Introduction to Integrative Nursing
Integrative nursing is an approach that emphasizes whole-person care, focusing on the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. This framework aligns with the "triple aim" in healthcare, which seeks to improve patient experience, enhance population health, and reduce costs. The research article "Integrative Nursing: Application of Principles Across Clinical Settings" by Kreitzer and Davidson provides a comprehensive guide for practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and improve outcomes through integrative nursing principles.
Key Principles of Integrative Nursing
The article outlines six core principles that guide integrative nursing practice:
- Whole Systems Approach: Recognizing that individuals are dynamic and inseparable from their environments, practitioners are encouraged to assess and address all domains of health, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
- Innate Capacity for Health: Emphasizing the body's natural healing abilities, integrative nursing supports interventions that nurture hope, trust, and belief in the healing process.
- Nature's Healing Properties: Integrative nursing acknowledges the restorative power of nature, incorporating elements such as natural light, fresh air, and healing gardens into care environments.
- Person-Centered Care: Building empathetic and authentic relationships with patients is central to integrative nursing, ensuring care is tailored to individual needs and preferences.
- Evidence-Based Modalities: Practitioners are encouraged to use a range of therapeutic modalities, from least to most invasive, based on evidence and patient context.
- Caregiver Wellbeing: Recognizing the impact of stress and burnout, integrative nursing emphasizes self-care and reflective practices for caregivers to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Application in Clinical Settings
The principles of integrative nursing have been successfully implemented in various clinical settings, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness. For instance, the University of Minnesota Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Center incorporates integrative therapies from diagnosis through treatment, emphasizing whole-person care for children with life-threatening conditions. Similarly, Touchstone Mental Health employs integrative approaches to support individuals affected by mental illness, focusing on hope, healing, and wellbeing.
Encouraging Further Research and Implementation
Practitioners are encouraged to explore the principles of integrative nursing further and consider how they might be applied in their own practice settings. By doing so, they can enhance their skills, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to a more holistic and effective healthcare system.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Integrative Nursing: Application of Principles Across Clinical Settings.
