Symptom Management Theory Analysis

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The UCSF Theory of Symptom Management: Middle Range Theory Analysis & Evaluation

Abstract
This analysis of UCSF’s Theory of Symptom Management presents the background of the theory, major concepts and their interrelationships, and evaluates the clinical usefulness of the theory. In research testing the theory, Skelly at al. showed that a symptom management intervention program, provided to African American women with chronic Type II diabetes, resulted in an increase in self-care, an improved quality of life and less anxiety from chronic disease. Similarly, the chronic illness patient shoulders the day to day management of his symptoms. The theory is a framework that healthcare professionals can use to provide a basis for self-care and symptom management in the chronic disease patient.
Keywords
theory analysis, UCSF Symptom Management Theory, Symptom Management Model, chronic illness, chronic disease
Introduction
Symptom Management and its relationship with chronic disease has been named a research priority in the nursing profession (NNRA Process, 2006). The development of theories to guide research and Evidence Based Practice in this area is crucial, with further progress through analysis and application to practice. The UCSF Theory of Symptom Management (SMT) provides the guidance for the nurse to understand patient symptoms with better assessment, support and treatment in nursing practice. The symptom is usually what brings the patient to seek out health care (Humphreys et al., 2008) and adherence to treatment by the patient is crucial. The nurse who provides a biopsychosocial view of the symptoms to help the patient better deal with their symptoms is imperative to this adherence. The Theory provides many target areas for research and furthers our knowledge of the development of symptom management.
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