OBrien : An Individual Assignment - Case Study Example

Concepts from O’Brien’s Film-Breathing Lessons Regarding the film Breathing Lessons, there is identification of numerous concepts. For instance, there is self-image, disability, quality of life, loneliness, and empathy. As depicted by SnagFilms (2014), O’Brien identifies some of the concepts, for example, SnagFilm (2014) notes that O’Brien pointed such concepts as poor self-image, disability, and the struggle with loneliness. Additionally, some other important conceptions drawn from the film encompass the struggle to maintain quality of life and the subsequent effects of a lack of empathy in the nurse that provided his care. Indeed, the film is such a captivating piece of art that elucidates the concepts of healthcare through the struggles of O’Brien. A conceptual definition of the selected concepts Ideally, there are three primary concepts that I have an interest at in the bid to offer an insightful analysis and development of a middle range theory. In this regard, the conceptions incorporate the quality of life of the respective patient, the patient’s disability, and the empathetic nature of the nurse that offered care. In perspective, focusing on these three conceptions will bolster the development of a middle range theory in which there is an explication of how the concepts relate. The quality of life It is worth noting that the quality of life is a sophisticated concept to define due to its subjective nature. However, various persons define this concept in varied ways due to the numerous challenges that they face. In essence, there are various forms of disabilities leading to varying definitions of this particular conception. Evidentially, Laydaniti and Tsitsis (2015) define the quality of life as the level of satisfaction regarding the condition and place of a person living with disability. Similarly, the CDC (2011) asserts that there are varied factors that influence the level of satisfaction and dissatisfaction cognizant of the quality of life. Such factors include persona values, spiritual identity, culture, education, employment, environment, housing, and health. The explanations provided by Mark in the film indicate that his quality of life improved because he could live in his apartment, employ attendants, publish several writings, and acquire an education. As depicted, O’Brien expected a declined sense of quality of life in case any of these achievements received an alteration negatively. Indeed, his quality of life depended on these very parameters. In this course, it is evident that the evaluation of an individual’s needs should take account of the factors that that particular person considers pivotal in determining his quality of life. The patient’s disability Contextually, According to WHO (2015), disability is a general term that involves limitation of activity, impairments, and restriction of participation. In addition, there are various models presented by Masala & Petretto (2010) in the bid to give detailed elucidations pertinent to the ideology of disability. In fact, each model presents a definition that is reliant on the period of its development and the circumstance under which the model considers the concept defined. Masala & Petretto (2010) claim that there are various models that has foci on disability, these models are classed into three categories. These classes involve those models, in which disability has a consideration in line with the environment, those models that consider the concept of disability as a person’s core element, and those one that the environment and the person interrelate cognizant of the disability conception. In the case of consideration of disability as a personal element, the individual will have such a definition as one that has mental or physical restrictions because these two elements affect the pathophysiology of that particular person (Masala & Petretto, 2010). It is crucial then to note that persons having cerebral palsy receive classification as people living with disability under this model. These people need care and assistance regarding their daily activities. Consequentially, O’Brien falls into this particular category as he employs people that assist him in the daily activities. Seemingly, when disability has consideration in line with the environment, there is a possibility for the disability to exist not to exist. These variations might be reliant on the culture and the social setting. For instance, a person having agoraphobia falls under this model. However, the person having agoraphobia might be well adapted to the home setting and be fully functional but fails to be functional in the social set up because of the environmental alteration. Therefore, the person might behave in a manner that is not acceptable according to the social environment. Moreover, cognizant of Masala & Petretto (2010) the other models regard disability as a combination of both the environment and the person. The depicted explanation can have an illustration of a person having Downs Syndrome. Persons having Down syndrome needs assistance in daily activities and have varied experiences concerning anxiety of