Applying Mid-range Theory to Problem. Summary of the Problem

Applying Mid-range Theory to ProblemStudent’s Name
Institution
Summary of the Problem
Ineffective communication is a key problem that affects nursing practice. Failure to communicate effectively can interfere negatively with the patient-nurse relationship which in turn affects the delivery of care. In a study by King, et al. (2013) ineffective communication was found to create care delays, repeated phone clarifications, increased stress, increased risk of patient rehospitalization, and frustrated patients and family members. These are serious consequences which when avoided can impact positively the delivery of nursing care. Ineffective communication, therefore, is a key problem that needs to be continually addressed for better patient outcomes. According to a report by Crisco (2015), ineffective communication contributes to about 30% of malpractice cases. Given that some of these cases involved patients dying, ineffective communication emerges as a key problem affecting nursing practice.
Midrange Theory –Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory
A midrange theory that can be applied to the problem is Peplau’s interpersonal relations theory. Theories play a significant role in explaining phenomena in nursing. Midrange theories, in particular, target specific concepts or phenomena. Peplau’s theory was meant to help nurses interact with patients more purposefully. According to Deane and Fain (2016), the theory provides the nursing discipline with a set of three overlapping and interlocking working phases for the interaction of the nurse with patients. The authors also point out that the theory’s nurse-patient relationship phases have helped nurses understand occurrences in the way they relate with patients. As informed by Deane and Fain (2016), the three phases of Peplau’s theory takes into consideration the emotions, feelings, as well as the behaviors of both patients and nurses. In practice, the nurse brings to the relationship skills, attitude, and knowledge that are needed to help patients find means to deal with their illness. As such, it is necessary that they possess interpersonal skills to guide the way they relate with the patients.
The professional relationship of the nurse to the patient is not the same as the ordinary social relationships; it has specific requirements and follows a certain structure. The first phase in Peplau’s theory is orientation phase (Senn, 2013). During this phase, the relationship between the patient and the nurse is unscripted since it is the beginning of the interaction. However, there is a basic structure in regards to how the interaction occurs. The patient at this point demonstrates health-seeking behaviors. The interaction is a one-way contact where the nurse begins by identifying herself or himself by name and their professional status (Senn, 2013). At this point, the nurse seeks the necessary information from the patient through assessment, history taking, and interviewing (Senn, 2013). In the orientation phase, apart from seeking necessary information from the patient, the aim is also to set the tone for more interactions as well as conveying receptivity to the patient. Therefore, it is through the orientation phase that the nurs...