Watson’s Theory of Human Caring: A Framework for Anticipating Patient Needs to Reduce Call Light Interruptions

Pamela J. Rudolph, BSN, RN

Department of Nursing, United States University

MSN561: Theoretical Foundation of Advanced Nursing

Dr. Larry Daniels August 1, 2022

     Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring is a framework that includes several concepts and processes and is used in many other middle-range theories. Caring about another human being is mutually beneficial for both the patient and the nurse. Anticipating patient needs is a method of caring for patients and benefitting the nurse as it could reduce the call light interruptions.

     Call light interruptions are a disservice both to the nurse and the patient. Interruptions can cause safety issues such as falls and medication errors, errors in patient assessments as well as patient and nursing staff stress. The nurse must manage both the call light and patient needs, must administer medications, and manage symptoms of their disease. Call light interruptions mean the patient’s most basic needs are not met. Purposeful rounding to anticipate patient needs reduces call light interruptions. Anticipating patient needs means proactively meeting the needs of patients. Their needs generally include the following 5 P’s: potty, pain, position, possessions, and periphery - the environment, heat, lighting, comfort (Harden, Wall, Galunas, Debra , & Frederick, 2021). An anticipatory question the nurse may consider asking him or herself is ‘what would I need if I were you?’.

     The call light system is a major communication tool for patients to request assistance. It is an important mechanism necessary for patient centered care. However, by not anticipating patient needs, or by not promptly attending to patient requests, the call light system becomes a challenge for the already busy staff (Ali & Li, 2020).

     Jean Watson stated, “It is important to recognize that communication and notification technology contributes to the challenges the staff face during work, making working conditions difficult and challenging” (Petiprin, 2020). However, in this situation, if basic needs are provided, if we anticipate the needs before they are demanded, the call light should be nothing more than a television remote. Anticipating patient needs is not something that can be measured but can be tracked using patient satisfaction questionnaires and call light logs (which in most hospitals are readily available), and staff can be trained during daily pre-shift huddles.

     The concept of anticipating patient needs is a concept that closely mirrors Watson’s Theory of Caring and Caritas Processes. Watson’s ninth Caritas Process focuses on assisting with human needs with each need being as equally important for quality nursing care. “All needs deserve to be valued and attended to by the nurse” (Watson, 2022). By anticipating each patient's individual basic yet essential needs, the nurse is certain to save time, reduce interruptions, and improve patient and nurse satisfaction.

     Florence Nightingale knew and wrote about these basic functions before theories were ever written. She stated that the definition of the word nursing, “ought to signify the proper use of fresh air, light, warmth, cleanliness, quiet, and the proper selection and administration of diet – are all at the least expense of vital power to the patient” (Nightingale, 1859). Providing even the most basic needs to a patient, whether at home or in a hospital, has been a requirement of nurses and included in many writings and theories. Although they are the most basic of needs, they are the most important part of healing or comfort for any human being.

References

Ali, L., & Li, H. (2020). Use of Notification and Communication Technology (Call Light Systems) in Nursing Homes: Observational study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(3), e16252. doi:10.2196/16252

Harden, K., Wall, P., Galunas, L., Debra , E., & Frederick, T. (2021, April 1). Managing Falls: Implementation of a three-intervention initiative to improve quality of care for patients with cancer. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 25(2), 188-193.

Nightingale, F. (1859). Notes on Nursing. New York: 2003 edition published by Barnes & Noble, Inc.

Petiprin, A. (2020). Jean Watson - Nursing Theorist. Nursing Theory: https://nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Jean-Watson.php#:~:text=Watson%E2%80%99s%20theory%20has%20four%20major%20concepts%3A%20human%20being%2C,a%20person%20as%20a%20fully%20functional%20integrated%20self.

Watson, D. (2022). Watson's Caring Science & Human Caring Theory.  Watson's Caring Science Institute: https://www.watsoncaringscience.org/jean-bio/caring-science-theory/