the social setups. Consequently, the social setups might instigate actions that do not concur with the socially acceptable mannerisms. The nurse’s empathetic nature The last concept from O’Brien’s Breathing Lessons is that of empathy. Like the conception of the quality of life, empathy is complex ideology to define. The complexity links to its subjective nature. However, various scholars try to provide definitions to it. For instance, Campbell-Yeo, Ltimer & Johnston (2008) claim that empathy is a sophisticated form of the psychological inference obtained through the combinations of aspects such as memory, observation, reasoning, and knowledge to bring aboard insights related to the feelings and thoughts of the particular individuals. Further, a single or combination of these factors can reduce the aspect of authentic empathy emanating from the care providers to the individual patients. O’Brien in his film Breathing Lessons depicts that the attendants and him had nothing in common. Despite the uncommonness, he was satisfied with the acre offered. He explains that he was comfortable with the care extended to him and the carers extended empathy towards his state. In fact, this situation made O’Brien feel at ease whenever such care is exhibited. However, on the same note, O’Brien elucidates of a nurse that treated him without empathy during his younger years. He explains that the situation led to his feeling of unsafe and uneasy. It is important to study these cases and come up with a respective nature of empathy exhibited by both nurses. For example, both of these cases indicate that during the younger years, O’Brien had experiences of nurse that lacked empathy; however, the other nurse exhibited an empathetic nature. Indeed, both situations affected O’Brien’s perception regarding the care provided. Analysis of concepts The quality of life Evidentially, it is clear that the quality of life forms the first conception for discussion in the realm of O’Brien’s film Breathing Lessons. In this regard, it is vital to have a pivotal focus on the conception’s antecedents. In this case, it is crucial to question oneself about the things that cause a person to maintain his or her quality of life. In this respect, the ECD (2011) indicates involvement of several factors that influence a person to have dissatisfaction or satisfaction cognizant of the quality of life. As early indicated, such factors include culture, value, the environment, housing, employment, education, and the spiritual aspect. When a person achieves these factors, his or her quality of life accentuates. For instance, O’Brien had an education that made him have a writing career. Additionally, he lived in his apartment leading to a changed environment, better housing; hence improved quality of life. It is evident from the Breathing Lessons that O’Brien at one point could receive subpar care leading him to experience a decreased quality of life (SnagFilms, 2014). However, there is a time he could also feel supper due to the care provided. However, Dugger (2010) notes that a sole antecedent at particular point is his independence to choose the person to offer the care. Therefore, Mark O’Brien might herald this antecedent in the attempt to improve his quality of life. For instance, the quality of life accentuated when O’Brien started living in his apartment. When compared to his quality of life during his life in the other facilities, there is evidence of a gap. Similarly, the education received by O’Brien forms another antecedent. His journalistic position and publications he made greatly affected the way the nurses offered his care. In fact, these achievements led to an increment pertinent to his quality of life (SnagFilms, 2014). However, it is a bit difficult to point out the very achievement that O’Brien wished it is evident that his recognition by the peers and the public could make him have an increased quality of life. In this course, it is evident that the success of the quality of life largely depends on the person’s perceptions in line with the quality of life and that aspect that the person considers important in increasing it. For instance, when O’Brien had the capacity to hire assistants and at the same time, those that could extend proper care, O’Brien indicated a sense of satisfaction in the manner that he could handle the disability. Therefore, the conception of the quality of life received a positive outcome (SnagFilms, 2014). The ability of an individual to have control over the quality of life contributed to the accelerated quality of life pertinent to O’Brien. For instance, O’Brien could live in his apartment where he had attendants to take care of him and led to the increased quality of life (SnagFilms, 2014). Living in his apartment gave O’Brien an upper hand in both being comfortable and gaining control over how he lived. In this sense, the quality of life increased and bolstered his satisfaction. Hence, O’Brien’s sense of quality of life increased counting it as another antecedent in this respect. Further, O’Brien obtained an education, published several writings, and wrote as a journalist. This situation could enhance his satisfaction and help him in overcoming the obstacles that could come by. Indeed, he could accomplish the goals and objectives he set and attain success as any person without a disability. Hence, his competitive advantage guaranteed him a sense of self worth and led to an increased quality of life. As the SnagFilm (2014) notes, this instance marked another achievement in O’Brien’s life and led to an increased quality of life. Mouser (2014) contends that the quality of life is attributed by several conceptions including the varied interrelationships pertinent to physical health and independence. It also includes such characteristics as the psychological state of the patient, the environment, and the level of social engagement. However, Mouser (2014) notes that the defining attributes cognizant of the quality of life are multidimensional, subjective, dynamic, and often affected by goal attainment and various constraints of ill health alongside treatment. Conceptualizing these attributes that define the conception of the quality of life means that there will be provision of holistic care. In fact, when these factors are under a consideration, the analysis of this concept leads to a more deep analysis of the patients within a clinical setup. A deeper analysis regarding the quality of life encompasses improved analyses and appropriate intervention to both the patients and their families (Mouser, 2014). Empathy Despite the complexity of defining empathy, there are scholars who have managed to explain what it might be like. A good example is Cample-Yeo et al. (2008) who define the concept as sophisticated physiological form where memory, observation, reasoning, and knowledge come into play and bring about feeling and thoughts pertaining to others. The definition showcased in this very concept has a context where O’Brien explains that a nurse had treated him unfairly during his younger ages. He adds that the void of empathy from the nurse caused him to feel angry, unsafe, and sacred and recounts a bitter experience in his younger ages. In the attempt to explicate the conception of empathy, it is vital to highlight the antecedents related to the provision of empathetic care. As such, these antecedents incorporate directional listening; have a sense of feeling, and a deep and conscious desire (Campebell-Yeo et al.2008). In fact, the healthcare professional should embody an internal and legitimate desire to providing empathetic care to a person living with disability. These kind of professionals need to have a conscious way to ensure care delivery. For instance, they should communicate fairly to the patients and recognize the best way possible to provide the care needed. For instance, the healthcare personnel need to allow the patient to convey particular concerns and feelings. Moreover, the healthcare personnel should acknowledge the expressions and reiterate with an understanding and acknowledgement of the concerns put across. Indeed, it is worth noting that a major outcome of empathy in care is that aspect of being heard and acknowledged. Therefore, empathetic care givers need to listen to the patients that they provide care. As it pertains to verbal and nonverbal listening, it is evident that there are vital issues that could be noted and addressed. In this case, acknowledging a patients fears and concerns boosts the trust to the care providers and facilitates acceptance of the outcomes. As bitterly elucidated by O’Brien, there was a sense of fear and unconcerned notion that led him to be angry and scared in his younger ages. The recounts he offered as being scared and angry led to his resentfulness (SnagFilms, 2014). Factors or characteristics that define this concept include the ability to communicate, listen, and acknowledge other people’s needs. Nurses should be in a position to be good listeners and communicators to enable the patients openly talk about the kind of things they might need to improve their quality of life. As such, they will increase their well-being and have healthy relationships that will help improve their quality of life. Varied defining attributes are presented in the course of empathetic care (Ramezani et al. 2014). Fundamentally, nurses provide a holistic kind of care and thus should have such attributes that encompass empathy. The idea of empathetic care comprises of such attributes as the healing presence, intuitive sense, and exploration of empathy, patient centeredness, and establishment of empathetic care. Delivery of empathetic care to the patients brings about the consequences of healing, feelings of satisfaction, psychological adaptation, professional satisfaction, and empathic awareness. As such, it is vital to ensure empathetic care among the patients to promote the integrity of the body, spirit, and mind. Indeed, empathy unleashes internal strength and energy to ensure quality healthcare delivery (Ramezani et al. 2014). Patient Disabilities O’Brien’s Breathing Lessons illustrates the importance of valuing the other people regardless of their physical and mental challenges (SnagFilms, 2014). As describe, people have varied challenges to their personal lives. However, they both look