PowerPoint Presentation

Dr. Katharine Kolcaba

The Comfort Theory1

Comfort TheoryDr. Kolcabas theory was deliberated in women with third stage breast cancer undergoing radiation and chemotherapies1. Kolcabas target audiences for her theory were1: Gerontological Nursing1HIV/AIDS1Holistic Nursing1Mental Health Nursing1Nursing Research and Theory1Oncology1Palliative and Hospice Nursing1Long Term Care Facilities1Spiritual Care1

Theory DevelopmentConducted a concept analysis of comfort3. The three types of comfort (relief, ease, transcendence) and four contexts of holistic human experience3. Taxonomic structure to guide for assessment3. Comfort as a product of holistic nursing3. A broader theory for comfort was introduced3.

KolcabasTheory Description

Nursing is described as the process of assessing the patients comfort needs, developing and implementing appropriate nursing interventions, and evaluating patient comfort following nursing interventions3,4. Health is considered to be optimal functioning3,4.Person/Patient can be considered as individuals, families, institutions, or communities in need of health care3,4. Environment is anything that can be manipulated by a nurse, or loved one to enhance comfort3,4.

What does comfort mean by Webster definition?

-a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain2-a feeling of freedom from worry or disappointment2-the act of consoling; giving relief in affliction2-give moral or emotional strength to2-lessen pain or discomfort; alleviate2

Comfort as a Whole

Relief, Ease, TranscendenceComfort TypesRelief- the state of having a specific comfort need met4,5. Ease- the state of calm or contentment4,5. Transcendence- the state in which one can rise above problems or pain4,5.

Contexts of Comfort Physical PsychospiritualEnvironmentalSociocultural

Conceptual Framework for Comfort Theory

Comfort Theory in Relation to my ProfessionI chose the comfort theory because comfort of the patient or client promotes well being and a quicker recovery. In my current career, we have tried white boards to evaluate a patients comfort/pain status. Ive thought as well about a career change into hospice and thought that educating myself more on the comfort theory my help me in this new career change.

References1. http://libguides.twu.edu/content.php:pid=3876322. Merriam-Webster. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comfort3. Kolcaba, K. (2011). Comfort Theory. Retrieved from http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/comfort_theory_Kathy_Kolcaba.html

4. Kolcaba, K., Tilton, C., & Drouin, C. (2006). Comfort theory: A unifying framework to enhance the practice environment. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(11), 538-544. Retrieved from http://www.thecomfortline.com/files/pdfs/2006%20-%20Comfort%20Theory%20A%20unifying%20framework%20to%20enhance%20the%20practice%20environment.pdf

5. March, A. & McCormack, D. (2009). Nursing theory-directed healthcare, modifying kolcabas comfort theoryas an institution-wide approach. Wolters Kluwer Health. Doi: 10.1097/HNP.OBO13e3281a1105b