PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. I
need a writing reply to the following
discussion posted:
By the end of this week, we were able to: apply the theory of comfort.
Research and apply the theory of comfort and 2.- Discuss instruments used in empirical testing for “comfort.”
Introduction:
The Theory of Comfort in Nursing, proposed by Katharine Kolcaba, emphasizes the importance of promoting patient comfort as a fundamental component of quality care. It acknowledges that patients’ comfort levels are subjective and can be influenced by various factors, including their expectations regarding the benefits of nursing care. In line with this theory, the concept of a “comfort contract” can be designed to engage patients or their surrogates in determining their expected level of postsurgical overall comfort and identifying chronic discomforts and interventions used for relief at home. This discussion aims to explore the potential benefits of implementing a comfort contract, illustrating its application with examples.
Enhancing Patient Expectations:
A comfort contract serves as a formal agreement between patients or their surrogates and healthcare providers, where expectations for comfort-related outcomes are discussed and met. By involving patients in this process, healthcare professionals can gain valuable insights into individualized patient preferences, allowing for personalized care planning and interventions tailored to meet their unique needs. For instance, a patient undergoing surgery may express their expectation of experiencing minimal pain postoperatively. By acknowledging and addressing this expectation, healthcare providers can implement appropriate pain management strategies, such as administering analgesics or using non-pharmacological techniques like guided imagery or music therapy.
Identifying Chronic Discomforts and Home Interventions:
The comfort contract also offers an opportunity for patients to identify and communicate their chronic discomforts and interventions employed at home for relief. Patients with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or neuropathy, often develop self-management strategies to alleviate their discomfort in daily life. By sharing these strategies within the comfort contract, healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into the patient’s self-care practices and incorporate them into the care plan. For example, a patient with chronic lower back pain may mention that using a heating pad at home provides relief. In this case, healthcare providers can explore the feasibility of providing a heating pad during the patient’s hospital stay to promote their comfort and well-being.
Empowering Patients and Enhancing Communication:
The implementation of a comfort contract promotes patient empowerment and fosters a collaborative relationship between patients and healthcare providers. By actively involving patients in their care planning, the contract acknowledges their expertise regarding their own comfort needs, preferences, and strategies for relief. This approach encourages patients to become active participants in their care, resulting in increased satisfaction and improved health outcomes. Moreover, the comfort contract facilitates effective communication between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that expectations are clearly understood and met, thus reducing potential misunderstandings or unmet needs.
Example : Study by Smith et al. (2022) explored the benefits of incorporating patient expectations into the care delivery process. The findings revealed that aligning patients’ expectations with the care provided resulted in improved patient comfort, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall satisfaction. This study reinforced the importance of recognizing and addressing patient expectations within the framework of nursing care.
Conclusion:
Incorporating a comfort contract into nursing care aligns with the Theory of Comfort and can significantly enhance patient outcomes. By engaging patients or their surrogates in discussions about their expected level of postsurgical overall comfort and identifying chronic discomforts and interventions used at home, healthcare providers can tailor care plans to meet individual needs. The comfort contract promotes patient empowerment, effective communication, and improved patient satisfaction. By implementing this innovative approach, nursing professionals can further elevate the quality of care provided, thereby enhancing patients’ overall comfort and well-being.
References:
Johnson, A. B., Davis, L. M., & Thompson, N. L. (2021). Enhancing patient comfort through a comfort contract in a surgical setting. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 36(3), E1-E6.
Smith, K. J., Johnson, R. T., & Anderson, M. L. (2022). Incorporating patient expectations to enhance comfort and satisfaction: A nursing care approach. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78(1), 142-150.
2. It would be nice if the references used come from
the following sources: EBSCO, LIRN and ProQuest.
3. Those
references should be scholarly and no older than 5 years old.