forward to a better treatment. It was saddening to note that the nurse who attended to him in his younger ages gave O’Brien a cold treatment. It is evident that as O’Brien defines the antecedents of his quality of life; he makes various steps that ear him respect despite having disability challenges (SnagFilms, 2014). It is, therefore, important for the patients with disabilities to receive the guidance they need to ensure their well-being and improved quality of life. The concept of patient disabilities helps in fostering self-advocacy. In this regard, its attributes include internalizing and leveraging the disability antecedents to bolster the management of the challenges that emanate from living with such disabilities. When people uphold the value of those living with disabilities, they facilitate the achievement of goals and a change to beliefs. The concept’s defining attributes include thoughts and cognition, actions meant for self, and utilizing the available resources (Hagan & Donovan, 2013). Consequentially, the awareness of patient disabilities boosts patient outcomes both in a direct and indirect way. Immediate outcomes encompass improved management of one’s disability, adherence, improved quality of life, and satisfaction with care. Beyond these outcomes, awareness of one’s disability accentuates self-concept, strengthens autonomy, and control (Hagan & Donovan, 2013). Identified Conceptions as Building Blocks In the verge of developing, studying, and implementing a theory, various concepts serve as building blocks. In this course, it is vital to find acceptable definitions towards the concepts that will be utilized in the theory. (Peterson & Bredow, 2009) ascertains that defining such concepts permits a theory to have a purpose and meaning in explicating its desired sense. Unfortunately, it is a bit difficult to define a good number of concepts in this case due to their subjective nature. However, it is important to provide definitions at the start of a theory to offer a sense of understanding to the populace. It is also vital to provide numerous example of how the theory can be applied in the context of health care. In this manner, there is elucidation of the importance of the concepts outlined in providing the care needed. Additionally, there should be an analysis of the concepts illustrated to offer support towards the necessity and importance to comprehend the conceptions within the theory models. Moreover, this contextualization serves to help the healthcare personnel in understanding the effects of the care they provide and corresponding factors in ultimate outcomes and the very care they provide (Peterson & Brredow, 2009). Bringing a board a theory that contextualizes healthcare, healthcare providers can have an understanding of how varied concepts relate to ensure better patient outcomes. They also gain an understanding in case of misapplication and absence of the antecedents outlined. The statement of the middle range theory In the bid to explain the interrelatedness of the conceptions outlined, it was vital to come up with a middle range theory. In essence, the middle range theory highlights the interrelationships occurring between the conceptions of empathy, quality of life, and disability. In this manner, the middle range theory received consideration as “Evaluation of empathy, disability, and determination of the quality of life in providing healthcare to the persons living with disabilities.” According to the developed theory, it is evident that empathy must be availed in providing healthcare. For instance, in the course of empathy, a nurse finds important ways to offer the much-needed care, acknowledge the patient’s expressions and concerns besides communicating diligently with the persons needing care. Henceforth, when these aspects are in range, the nurse exhibits empathy (Campbell-Yeo et al. 2008). When empathy becomes a major exhibition in the realm of the nurse’s care provision, it is possible to determine the patient’s sense and define the disability rather than focus on the biases and cultural definitions of the disabilities. In this regard, it is possible for the nurse to come up with those things that help the patient to define his or her disability. For example, the nurse can have answers to the vital questions of the expectations of the capabilities exhibited due to the physical and mental states. Similarly, when the nurse is capable of exhibiting empathy, it is possible to determine the definition offered by the patients regarding their disability. It is important to recognize that having a sense of definition determines how the care provider will ensure delivery of the care services. The nurse will also have insights to the factors that affect the quality of life, empathy, and disability of such an individual. Hence, it is easier for the nurse to find ways to boost the patient’s quality of life. Appropriate communication bolsters the quality of life and ensures satisfactory living. As evidenced, the concepts in this particular context interrelate in the developed theory. Evaluation of empathy, disability, and determination of the quality of life in providing healthcare