1995). Clients perceptions of preparedness for discharge home follow-
ing total hip or knee replacement surgery. Masters Abstracts International, 33, 873.
Occhi, A. M. (1993). Donation: The familys perspective. Masters Abstracts International,
31, 1208.
ONeal, C. A. S. (1993). Effects of BSE on depression/anxiety in women diagnosed with
breast cancer. Masters Abstracts International, 31, 1747.
Parker, V. J. (1995). Stress of discharge in men and women following cardiac surgery.
Masters Abstracts International, 33, 518.
 Appendix G 403

Parks, V. C. (2005). Young adult males perceptions of stressors which influence their use
of nicotine. Masters Abstracts International, 43, 191.
Peper, K. R. (1992). Concerns/problems experienced after discharge from an acute care
setting: The patients perspective. Masters Abstracts International, 30, 714.
Peters, M. R. (1998). An exploratory study of job stress and stressors in hospice adminis-
tration. Masters Abstracts International, 36, 502.
Petock, A. M. (1991). Decubitus ulcers and physiological stressors. Masters Abstracts
International, 29, 267.
Porritt See, J. A. S. (1994). The effects of a prenatal education program on the identifica-
tion and reporting of the stressors of postpartum depression. Masters Abstracts
International, 32, 1632.
Ramsey, B. A. (1999). Can a multidisciplinary team decrease hospital length of stay for
elderly trauma patients? Masters Abstracts International, 37, 1182.
Robinson, C. A. (1999). The difference in perception of quality of life in patients one year
after an infrainguinal bypass for critical limb ischemia. Masters Abstracts International,
37, 914.
Robinson-Lewis, P. E. (2005). Middle to older West Indian Canadian adults diagnosed with
type two diabetes: Perceptions of stressors related to complying with treatment regi-
men. Masters Abstracts International, 43, 823.
Ross, J. R. L. (2004). The lived experience of retired black women who gamble. Masters
Abstracts International, 42, 1684.
Sabati, N. (1995). Relationship between Neumans systems models buffering property of
the flexible line of defense and active participation in support groups for women.
Masters Abstracts International, 33, 179.
Sammarco, C. C. A. (1990). The study of stressors of the operating room nurse versus
those of the intensive care unit nurse. Masters Abstracts International, 28, 276.
Samuels-Dennis, J. A. (2004). Assessing stressful life events, psychological well-being and
coping styles in sole-support parents. Masters Abstracts International, 42, 1685.
Scalzo Tarrant, T. (1993). Improving the frequency and proficiency of breast self examina-
tion. Masters Abstracts International, 31, 1211.
Scarpino, L. L. (1988). Family caregivers perception associated with the chemotherapy
treatment setting for the oncology client. Masters Abstracts International, 26, 424.
Semple, O. D. (1995). The experiences of family members of patients with Huntingtons
disease. Masters Abstracts International, 33, 1847.
Sheridan, M. N. (2005). Students perceptions of their learning experiences in a newly de-
veloped diploma program for practical nurses. Masters Abstracts International, 43,
1704.
Smith, J. A. (1995). Caregiver wellness following interventions based on interdisciplinary
geriatric assessment. Masters Abstracts International, 33, 1707.
St. JohnSpadafore, M. J. (1994). The impact of a primary prevention program on womens
perceived ability to manage stressors. Masters Abstracts International, 32, 943.
Stec, S. M. (2002). Transition from geriatric assessment and rehabilitation units to home.
Masters Abstracts International, 40, 681.
Story, M. (1993). Stressful life events of women. Masters Abstracts International, 31, 1212.
Sullivan, M. M. (1991). Comparisons of job satisfaction scores of school nurses with
job satisfaction normative scores of hospital nurses. Masters Abstracts International,
29, 652.
404 Appendices

