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Models of Transcultural Care - Analysis of Theories

It is not the intention here to give a definitive critical evaluation of the theories but to introduce this framework to facilitate further discussion among students and practitioners as to the contribution of these theories to practice.

Marriner-Tomey (1994) suggests that the theories ‘ provide knowledge to improve practice by describing, explaining, predicting, and controlling phenomena’ (p.3). Knowledge empowers health care professionals to practice with autonomy and confidence. Understanding and application of theories facilitate the development of knowledge, analytical skills, value clarification, and challenge assumptions and advance practice. Marriner –Tomey (1994) adopts an approach that considers the following areas when examining theories: the source of the theory and its development, use of data-based evidence to support its assertions, major concepts and assumptions, the theoretical assertions, the logical form, and acceptance by the professions, and its further development.

Theories evolve over time. Theorists often revise their thinking and formulations, and seek validation through application and testing. Marriner-Tomey (1994, p 6-7.) provides a framework for the analysis and evaluation of nursing theories. The main criteria are 1. Clarity and Simplicity 2. Generality 3. Empirical Precision 4. Derivable Consequences.

1. Clarity and Simplicity

Marriner-Tomey(1994) suggests that the development of the theory should follow a logical process, and should be consistent its underlying goals. In order to achieve this, concepts and sub-concepts should be clearly described and defined, without any ambiguity but always with consistency. Where words may have multiple meanings, caution should be exercised in defining and making their meanings precise, particularly when they are borrowed from across disciplines. The relationships between concepts should be made explicit, and where diagrammatic outlines are used to illustrate these relationships, again consistency should be apparent.

Simplicity is necessary to allow for understanding without making concepts unnecessarily complex and their comprehension difficult. It should not however be at the risk of losing the depth and breadth of concepts and their interrelationships. Simplicity will allow for easy translation into application and practice.

2. Generality

This relates to the scope of the theory. When both concepts and goals are limited, the theory may have less generality. However, the significance of the theory is not dependent solely on the breadth and narrowness of its scope, since it is recognised that the simplicity and complexity of concepts add to the theory.

3. Empirical Precision

Empirical precision relates to the idea that objective testing of the theory should be possible. In other words, the theory should lend itself to generating knowledge based on observed and tested relationships between concepts. It therefore follows that unless theories lend themselves to testing, they are less likely to be accepted as guides to informing practice.

4. Derivable Consequences

This refers to the potential of the theory to have a sustained impact and continuing influence on further developing new ideas, professional practice and research.

Marriner-Tomey's approach to the analysis of nursing theory is but one of many that may be used. 

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