What nursing theory is synergy model based on?

zenman · Oct 8, 2010

I am trying to develop a program theory using Sidani's program theory and the Synergy model. I work at a non-teaching tertiary hospital. This program is based on improving communication with patients about their daily and treatment goals in the ICU of which, daily rounding with the NP (and eventually the physicians hopefully) and the rest of the interdisciplinary team, daily goal sheets, and a navigation tool (poster) for patients and families.
My problem is that while I understand applications of the Synergy model I have a hard time categorizing it as to what level of nursing theory it it. I suspect it is a situation specific theory as it was developed for use of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
We are implementing the Healthy Work Environment standards in our ICU which is why I want to utilize the tenets of the Synergy model to delineate the normative and causative theory parts of my program.
If anybody is able to help me clarify this it would be much appreciated and thanks in advance!

Are you trying to complicate something here? Here's what I would do using a business model:

1. Do you have a problem now?

2. If yes, draw up a plan on how better to communicate with patients.

3. Implement the plan.

4. Evaluate the plan.

5. Revise as needed.

That's all I would do, but then I tend to cut through c&@%. :yeah:

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 8, 2010

I have asked myself some of the same questions about the Synergy Model. Is it a theory? Is it best described as a "practice model"? Maybe it should be considered a theory at the level of the "conceptual model" level -- a conceptual model of nursing practice and outcomes. I notice that some theory experts include it in their lists of nursing theories and others do not.

Personally, I consider it a theory -- because it consists of concepts and linkages between those concepts. I think it is a theory of nursing outcomes -- saying basically that the best outcomes happen when the needs of the patients match the abilities & activities of the nurse, and the role fo the system is to promote the synergistic processes to enable nurses to provide the best care possible for each particular patient.

It describes patients and nurses ... explains how the two should relate and the role of the system to support ... and predicts the quality of the outcomes based on the match-up between the nursing care provided and the patient's needs.

But that's just my opinion. I tend to define theory loosely.

One thing I like about the Synergy Model is that it leaves room for many different theories to be used within it. It allows for any/many theories to be used while using the Synergy Model simultaneously. You don't have to choose just one theory and throw out the others.

puch · Oct 9, 2010

Thanks Zenman... haha, usually that is the way I run things not required by school and this Program Plannning and Evaluation course.

llg!

I was hoping you would answer. Thanks a lot, it did clarify things for me. Will let you know what the Prof makes of it in discussion board!

:bugeyes:

zenman · Oct 9, 2010

Thanks Zenman... haha, usually that is the way I run things not required by school and this Program Plannning and Evaluation course.
llg!
I was hoping you would answer. Thanks a lot, it did clarify things for me. Will let you know what the Prof makes of it in discussion board!
:bugeyes:

Yea, I hear you. Just keep remembering Mark Twain who said something to the effect of, "Never let education get in the way of your learning.":lol2: