Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms and Assessment Tools for Patient Symptoms
First Name, Middle Initials, Last Name
Department, University Name
Course code: Course name
Professor’s name
Date
Place Your Order Here!
Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms and Assessment Tools for Patient Symptoms
The theory of unpleasant symptoms is a midrange theory positing the need for healthcare providers to establish holistic techniques and methods to explore the multiple facets of patient symptoms and associated consequences. According to Gomes et al. (2019), the theory of unpleasant symptoms is grounded on the premise that patients’ symptoms exhibit commonalities making the theory applicable to a wide spectrum of symptoms. Moreover, the theory of unpleasant symptoms posits that patient symptoms are influenced by psychological, environmental, and physiologic factors and that such symptoms can be assessed and quantified based on the four dimensions of intensity, timing, distress, and quality (Gomes et al., 2019).
From the definition and description of the theory of unpleasant symptoms, it is apparent that an appropriate symptoms assessment tool is expected to assess the physical and emotional symptoms of patients. According to Christalle et al. (20190 assessment tools aligned with the theory of unpleasant symptoms also have to incorporate the social environment and physical symptoms assessment attributes to offer a holistic assessment of patient conditions. According to Gomes et al. (2019), assessment tools associated with the theory of unpleasant symptoms should provide healthcare professionals with a broader and holistic understanding of the patient’s current situation by assessing a range of factors and limiting the assessment to the symptoms currently presented by patients.
To offer a holistic assessment of patient symptoms, assessment tools associated with the theory of unpleasant symptoms should also be patient-centered. According to Molony et al. (2018), patient-centered assessment tools allow patients to participate fully and take a lead role in the discourse concerning their symptoms. Based on the patient-centered nature, it is also important for assessment tools associated with the theory of unpleasant symptoms to provide avenues through which patients can communicate their symptoms. According to Christalle et al. (2019), appropriate assessment tools under this model should have provisions for patients with verbal difficulties to communicate their symptoms, thereby fostering their participation in the assessment process in line with the dictates of patient-centeredness.
In summary, appropriate assessment tools aligned with the theory of unpleasant symptoms should be holistic in symptom assessment by incorporating the behavioral, physiological, and psychological dimensions of patient symptoms. To provide a holistic view and assessment of patient symptoms, it is also critical for assessment tools associated with this theory to be patient-centered, where patients are encouraged to participate actively in the assessment process.
References
Christalle, E., Zill, J. M., Frerichs, W., Härter, M., Nestoriuc, Y., Dirmaier, J., & Scholl, I. (2019). Assessment of patient information needs: A systematic review of measures. PloS One, 14(1), e0209165. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209165
Gomes, G. L. L., Oliveira, F. M. R. L. D., Barbosa, K. T. F., Medeiros, A. C. T. D., Fernandes, M. D. G. M., & Nóbrega, M. M. L. D. (2019). Theory of unpleasant symptoms: critical analysis. Texto & Contexto-Enfermagem, 28. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-265X-TCE-2017-0222
Molony, S. L., Kolanowski, A., Van Haitsma, K., & Rooney, K. E. (2018). Person-centered assessment and care planning. The Gerontologist, 58(suppl_1), S32-S47.