A Nursing Theoretical Premise in Healthcare Delivery: The Neuman Systems Model

Introduction

The Neuman Systems Model is a conceptual model of nursing developed by Betty Neuman in the late 1960s. This model views individuals as open systems, with a variety of interacting subsystems that are constantly in dynamic interaction with the environment. This model takes into account the physical, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, spiritual, and environmental influences that affect an individual's health (Lawson, 2021). The Neuman Systems Model can be represented graphically as a circle divided into four distinct components. The four components are: the client variable, the lines of resistance, the total person variable, and the environment variable (Etchin et al., 2020). The client variable represents the individual, their state of health/illness, and their perception of their health. The lines of resistance represent the individual's ability to cope with stress and maintain homeostasis. The total person variable includes the physical, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, spiritual, and environmental influences that affect the individual. Finally, the environment variable includes internal and external factors that may add additional stress or provide support for the individual. The model emphasizes the importance of providing holistic care that takes into account all of these variables, rather than focusing solely on physical factors. It also encourages nurses to not just focus on the disease, but to consider the person as a whole. This paper will describe the model, how it is conceptually communicated, and what it means for healthcare delivery.

How the Model is Depicted Graphically

The Neuman Systems Model is often depicted in a circular or spiral diagram, with the client at the center. The outer layers represent the various environmental stressors that can impact the client's health and well-being, including physical, social, economic, and spiritual factors. The middle layer represents the client's normal line of defense, which includes various physical and psychological coping mechanisms that help the client maintain homeostasis and respond to stressors (Lawson, 2021).

The innermost layer represents the client's core, or unique personality and individuality. This layer is the source of resilience and personal strengths that can be used to support the client in their healing journey.

The model also includes the nursing process, which is depicted as a spiral that begins with assessment and ends with evaluation. This continuous process is used to identify stressors and monitor the client's response to them, allowing healthcare providers to provide individualized, holistic care that supports the client's health and well-being.

Figure 1. Neuman Systems Model.

How the Model is Communicated Conceptually

The Neuman Systems Model is conceptually communicated as a holistic and systemic approach to nursing and healthcare that views the client as an open system in constant interaction with their environment. This means that healthcare providers must consider all aspects of a client's life, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors, in order to understand...…nurses to see what the client needs, assess the patients strengths and weaknesses in fending off stressors, and build from there. Since patient-centered care emphasizes communication, respect, empathy, and understanding as essential components of a successful healthcare experience, the goal of client-centered care is the same as that of the Neuman Systems Model: it is to create a supportive, healing environment in which the patient feels empowered to make decisions and take an active role in their own healthcare (Marchand et al., 2019). Thus, this approach can also be seen as one that encourages healthcare providers to listen to the patient and understand their perspective in order to provide comprehensive, holistic care. Moreover, using the Neuman model helps care providers apply patient-centered care by emphasizing the importance of forming trusting relationships in order to ensure that all parties involved are comfortable with the plan of care.

Conclusion

Overall, the Neuman Systems Model provides a framework for nurses to assess the needs of their clients, plan interventions, and evaluate the outcomes of care. The model emphasizes the importance of assessing the variables that impact the health of the individual, and tailoring interventions to the individual's specific needs. It also provides a structure for nurses to engage in preventative care, as well as identifying and managing underlying causes of illness. It can additionally be used to support patient-centered care approaches to healing. Its holistic view of health helps nurses and…