Switek, J. A. (2003). The effect of supportive education, as a tertiary nursing intervention, on

the quality of life of patients with heart failure. Masters Abstracts International, 41, 765.
Tomson, D. C. (1994). The impact of previous experience in nursing, educational back-
ground, and marital status on self-esteem among community health care workers.
Masters Abstracts International, 32, 1172.
Tracey, S. B. J. (1997). The relationship between student nurses stress levels and the per-
ceived effectiveness of nurse educators in the clinical setting. Masters Abstracts
International, 35, 215.
Traver, B. A. (2002). Nurses perceptions of their levels of knowledge and skills to pro-
mote the health of clients experiencing stressors related to pathological gambling.
Masters Abstracts International, 40, 153.
Triggs, D. R. (1992). The influence of a stress management class on job satisfaction and
related occupational tensions in registered nurses. Masters Abstracts International, 30,
718.
Tudini, J. B. (1992). A survey of the psychological variables of burnout and depression
among nurses. Masters Abstracts International, 30, 1302.
Tweed, S. A. (2000). Affective and biological responses to the inhalation of the essential
oil lavender. Masters Abstracts International, 38, 986.
Utley, C. A. (2003). The lived experience of individuals within the family when one mem-
ber has migraine headaches. Masters Abstracts International, 41, 1422.
Van Camp, K. L. (2003). Eating disorder behavior among female marathon runners.
Master Abstracts International, 41, 1423.
Vitthuhn, K. M. (1999). Delivery of analgesics for the postoperative thoracotomy patient.
Masters Abstracts International, 37, 1185.
Vujakovich. M. A. (1996). Family stress and coping behaviors in families of head-injured
individuals. Masters Abstracts International, 34, 286.
Wilkey, S. F. (1990). The effects of an eight-hour continuing education course on the
death anxiety levels of registered nurses. Masters Abstracts International, 28, 480.
Wojciechowski, C. E. (2005). The lived experience of nurses who were participants in
malpractice litigation. Masters Abstracts International, 43, 2204.
Wright, J. G. (1997). The impact of preoperative education on health locus of control, self-
efficacy, and anxiety for patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery. Masters
Abstracts International, 35, 216.
Wullschleger, L. A. (2000). Fetal infant mortality in Kalmazoo, Michigan. Masters Abstracts
International, 38, 422.
Zavala-Onyett, N. D. (2001). The impact of a school-based health clinic on school ab-
sence. Masters Abstracts International, 39, 1134.
Zeliznak, C. M. (1991). Sources of occupational stress of the community health nurse.
Masters Abstracts International, 29, 654.

RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS, PRACTICE TOOLS, AND EDUCATIONAL TOOLS

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ADMINISTRATION
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 INDEX
A Assessment five interacting variable areas, 16
based on Neuman Systems Model developmental variable definition,
Administration, of health care services application, case illustrations, 16, 73, 94, 106, 129, 131, 184,
Allegiance Health Center, 268 34850 238
bibliography, 38485, 41417 client assessment and nursing physiological variable definition,
characteristics, 15556 diagnosis, 34243 16, 39, 106, 129, 131, 184, 238
cost containment measures, 157 directions for use, 34346 psychological variable definition,
guidelines for. See Guidelines, for intervention tool, 34143 16, 39, 98, 106, 129, 131, 184,
Neuman Systems Modelbased nursing process format, 33940 211, 238
administration of health care of child as client, 22728 sociocultural variable definition,
services at Emergis Institute for Mental 16, 40, 97, 106, 129, 131,
focus of services, 15455 Health Care, Holland. See 185, 238
implementation, 15758 Emergis Institute for Mental spiritual variable definition,
management strategies and Health Care, Holland 16, 40, 73, 106, 129, 131,
administrative policies, 156 of family as context for child, 228 185, 239
optimal client system stability, process of reconstitution, 9596 flexible line of defense, 1718
15556 as a group, 7477
purpose, 155
settings, 156
B as an individual, 3741
case study illustration, 4249
strength of the Neuman Systems Basic structure, Neuman Systems
nursing process, 4142
Model for, 15758 Model definition, 327
lines of resistance, 1819
successful, 156 Basic structure, of the nurse-learner
in Neuman Systems Model, 15
Allegiance Health Center system, 1067
normal line of defense, 18
administration, of health care Betty Neuman Health Care Systems
Client system stability, theory of, 335
services, 268 Model Nursing Care Plan, 238
Commission on Collegiate Nursing
implementation of the Neuman Bibliography, Neuman Systems Model
Education (CCNE), 129
Systems Model administration, 41417
Community as Partner Model, 77
client system assessment, 27071 commentary
Concept mapping, 128
integration with evidence-based administration, 38485
Conceptual Models for Nursing, 334
practice, 27174 education, 38284
Conceptual Models for Nursing
outcomes, 274 general, 37881
Practice, 33233
pilot unit for, 27071 research, 38182
Consultation and Community
staff education strategies, 26870 doctoral dissertations, 39399
Organization in Community
Joint Commission on Accreditation education, 40914
Mental Health Nursing, 332
of Healthcare Organization masters theses, 399405
Coping strategies, 1012
(JCAHO) standards, 268 practice, 41722
Coregulation, 101
overview, 273 primary sources, 37677
Created environment
American Association of Colleges research, 38893
coregulation and
of Nursing (AACN), 129 research instruments, practice tools,
coping behavior, 1012
ANA Code for Nurses, 209 and educational tools, 4059
empathy, 101
Anna Maria College, nursing definition, 100
education C effective coaching and, 1024
curriculum framework Caregiver actions, Neuman Systems effect on client, 2022, 41
learning environment, 185 Modelbased, 145 feedback, role of, 1024
200 level courses, 18788 Chronic health/condition, Neuman in the field of human ecology, 101
300 level courses, 18789 Systems Model definition, 204 goals of caregiving and, 1024
400 level courses, 18790 Client health, 23 Neuman Systems Model
nature and sequence of content, Client report, Neuman Systems conceptualization of, 100
18387 Model definition, 207 nurse-learners, 108
primary prevention-as- Clients or client systems and perceptions of the wholeness,
intervention, 18387 basic structure, 1617 100
program development, 18283 central core, 16 personal characteristics in, 100101
strategies to strengthen student as community, 7780, 87 Critical thinking
nurses flexible line of and environment, 4041 within the context of Neuman
defense, 18485 as a family Systems Model, 1069
student as the client system, 183 genogram, 7071 definition, 105
use of Neuman Systems Model, Neuman Systems Model, nurse-learner self-evaluation
183 views of, 70 of, 11011
overview, 182 variables, 7173 teaching and learning, 10913

