Nursing Theory Critique: Cheryl Cox & The Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior
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Nursing Theory Critique: Cheryl Cox & The Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior
Cheryl Cox is a nursing theorist credited with developing the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB), a middle-range theory that provides a framework for nursing practitioners to follow. This theory encompasses the use of previous information, the personification of treatment, and a proper interaction environment between the patient and nurse to achieve better results. For example, the theory provides a definite explanation of the factors that could inform childhood cancer survivors’ particular health behavior to develop effective intervention measures. According to Cox (2003), this model was developed to describe the interacting aspects of health-protection and risky behavior and the conduct of health providers that can influence health outcomes. It thrives on client singularity and proper communication between the client and the healthcare provider.
Rationale for selection
The most outstanding feature of this theory is the fact that it is a middle-range theory. This means that it provides a direct link between the theoretical aspects and the actual occurrences in practice. This makes it easy to use in study and research. This theory emphasizes on finding out the background information of every client before recommending any treatment plan. This is a tenet that is vital in daily practice. Cox’s insistence on client singularity creates a niche of trust and focus between the practitioner and client. This prevents the generalization of factors and enhances the incorporation of vital demographics when implementing or recommending an intervention program. Specific factors such as the residence, race, health history, family history, insurance provider, and childhood experiences are vital in determining how to deliver care irrespective of the problem that a person is getting treated for. Cox et al. (2016) realized improved medical outcomes through better involvement when the survivor care plans were mailed to clients using personalized language and factoring in their disease history.
Overview of theory
Cox’s model begins by explaining the importance of the patient’s demographics and previous healthcare experience in the perception and effectiveness of the intervention strategies proposed by the nurse. This means that the nurse has to factor in the following pillars while designing the appropriate care plan; client singularity- this means the intrapersonal wiring of the patient such as the background variables, their cognitive appraisal, and motivation, client – professional relationship that entails how well the nurse will incorporate the intrapersonal factors in the intervention strategy of choice and health outcomes of the patient for each intervention program (Cox, 1982). Cox’s approach emphasizes nurse-patient interaction as a catalyst for designing beneficial health practices for the patient. It is also a vital tool for analyzing the influence of healthcare providers’ influence, among other elements on patients’ health outcomes. The strength of the Interaction Model of Client Behavior (IMCHB) is incorporating several models of interpreting client behavior. This includes models such as Suchman, Andersen, and Newman, with these models being sifted and developed further to provide a comprehensive care structure (Cox, 1982).
Theory and practice link
This theory incorporates qualitative and quantitative treatment of data and variables. This means that nurses have to conjoin their empirical findings with other factors such as demographics before determining a patient’s intervention program. Ehrlich‐Jones et al. (2011) suggest the fusion of intrapersonal and contextual variables in treatment to identify “moderators and mediators” that influence health outcomes. Such factors can be assessed by combining physical examination and a psychological and demographical examination of the patient. To achieve this, the theory takes three grand steps into which all the tenets fit in. This is the assessment, the intervention, and the outcomes, which directly correspond to any physician and nurse’s day-to-day operations. Cox 2003 argues that factors that extend beyond patients’ health beliefs and personality may influence health outcomes. These factors include family, social, and healthcare. Thus, nursing practitioners must verse themselves with these factors by connecting with the client and personalizing the process. They must seek to find out all they can about the client even if it does not seem to affect their condition directly. Through researching the health outcomes of childhood cancer survivors, Cox et al. (2006) determined that positive health outcomes can be achieved if healthcare provider intervention can be tailored to individuals.
Critique breakdown
Barnum 1998 provides a pronged approach to critiquing the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB). This critiquing model observes, one, internal criticism (clarity, consistency, adequacy, logic development, and level of theory development). IMCHB is concise in handling patients and can apply to a diversity of situations while maintaining the basic tenets of personifying, demographic analysis, social factors, and providers’ behavior, amongst others. It is a middle-range theory that proposes a logical approach to addressing all problems that can compound an illness. Barnum’s model also proposes an external criticism based on complexity, the theory’s scope, significance discrimination, utility, and real convergence. This theory is directly applicable to practice, covers a broad scope of possible situations, and depicts ideal healthcare provision situations, providing possible ways to achieve the best results. However, it would require a proper understanding of its tenets before it can be put into practice.
References.
Cox, C. L., Andersen, R., Santucci, A. K., Robison, L. L., & Hudson, M. M. (2016, November). Increasing Cardiomyopathy Screening in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Cost Analysis of Advanced Practice Nurse Phone Counseling. In Oncology Nursing Forum (Vol. 43, No. 6).
Cox, C. L., McLaughlin, R. A., Steen, B. D., & Hudson, M. M. (2006). Predicting and modifying substance use in childhood cancer survivors: application of a conceptual model. In Oncology nursing forum (Vol. 33, No. 1, p. 51). Oncology Nursing Society.
Cox, C. L. (1982). An interaction model of client health behavior: Theoretical prescription for nursing. Advances in nursing science, 5(1), 41-56.
Ehrlich‐Jones, L., Lee, J., Semanik, P., Cox, C., Dunlop, D., & Chang, R. W. (2011). Relationship between beliefs, motivation, and worries about physical activity and physical activity participation in persons with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis care & research, 63(12), 1700-1705.