The Theory-Practice Gap and Nursing Research

“Comfort and Fluid Retention in Adult Patients Receiving Hemodialysis” by Karen M. Estridge, Diana L. Morris, Katharine Kolcaba, and Chris Winkelman discusses treatment options such as hemodialysis for end stage renal disease patients alongside other means of avoiding the disease through the Comfort Theory. Nursing studies grounded in theories progressively embrace the practice, following the need to address issues using evidence-based practice. A significant area of nursing focus is kidney failure, which requires hemodialysis in critical conditions. Evidence-based studies show the possibility of fluid restrictions in end-stage renal conditions for patients with a certain degree of support. The comfort theory reveals the impacts of caregiving on adherence to certain decisions that improve well-being and reduce the burden of care. An analysis of a person, health, environment, and nursing explains why some patients recover without hemodialysis and enjoy fulfilling lives.

            The comfort theory posits that relief and care during hemodialysis promote health-seeking attitudes. The theory’s impact on the person affected by kidney disease and family members is significant. Family, friends, and community support can make patients realize their worth and translate into an attitude change. Such individuals will likely exercise fluid retention because they value health (Estridge et al., 2018). Through evidence-based studies, researchers link the comfort theory to enhanced adherence during hemodialysis.

            From a health-based perspective, excellent outcomes are products of improved health-seeking behaviors. Nutbeam and Lloyd (2021) associate such results with the prevalence and application of health literacy. Comprehending the comfort theory creates the realization that positive health outcomes are products of collective effort. Such guiding principles remind patients to accept ease and experience results like reduced mortality and comorbidity rates.

            Environmental factors feature in the discourse because they exacerbate or alleviate suffering in populations undergoing hemodialysis. The comfort theory recommends the creation of physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual settings that match patients’ needs. Estridge et al. (2018) state, “comfort is essential for all persons, especially those with healthcare needs. Kolcaba (1991) defined comfort through the domains of ease, relief, and transcendence in physical, psychospiritual, environmental, and sociocultural contexts.” Fluid restrictions require comfort, making it apparent that excellent health outcomes rely on integrating theory into practice.

            Nursing is a vital part of the discourse because it details the attitudes of professional caregivers on health outcomes for hemodialysis populations. Nurses must exercise comfort for diverse populations (Berntzen et al., 2020). Adequate nurse staffing promotes adherence and lifestyle changes because the professionals increase awareness about hemodialysis. Comfort is essential to care, which professionals and all caregivers in hospital and family settings must apply.

References

Berntzen, H., Bjørk, I. T., Storsveen, A. M., & Wøien, H. (2020). “Please mind the gap”: A secondary analysis of discomfort and comfort in intensive care. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(13-14), 2441-2454.

Estridge, K.M., Morris, D.L., Kolcaba, K., & Winkelman, C. (2018). Comfort and fluid retention in adult patients receiving hemodialysis. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 45(1), 25-33, 60.

Nutbeam, D., & Lloyd, J. E. (2021). Understanding and responding to health literacy as a social determinant of health. Annu Rev Public Health, 42(1), 159-73.