423
424 Index

Critical thinking (continued ) physiological variable assessment Patient-Intervention-Comparison-

use of holistic professional and guide, 5055 Outcome (PICO) approach
personal plan development sociocultural variable assessment to, 250
for, 111 guide and tools, 5663 pediatric nursing, 231
use of quizzes, 11011 spiritual variable assessment guide, See also Research Approach
Cultural competence, 104 6467 in Nursing (RAIN) program
Cultural sensitivity, 104 taxonomy for the client system, External environments, 20, 41
4142 nurse-learners, 108
D case study, 4249 Extrafamily stressors, 73
Defense, flexible line of, 1718, Dutch nursing practice. See Emergis Extrapersonal stressors, 22
28889 Institute for Mental Health Care,
community assessment, 82 Holland F
critical thinking, 107
Neuman Systems Model definition, E Family as client system. See Clients
or client systems
204 Educational tools, Neuman Family developmental theory, 73
Defense, normal line of, 18, 74, Systems Modelbased, 12021, Family-focused theories, 73
28889 4059 Family genogram, 7072
community assessment, 82 Elements of family-centered Family Health: A Theoretical
critical thinking, 107 care-linked with Neuman Approach to Nursing Care, 335
Neuman Systems Model definition, Systems Model, 22526 Flexible line of defense. See Defense,
204 Emergency preparedness, 13132 flexible line of
Developmental stages, Neuman Emergis Institute for Mental Health Function, 6
Systems Model definition, 205 Care, Holland
Developmental variable, of client accreditation and external audits,
system, 16, 73, 94, 106, 129, 25455 G
131, 184, 238 Harmonization of Quality Review General system theory, 4, 1112
Diagnostic taxonomy, 144 in Health Care and Welfare Gerontological nursing, 192
Diagnostic tests, Neuman Systems (HKZ) certification, 255 Gestalt theory, 13, 22
Model definition, 205 International Organization Group as client system. See Clients
Discharge needs, Neuman Systems for Standardization (ISO) or client systems
Model definition, 206 certification, 254 Guided imagery, 248
Discipline-specific conceptual European Foundation of Quality Guidelines, for Neuman Systems
models, 170 Management Model (EFQMM), Modelbased administration
Distance learning, 128 25354 of health care services
Douglas College Department evaluation research project at bibliography, 38485, 41417
of Psychiatric Nursing, 37 baseline data, 25556 characteristics of the administration,
advanced diploma in psychiatric employee job satisfaction, 261 15556
nursing program (ADPN), 217 implementation of findings, 262 cost containment measures, 157
bachelor of science in psychiatric knowledge and use of Neuman focus, 15455
nursing (BSPN) degree Systems Model, 25860 implementation, 15758
program, 216 nursing progress, 260 management strategies and
plan of study, 21819 quality of care, 26061 administrative policies, 15556
Client as Community curriculum ward culture, 25658 optimal client system stability,
outline, 7880 use of Neuman Systems Model, 253 15556
curriculum conceptual framework, Empathy, 101 purpose of the administration, 155
3839 Environments, in Neuman Systems settings of the administration,
curriculum development process, Model 15556
21618 client system and, 23 Guidelines, for Neuman Systems
curriculum sequence, 21819 created, 2022 Modelbased education
curriculum threads, 217 external, 20 bibliography, 38284, 40914
developmental variable assessment internal, 20 care plan, 12224
guide and tools, 6264 stressors, 2223 characteristics of learners, 120
faculty professional development European Foundation of Quality content of curriculum, 119
activities, 21718 Management (EFQM) model, educational tools, 12021
nursing diagnoses, 4142 25354 focus of curriculum, 119
Department of Psychiatric Eustress, 22 Form A, 125
Nursing (DOPN) Neuman Evidence-based practice, 17172, Form B, 126
Systems Model taxonomy 197 for the health professions, 118
of, 6769 Breckenridges Nursing implementation of programs
nursing goals, 41 TheoryGuided, 250 Academic Practice Centers,
overview, 216 Iowa Model, 27274 13031
 Index 425

