Applying Margaret Newman’s theory of health as expanding consciousness to psychosocial nursing care of HIV infected patients in Kenya

Abstract

Margaret Newman’s Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness is considered a grand nursing theory, she described a process of becoming more of oneself, of finding greater meaning in life, and of reaching new dimensions of connectedness with other people and the world. Nurses in Kenya have mostly used the psychosocial-medical model to nurse HIV infected patients which fails to answer many of the nursing concerns and reduces their autonomy in carrying out nursing care. Newman’s theory proposed that: Health is not lack of illness, or a process to become healthy from being ill, but it instead the expansion of consciousness as a result of choices made within the context of patterns of behavior. Methodology: This mini review was an evolving emergent design. Slightly adapted ‘Advanced Theory in Nursing’ coursework materials were used. The greatest resource were referrals to links and hints as offered by those who got interested in the study. A best case scenario is appended. Conclusion: Newman’s Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness is therefore a generic tool applicable to guide psychosocial nursing care of clients infected with HIV. It would be a great resource with a potential to evidence based nursing care. It would provide a basis for several case studies. Nurses find more fulfilment in their work by utilizing a nursing theory.