Validating and Refining The Neal Theory of Home Health Nursing Practice

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to validate and refine the Neal Theory of Home Health Nursing Practice. A triangulated methodology of focus groups and a descriptive self-report survey were used to elicit data from home health nurses. Six focus groups with 20 participants total were held in three agencies in Virginia and Maryland. A stratified random sample of 68 members of the Home Health Nurses Association responded to a mailed survey. Nurses pass through three stages in attaining autonomy of home health nursing practice: dependence, moderate dependence, and autonomy. Role changes and process changes temporarily move the autonomous nurse back to dependence. Adaptation is key to home health nursing practice. Home health nursing is a specialty practice. Nurses require specific qualities and characteristics to practice effectively and successfully in home health. The findings support the Neal Theory of Home Health Nursing Practice.

Keywords

home health home health nurses focus groups research survey

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Neal Lj. The Neal model of home health nursing practice. In: Neal Lj , ed. Rehabilitation Nursing in the Home Health Setting . Glenview, IL: Association of Rehabilitation Nurses; 1998.

Neal Lj. The Neal theory: implications for practice and administration. Home Healthcare Nurse. 1999 ;17(3):181-187.

Neal LJ Research supporting the congruence between rehabilitation principles and home health nursing practice. Rehabil Nurs. 1999 ;24(3):115-121.

Neal Lj. Preparing students to practice in the home. Nurse Educator. 1999;24(4):13-15.

Neal Lj. Neal theory of home health nursing practice . Image. 1999;31 (3):253.

Chinn PL , Kramer MK Theory and Nursing. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 1995.

Meleis Al. Theoretical Nursing: Development and Progress . 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott; 1997.

McDaniel RW , Bach CA Focus group research: The question of scientific rigor. Rehabil Nurs. 1996;5(2):53-59.

Morgan DL , Krueger DL , eds. The Focus Group Kit. London: Sage; 1998.

10.

Lincoln YS , Guba EG Naturalistic Inquiry. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage; 1985.

11.

Polit DF , Hungler BP Essentials of Nursing Research. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott; 1999.

12.

Morse JM , Field PA Nursing Research: The Application of Qualitative Approaches. 2nd ed. London: Chapman and Hall; 1996.

13.

Krueger RA Analyzing and reporting focus group results. In: Morgan DL , Krueger RA , series eds. The Focus Group Kit Vol. 6. London: Sage; 1998.

14.

Neal LJ Facilitating the growth of nursing staff: Case management in PPS. Caring. 1999; XVIII (10):