accreditation, 12829 problems to be studied, 163 utilizing Neuman Systems Model

curriculum design, 12728 purpose, 161 and comfort theory, 3067
documentation for a mass researcher as a participant, 167 Interfamily stressors, 73
casualty incident, 13233 research instruments, 16467 See also Stressors
emergency preparedness, research methods, 16263 Internal environments, 20, 41
13132 research participants, 167 nurse-learners, 108
essentials for baccalaureate in terms of knowledge International Neuman Systems Model
nursing education, 130 development, 170 Association (INSMA), 323, 336
essentials of professional nursing use of research findings to direct Interpersonal stressors, 22
doctorate education, 130 practice, 170 See also Stressors
general education and science Intrapersonal stressors, 22
courses for each client system H See also Stressors
variable, 129
Health promotion, based on the J
for interdisciplinary,
Neuman Systems Model, 29, 144,
multidisciplinary, and Joint Commission on Accreditation
206
transdisciplinary practice, of Healthcare Organization
12933 (JCAHO) standards, 268, 310
interdisciplinary service learning I
course, 131 Indiana University Purdue University K
knowledge base for health Fort Wayne (IPFW)
Kahn et al.s grand theory concepts,
professions, 127 implementation of Neuman
290
settings for education, 11920 Systems Model in curriculum
Knowledge development, 98, 170
teaching-learning strategies, 12026 career steps program model, 195
Kolcabas comfort theory, 299302,
Guidelines, for Neuman Systems client system variables, 197200
3058, 31011
Modelbased practice conceptual framework construct
Koloroutiss theory of relationship-
bibliography, 38588, 41722 definitions, 196, 199
based care, 311
caregiver actions, 145 course descriptions, 20911
case illustration, 14647 focus areas, 196209
clientcaregiver relationship, 138 interaction system, 195
L
client systemspecific outcomes, interrelatedness of curriculum Lifelong learning, 107
145 and professional Living systems, 6, 12
diagnostic taxonomy, 145 competencies, 196, 198 Loma Linda University, nursing
goals for optimal client system leadership course, 209 education
stability, 144 objectives for the core strand of baccalaureate nursing program
health care team as the client evidence-based practice, 197 curriculum sequence, 179
system, 14749 philosophical framework of curriculum framework, 180
implementation in interdisciplinary, curriculum, 196 curriculum model, 178
multidisciplinary, and undergraduate conceptual group-and community-focused
transdisciplinary practice, framework, 19596 courses, 180
14549 overview, 194 importance of optimal client system
participants in practice, 138 Individual client system. See Clients wellness, 180
practice and research, 145 or client systems overview, 177
practice problems of interest, 137 Informatics course, 21112 students, 180
practice process and practice tools, Integrative theorizing teaching-learning strategies,
13844 criteria for, 3023 18081
purpose of practice, 137 defined, 300 Lowry-Jopp Neuman Evaluation
setting for practice, 137 levels of nursing knowledge, Instrument (LJNMEI), 25859
Guidelines, for Neuman Systems 300301
Modelbased research strategies for, 3013 M
bibliography, 38893 types of inference, 3034 Magnet Recognition, in nursing
doctoral dissertations, 39399 uses practice, 245, 272, 277, 310
masters theses, 399405 developing best policies, 31011 Maternal-student role stress, theory
data analysis techniques, 16769 development, utilization, of, 28896
evidence-based practice, 17172 and sharing of electronic Middle-range theories, 24748
implementation in interdisciplinary, databases, 311 concepts, 290
multidisciplinary, and evidence for best practices, five-step process to derive and test,
transdisciplinary research, 30910 28488
17071 knowledge development, study of maternal-student role
and lack of attention to 3078 stress theory, 28896
components of research, 172 sharing resources, 3089 theory of optimal client system
phenomena to be studied, 16163 wow moments, 308 stability, 31
426 Index

