Development of situation-specific theories: an integrative approach.
One type of "ready-to-wear" theories that can bring about better nursing care outcomes regardless of their philosophical bases is situation-specific theories proposed by Im and Meleis in 1999. In this paper, some propositions for an integrative approach to the development of situation-specific theories are made. First, situation-specific theories are described as practice theories while they are compared with middle-range theories. Then the integrative approach is detailed, which includes (a) checking assumptions for theory development; (b) exploring through multiple sources; (c) theorizing; and (d) reporting, sharing, and validating. Finally, the paper concludes with suggestions for further development of the integrative approach.
Im
Eun-Ok
EO
School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78701, USA. eim@mail.nur.utexas.edu
D003210:Concept Formation; D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016294:Models, Nursing; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D012196:Review Literature as Topic