Lois W. Lowry

Exploring the meaning of spirituality with aging adults in Appalachia.

This phenomenological study explored the meaning of spirituality in the lives of aging adults in Appalachia. Forty adult volunteers in varying states of health ranging in age from 59 to 94 years participated in focus groups. Through open-ended questions, respondents described their perceptions of spirituality, spirituality and health, and the role of spirituality in helping them cope. Themes that emerged from the data were a conviction that God exists and acts in the lives of persons, calls them to action, and is a source of connection in times of loss. Spirituality positively affects attitude, particularly as health declines. Respondents expected respectful and empathic health care providers who would meet their physical needs and be concerned about their spiritual needs. Spirituality was of paramount importance in the lives of these elders; thus, health care providers must consciously include spirituality in assessments and interventions. Nursing curricula must prepare students to provide spiritual care.

Nursing Theory and Practice: Connecting the Dots

The authors propose connecting the dots among theory, practice, and research by adopting an expanded conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure of nursing knowledge and matrix process to guide the placement of nursing knowledge in a contextual whole. An overview of the theoretical journey of nursing knowledge development is contrasted with the journey from practice resulting in a theory-practice disconnect. Both approaches are united to present an integrated view of the dimensions of the knowledge development of nursing as a professional discipline.

Neuman's Framework and Ventilator Dependency: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this article is to illustrate how the Neuman systems model guided a pilot study with ventilator-dependent patients. Mechanical ventilation was the external stressor to which these subjects reacted. The interaction of Neumans client system variables was investigated to see which variables most influenced the weaning process. The pilot served to link model concepts with research variables and to identify appropriate procedures and tools for data collection.

Imagining Nursing Practice: The Neuman Systems Model in 2050

We are long-standing members of the Board of Trustees of Neuman Systems Model International (NSMI), a nursing society founded in 1988 by Betty Neuman to advance work focusing on the Neuman systems model (NSM). The specific purpose of the society is “to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the integrity of the model for the future of nursing” (Neuman, 2002c, p. 360). We are honored to have the opportunity to share our thoughts about the use of the NSM in mid-21 century nursing practice. The NSM is one of several instantly recognized and widely used conceptual models of nursing. As is true of all conceptual models of any discipline, the function of the NSM is to provide a broad perspective of phenomena, an umbrella for the more specific activities undertaken by members of the discipline. The NSM represents a way of viewing phenomena within the world of healthcare from the perspectives of clients and caregivers. The broad perspective of any conceptual model is both dynamically changing and timeless. As clients’ and their caregivers’ health-related beliefs, values, and behaviors change, the way in which the NSM is used as a guide for nursing practice also changes. However, the basic building blocks of any conceptual model—its concepts and propositions—most likely will not change a great deal over time. Certainly refinements in concepts and propositions occur as the conceptual model is used and as the theorist and others continue to analyze, evaluate, and reflect upon its content. Indeed, the NSM has undergone several refinements, which Neuman (2002a) has described in detail. First published in 1972 in an article titled “A Model for Teaching Total Person Approach to Patient Problems” (Neuman & Young, 1972), the most recent refinements of the NSM are evident in the fourth edition of The Neuman Systems Model (Neuman & Fawcett, 2002).

A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Spirituality Guided by the Neuman Systems Model

The purposes of this qualitative descriptive study were to explore the meaning of spirituality as described by aging adults in various states of health, to describe the relationship between spirituality and health, and to explain client expectations for healthcare providers related to spirituality. All identified meanings and themes were compared to the characteristics of spirituality proposed by Betty Neuman in the Neuman systems model to determine the credibility of the model for assessing and guiding holistic nursing practice. Three themes were formulated: a) Spirituality is an individual, conscious, committed connection to God, requiring a human response; b) positive spirituality contributes to personal wholeness and health; and c) spirituality sustains and comforts in times of stress.

Neuman Systems Model in Holland An Update

The authors of this column, leading members of the International Neuman Systems Model Association, provide an update on the use of Neuman systems model in Holland and document the various changes in The Netherlands that have influenced the use of the model in that country. The model’s link to systems theory and stress theory are discussed, as well as a shift to greater emphasis on patient self-management. The model is also linked to healthcare quality improvement and interprofessional collaboration in Holland.

Dialogue with Lois Lowry

The column is an interview with one of the Neuman trustees. Dr. Lois Lowry shared her experience with the Neuman systems model in curriculum development and evaluation in this dialogue. She shared insights from the development of the international Neuman conference in Holland in June.

Dialogue with Lois Lowry Development of the Neuman Systems Model

The column is an interview with one of the Neuman trustees. Dr. Lois Lowry shared her experience with the Neuman systems model in curriculum development and evaluation in this dialogue. She shared insights from the development of the international Neuman conference in Holland in June.