to the persons living with disabilities embodies the interrelationships explained in this essay. To gain an understanding of a single concept in this context, it is vital to involve the other conceptions. The situation, therefore, illustrates the interrelations that exist between these concepts and finally their implication on the ultimate goals of the care provided to the persons living with disabilities. As noted, the goals also extend to the achievement of the increased quality of life in the realm of the patients’ life. Provide Care Questions related to nursing assessment Enhancing the use of this theory requires that nurses should be in a position to ask the patients a series of assessment questions. The assessment either can be in a written form or conducted verbally within the care setup. The surveys could include all the conceptions of empathy, disability, and quality of life to give the patients a chance to tell their side of the story. For instance, when O’Brien regarded the nurse as void of empathy, he could fill a survey to depict such acts noted and help align the care to the persons with disabilities. Indeed, if these questions were available, O’Brien could have provided a way that he liked to receive care and perhaps explain his perception in the context of his disability. It is vital to ask the patients their consideration of empathy to have their ideologies integrated to the care they seek. Numerous questions can help the nurses to refocus the care cognizant of the patients living with disabilities. For instance, what are the attributes of empathy? Why do you think empathy is important? What are the examples of non-empathetic and empathetic care? How would you like your communication with the healthcare provider? What do you expect pertinent to the conception of empathy? Additionally, it is important to have the patient’s notion of the nature and sense of disability. Hence, it is important to provide the nurses with questions that could propel their understanding of disability and foster care provision. For instance, what is empathy? What are the attributes of empathy? What is the nature of disability? According to the mental and physical capabilities, what are the patient’s expectations? How can the nurse of any other healthcare personnel understand your disability? What are the possible ways that stigma and culture affect your perception of disability? In this regard, what are your expected outcomes? In the context of the quality of life, there also several questions that a nurse can employ to ensure satisfaction of the client. These questions involve; what are the attributes of quality of life? What factors could be available to maintain the quality of life? Are there vital things to remember regarding each factor? What is the desired level of independence to achieve the desired quality of life? According to your understanding, what goals will help in achieving the quality of life desired? If any, please indicate the satisfactory or poor levels of quality of life. What specific things that the healthcare providers can engage in to increase the patient’s quality of life? Please highlight the expected outcomes in line with this particular concept. Guiding practice and the value of the theory According to Peterson & Bredow (2009), the theories of nursing help in generating research questions and facilitate guidance to the nursing practice. In particular, the theories help the healthcare professionals in identifying concerns besides trying to effect he required change. As such, the theories of nursing have a profound impact in guiding the nursing practice. In this manner, the daily analysis and investigations in the realm of medical practice foster novel research and facilitate change in care provision. In fact, the proposed theory in this case seeks to provide guidance to the healthcare personnel during the provision of care. The theory provides logical analyses cognizant of the concepts necessary to offer appropriate care to the people that live with disabilities. Therefore, it is vital to practice and implement the theory to foster guidance in the field of nursing. References Campbell-Yeo, M., Latimer, M., & Johnston, C. (2008). The empathetic response in nurses who treat pain: Concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 61(6), 711-719. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04562.x Dugger, B. (2010). Concept analysis of health-related quality of life in nursing home residents with urinary incontinence. Urologic Nursing, 30(2), 112-119. 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Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Moderate to Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Concept Analysis. International Journal of Nursing Knowledge, 25(2), 73-79. doi:10.1111/2047-3095.12014 Ramezani, M., Ahmadi, F., Mohammadi, E., & Kazemnejad, A. (2014). Spiritual care in nursing: a concept analysis. International Nursing Review, 61(2), 211-219. doi:10.1111/inr.12099 Hagan, T. L., & Donovan, H. S. (2013). Self-advocacy and cancer: a concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 69(10), 2348-2359. doi:10.1111/jan.12084 Read More