Usefulness of theory of kolcaba - Research Paper Example

All these activities of nurses contribute to comfort of the patient that greatly enhances the healing process. The relationship between nursing care and comfort dates back to the early 1900s with the central focus on moral imperative. By 1903s, specialists in the nursing field perceived comfort as a strategy for attaining aspects of nursing care. By 1960s, comfort was a minor goal in nursing care, as physical aspects were dominant while emotional comfort was gaining importance. In 1990, Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory was fully dominant, with emphasis on childbirth pain, pain management, and palliative care and end of life (Kolcaba, 2003).

Conditions in the nursing care sector such as loss and suffering of patients with complex medical care, pain scores of 10/10 even with increase in medication, and personal frustration and inability to change the situation contributed to the adoption of comfort as the foundation of nursing care. Comfort is relative. Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory seeks to address human needs, including transcendence, relief, and ease. It takes an individualized (holistic) approach to enhance the feelings of wellbeing and a sense of strength.

Moreover, it provides a conceptual framework for nursing care (Kolcaba, 2003). The physical concept relates to homeostasis and bodily sensation, including regular bowel function, pain relief, adequate oxygen saturation, electrolytes and fluid balance, and positioning and turning. The socio-cultural concept concerns societal, interpersonal, and family relationships, rituals, and family traditions. These include cultural customs, continuity of care, caring attitude, education and information, and enhancing friend and family support.

Psycho-spiritual concept revolves around the internal awareness of the meaning of one’s life, self-esteem, and sexuality, including improving and maintaining self-esteem, increasing relaxation, enhancing independence, and