Middle-range theories (continued ) as a guide for nursing education, North American Nursing Diagnosis
theory of prevention as 359 Association (NANDA) taxonomy,
intervention, 31 college/university, 360 239
See also Integrative theorizing as a guide for nursing services Noxious stressors, 92
Multidisciplinary research, 170 publications and anecdotal Nurse educators, 107
Music therapy, 248 reports, 37072 Nurse manager, 5
international collaboration, 323 Nursing
N legitimacy of, 28788 choice factors in change, 7
National League for Nursing levels of use, 286 curriculum guidelines of any
Accrediting Commission living open systems, 12 Neuman Systems Modelbased.
(NLNAC), 129 and middle-range theory See Guidelines, for Neuman
Naturalistic inquiry, 247 development, 31, 28896 Systems Modelbased education
Negentropy, 328 nursing curriculum, 17780 diagnoses, 107, 144, 346
Neuman, Betty, autobiography perspectives, 14 discipline-specific, 128
of, 33036 philosophic basis of, 12, 318 education programs and critical
Neumann University Archives, 358 publications, 35963 thinking, 10913
Neuman Systems Model reconstitution as a concept functional components of, 6
anecdotal reports, 363 of, 9091, 328 roles and functions, complexity, 5
chronology of development relational propositions, 285 use of systems theory in, 6
of, 33036 review of guided research, 28586 Nursing Education, Guidelines for.
components of, 13 significance of systems theory for See Guidelines, for Neuman
as a comprehensive open nursing Systems Modelbased education
systems, 1314 open systems concept, 911 Nursing Grand Rounds, 26970
concepts, 284 systems perspective, 59 Nursing leadership, 4
conceptualization of created use in practice, 146 Nursing Practice, Guidelines for. See
environment, 100 See also Guidelines, for Neuman Guidelines, for Neuman Systems
conceptual-theoretical-empirical Systems Modelbased practice Modelbased practice
(C-T-E) structure for research, Venn diagram of, 305 Nursing process, based on the
development, 286 wholistic, 13, 329 Neuman Systems Model, 2930
content of the model, 1213 See also Guidelines, for Neuman Nursing Research, Guidelines for.
critical thinking, context of, 1069 Systems Modelbased education See Guidelines, for Neuman
definitions, 2038 The Neuman Systems Model, 335 Systems Modelbased research
basic structure or central The Neuman Systems Model: Nutritional status, Neuman Systems
core, 335 Application to Nursing Model definition, 207
boundary lines, 335 Education and Practice, 335
client/client system and client Neuman Systems Model Assessment O
system variables, 327 and Intervention Tool, 143 Open systems concept, in nursing,
degree of reaction, 327 Neuman Systems Model-based 911
energy conservation, 328 research program, 247 Optimal client system stability
environment, 1923, 327 See also Guidelines, for Neuman goals for, 14445, 155, 158
feedback, 327 Systems Modelbased research theory of, 31
flexible line of defense, 327 Neuman Systems Model Nursing Optimal client wellness, 21
health, 2325, 328 Process Format, 28, 41, 226, 250 Ottawa Charter for Health
human beings, 1519 Neuman Systems Model Research Promotion, 78
input/output between client Institute
and environment, 328 consultation services, 353 P
line of defense, 327 grants and fellowships, 35153 Parish nursing, 186
lines of resistance, 328 John Crawford Fellowship Award, Patient-Intervention-Comparison-
negentropy, 328 35253 Outcome (PICO) approach,
nursing, 2530, 328 Patricia Chadwick Research Grant 25051
open system, 328 Award, 353 Patient Perception Interview Guide,
prevention as intervention, 328 Neuman Systems Model Student 24749
process or function, 328 Daily Worksheet, 24042 Pediatric nursing practice, Neuman
reconstitution, 328 Neuman Systems Model Trustees Systems Model practice
stability, 328 Group, 336 guidelines for
stressors, 32829 agreement, 35556 caregiver actions, 22931
wellness/illness, 329 members (current), 35658 case studies, 23235
wholistic, 329 Neuman Systems Model client-caregiver relationship,
environment, criticality, 12 wellnessillness continuum, 22425
future prospects, 318 2324 diagnostic taxonomy, 228
trustees views, 31923 Neuro check/assessment, Neuman examples of stressors, 224
general system theory and, 1112 Systems Model definition, 207 nurses care goals, 22829
global application of, 1112 Nightingale, Florence, 7 optimum wellness, 231
 Index 427

