Metaparadigms and Interventions

The theory of Carmencita Abaquin did not specifically mention her definitions of the major paradigms: person, health, nursing, environment. However, by understanding her theory we can deduce some implications of her views.

 

Person/Patient. Her theory is specific to patients in advanced stages of cancer. They are holistic being with physical, psychological, social, religious, level of independence, and environmental aspects. Patients who are terminally-ill or those with incurable diseases as with cancer must be approached in multifaceted care to improve their quality of life.

 

Environment. Just like all the other paradigms, environment was not defined accurately. Nevertheless we can assume that environment is an aspect or dimension integrated to the cancer patient. Her quality of life can also be assessed in this aspect thus it must be given consideration in the provision of care.

 

Health. The concept of her theory revolves around illness, particularly cancer and the provision of holistic care to improve quality of life despite their terminal cases. Quality of life is defined as a multifaceted construct that encompasses the individuals capabilities and abilities of enriching life when it can no longer be prolonged. This includes proper care and maintaining integrity of the body, mind and spirit despite the limitations brought about by the present condition. The quality of life is seen through the patient's many dimensions.

 

Nursing. The goal of nursing care is the improvement of quality of life for advance stage cancer patients despite their current situation. Her concept of providing holistic nursing care in addressing the multidimensional problems that cancer patients face is summarized in the acronym PREPARE ME.

• Presence – being with another person during the times of need. This includes therapeutic communication, active listening, and touch.

• Reminisce Therapy – recall of past experiences, feelings and thoughts to facilitate adaptation to present circumstances.

• Prayer

• Relaxation-Breathing – techniques to encourage and elicit relaxation for the purpose of decreasing undesirable signs and symptoms such as pain, muscle tension, and anxiety.

• Meditation – encourages an elicit form of relaxation for the purpose of altering patient’s level of awareness by focusing on an image or thought to facilitate inner sight which helps establish connection and relationship with God. It may be done through the use of music and other relaxation techniques.

• Values Clarification – assisting another individual to clarify his own values about health and illness in order to facilitate effective decision making skills. Through this, the patient develops an open mind that will facilitate acceptance of disease state or may help deepen or enhance values. The process of values clarification helps one become internally consistent by achieving closer between what we do and what we feel

PREPARE ME theory provides a framework on non-pharmacologic, non-surgical approach of care to advanced cases of cancer patients. The focus is not on cure but on assisting the patient to explore her humanity and internal serenity as one is faced with the challenge of life and death. Nurses must be seen not as mere caregivers but facilitators of peaceful acceptance of condition. The following are some techniques according to PREPARE ME theory that nurses can use in their care.

MEDITATION FOR HEALING

SYMPTOMATIC BREATHING MEDITATION

  By: Holly Christy Ibarra