The Betty Neuman systems model is one of the leading theories used in nursing. It applies the general systems theory to health, viewing patients as open client systems affected by various stressors (Masters, 2018). Due to its broad scope, this model should be understood as a grand theory that provides the general parameters for the development of more narrowly-focused middle-range and practice theories. The Neuman theory is suitable for this case due to its holistic incorporation of different aspects of a patient’s wellbeing.
The model can suggest new solutions for the case patient’s specific situation by acknowledging the complex interactions of physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual variables in patients. It can also identify and analyze the patient’s problems more accurately by examining them as intrapersonal (internal, including the variables above), interpersonal (relationship-based), and extrapersonal (wholly external) stressors.
To address those stressors, the model integrates primary (aimed at preventing exposure to stressors), secondary (treatment immediately after responses to stressors), and tertiary (supporting readjustment) interventions (Ahmadi & Sadeghi, 2017). Thus, the Neuman theory is well-suited to developing a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan.
Another advantage of the Neuman model is its popularity, which allows nurses seeking to apply it to draw on the experience of many colleagues. Ahmadi and Sadeghi (2017) offer a useful example of the theory’s application in the assessment and treatment of multiple sclerosis. Their study underlines the importance of considering the different ways in which diseases and medical interventions affect people’s wellbeing. While the main impact of multiple sclerosis is physiological, it is also a significant source of psychological stress caused by the disruption of the patients’ sense of self.
Additionally, the disease and its treatment both add interpersonal and extrapersonal stressors due to impaired family interactions. The study also shows how primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions can be used together to manage different types of stressors (Ahmadi & Sadeghi, 2017). Going beyond the immediate physiological effects of diseases and considering different kinds of stressors and interventions is essential for a successful, comprehensive response.
The worsening of the case patient’s complaints about chronic pain and the apparent deterioration of his vitals necessitate a reassessment of his situation. As an advanced practice nurse, I will need to guide the nursing staff in examining the influence of different factors on the patient’s system by familiarizing them with the Neuman framework. For example, the loss of limb and the resulting inability to practice basketball seem like a probable source of psychological and perhaps sociocultural and interpersonal stress.
The likelihood of psychological stress makes it especially important to understand why the patient failed to attend psychotherapeutic appointments. Assessment of those and other stressors should be based on an interview informed by the Neuman model (Ahmadi & Sadeghi, 2017).
The interview should also be used to recommend potentially less stressful forms of psychotherapeutic treatment, such as online therapy, and lifestyle changes that compensate for the loss of limb. Addressing non-physiological factors should improve the patient’s overall wellbeing, resulting in better vitals in the next examination. Although this holistic intervention does not directly affect the principal complaint, it will influence it indirectly by bolstering the patient’s system and encouraging compliance.
The Neuman systems model offers many advantages to its practitioners due to its simplicity, applicability in different areas of nursing, and holistic approach. Its primary disadvantage lies in the frequent confusion of boundaries between different categories, such as secondary and tertiary treatment or interpersonal and extrapersonal stressors. Examining the primary research on the Neuman theory has shown me its enduring broad appeal, which simplifies its application.
I have also discovered its emphasis on non-physiological, especially psychological, considerations in treatment, which stems naturally from a desire to improve the patient’s overall wellbeing rather than just addressing the direct effects of a disease. The experience has also helped me develop the following PICOT question for the case. For patients with chronic pain (P), would additional psychotherapy (I) deliver better results than solely relying on medication and pain control techniques (C) with regards to overall wellbeing (O) within a six-month timeframe (T)?
References
Ahmadi, Z., & Sadeghi, T. (2017). Application of the Betty Neuman systems model in the nursing care of patients/clients with multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal–Experimental, Translational and Clinical, 3(3), 2055217317726798.
Masters, K. (2018). Role development in professional nursing practice (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.