participants in practice, 224 nursing research utilization, R

pediatric assessment data, 22628 189
practice process and practice tools, physical assessment and Reconstitution
22628, 34148 health education, 189 assessment of the process, 9596
problems of interest, 22324 professional nursing, 18889 and cancer diagnosis, 93
purpose, 223 transcultural nursing, 190 and chronic fatigue
research and nursing practice, 231 working with older adults, 188 syndrome/myalgic
settings, 224 secondary, 19091 encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)
Physical health of the family, acute care nursing, 191 diagnosis, 92
as a system, 71 school nursing, 191 definition, 89
Physiological variable, of client tertiary, 191 evaluation of, 97
system, 16, 39, 106, 129, 131, 184, gerontological nursing, 192 extrapersonal factors, 95
238 parish nursing, 192 general attributes of, 90
Practice tools, from Neuman Systems public health nursing, 19192 and health care providers, 97
Model, 13944, 34148, Primary prevention intervention, 14 interpersonal factors, 95
40509 community stressors, 83 nature of, 9495
Practicing nurses, 108 emergency situations, 132 Neuman Systems Model
Prevention as intervention of family, 74 conceptualization of, 9091
and administration of health care as intervention, 26 specific, 91
services, 155 psychiatric patients, 24243 Neuman Systems Model definition,
Neuman System Model definition, for renal clients, 249 204
328 for retaining optimal system prevention interventions, 9697
nursing care plan for psychiatric stability, 145 process of, 91
clinical nurse, 238 at Riverside Methodist Hospital recognizing
primary (Riverside), 277 as an effort to return to a state
community stressors, 84 and setting, 156 of wellness, 9294
emergency situations, 132 strategy in pediatric nursing as a reaction to stressors, 92, 93
of family, 74 practice, 22930 research of, 98
as intervention, 26 Process, 6 of self, 92
for retaining optimal system Professional nursing, 18889 teaching of, 9798
stability, 145 Prognosis, Neuman Systems variables involved, 94
and setting, 156 Model definition, 207 Reiki, 248
strategy in pediatric nursing Psychiatric and Geropsychiatric Relationships, Neuman Systems
practice, 22931 Nursing course practicum, Model definition, 207
for reconstitution, 9697 23943 Research Approach in Nursing
secondary Psychiatric nursing practice, (RAIN) program
community stressors, 83 Neuman Systems Model-based development, 245
emergency situations, 132 five client system variables, focus, 245
as intervention, 2628 defined, 23839 MSN program, 249
for retaining optimal system generic care plan, 243 novice-to-expert needs of the
stability, 145 at a Neuropsychiatric Veterans nurses, 249
and setting, 156 Medical Center objectives, 246
strategy in pediatric nursing Miami, 239 refinement, 246
practice, 229 Philadelphia, 238 Research instruments, derived from
tertiary, 26, 2829 nursing assessment tool, 23839 the Neuman Systems Model
community stressors, 83 nursing care plan, 23738 Cancer Survivors Questionnaire,
emergency situations, 132 Psychiatric and Geropsychiatric 166
for retaining optimal system Nursing course practicum, Client Perception Interview
stability, 145 23943 Guide, 166
and setting, 156 wholistic nursing care, 242 measurement of client system
strategy in pediatric nursing Psychological variable, of client perceptions, 16566
practice, 23031 system, 16, 39, 98, 106, 129, 131, measurement of client system
Prevention-as-intervention courses 184, 211, 238 variables, 166
primary Psychosocial variable, Neuman measurement of coping strategies,
cardiac nursing, 190 Systems Model definition, 207 165
chronic illness, 188 Public health nursing, 189, 19394 measurement of lines of defense
complementary health care, 188 Pupils, Neuman Systems Model and resistance and client system
dealing with grief and loss, 188 definition, 207 responses, 165
environmental illness, 190 measurement of prevention
history of nursing in United Q interventions, 166
States, 18990 Quantitative data analysis techniques, measurement of stressors, 16465
nursing leadership and 16768 measurement of various concepts,
management, 189 Quizzes, 11011 165
428 Index

