Caring as a Generative Principle: Reconfiguring the Metaparadigm and Operative Mechanisms in Nursing Theory.
Aarón Muñoz Devesa, Juan Ignacio Rico Becerra
PMID 41692959WHAT IT FOUND
This paper compares nine nursing theories to show that 'caring' is not a single concept but a family of distinct frameworks.
It argues that using 'caring' without specifying which theory is applied leads to vague practice and documentation. Clinicians should identify the specific moral and operational logic guiding their care.
Key findings
01The term 'caring' is used across nine major nursing theories to mean different things, ranging from spiritual presence to measurable comfort outcomes, creating conceptual confusion.
02The 'environment' is the key difference between these theories, shifting from a spiritual space to a cultural or bureaucratic system, which changes how care is defined and delivered.
03Without explicitly stating which theoretical model of caring is being used, 'caring' risks becoming an empty slogan that cannot guide clinical decisions or evaluate outcomes.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study is purely theoretical and documentary; it does not include patient data, clinical trials, or qualitative interviews with nurses or patients. The analysis is restricted to how these theories are presented in a single textbook (Alligood 2022), which may not capture the full nuance or evolution of the original works. It does not provide evidence that any specific theory of caring leads to better patient outcomes.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The study used AI tools for drafting and editing, but the authors retained full responsibility for the content.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret this paper as evidence that one nursing theory of caring is superior to another or that adopting a specific theory improves patient outcomes. It is a conceptual map for organizing professional identity, not a clinical trial.