Research instruments (continued ) Sociocultural variable, of client Systems theory

needs assessment, 165 system, 16, 40, 97, 106, 129, advantages of use in nursing, 6
Neuman Stressors Inductive 131, 185, 238 challenge of the systems
Interviews, 166 Spiritual integrity, 94 approach, 7
Patient Perception Interview Spirituality dimensions of the system, 6
Guide, 166 and health, 1617 open systems concept, 911
Resistance, lines of, 1819, 288 Neuman Systems Model definition, role in health care reform
community assessment, 83 208 issues, 5
critical thinking, 108 and reconstitution process, 94 significance in nursing, 4
data analysis techniques, 168 Spiritual variable, of client systems perspective of health
of the family, 74 system, 16, 40, 73, 106, 129, care system, 59
Neuman Systems Model definition, 131, 185, 239
206 Stability, of the system, 24
Riverside Methodist Hospital See also Optimal client system T
(Riverside) stability Teaching
implementation of primary, Standards of Professional critical thinking, 10913
secondary, and tertiary Performance, 211 guidelines. See Guidelines,
interventions, 27778 Stressors, 190 for Neuman Systems
Neuman Systems Model at, beneficial, 119, 277 Modelbased education
27779 community, 83 Loma Linda University, 18081
overview, 27677 critical thinking, effect on, 109 process of reconstitution, 9798
reaction strategy to stressors, 279 defined, 22 Tertiary prevention intervention,
Role theory concepts, 74 extrapersonal, 22 14, 26
in family system, 73 community stressors, 83
and family health practices, 74 emergency situations, 132
S interpersonal, 22 as intervention, 26, 2829
School nursing, 191 intrapersonal, 22 psychiatric patients, 24243
Secondary data analysis, 16869 management strategy at Riverside for renal clients, 249
Secondary prevention intervention, Methodist Hospital (Riverside), for retaining optimal system
14, 26 277 stability, 145
community stressors, 83 Neuman Systems Model definition, at Riverside Methodist Hospital
emergency situations, 132 2034, 206, 208 (Riverside), 278
as intervention, 2628 noxious, 119 and setting, 156
psychiatric patients, 24243 pediatric, 224 strategy in pediatric nursing
for renal clients, 249 as perceived by caregiver practice, 23031
for retaining optimal system directions for use of intervention Transcultural nursing, 190
stability, 145 tool, 346 Transdisciplinary research,
at Riverside Methodist Hospital as perceived by client 17071
(Riverside), 27778 directions for use of intervention
and setting, 156 tool, 34546
strategy in pediatric nursing and prevention-as-intervention U
practice, 230 modes, 2629 United States Institute of Medicine,
Service learning, 131 reconstitution as a reaction to, 92 goals of, 127
Sexuality, Neuman Systems case study, 93
Model definition, 205, 207 Structure, 6
Sociocultural values, Neuman Supportive and monitoring W
Systems Model definition, equipment, Neuman Systems Watsons theory of caring, 311
2078 Model definition, 208 Wellness, 14