NR 501 Theoretical Framework to Support Evidence-based Practice

NR 501 Theoretical Framework to Support Evidence-based Practice

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-501: Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

The theoretical framework guiding this study is Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM), which emphasizes proactive engagement in health-promoting behaviors to achieve optimal well-being. A key focus of this study is medication adherence among patients with chronic conditions—a persistent challenge that significantly impacts health outcomes. Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) play a critical role in addressing barriers to adherence, such as low health literacy, motivational issues, and inadequate social support.

By applying Pender’s HPM within evidence-based practice, APNs can better understand patients’ decision-making processes, identify internal and external influences, and develop strategies that encourage sustainable health behaviors.

Pender’s Health Promotion Model

Developed by Nola Pender, the Health Promotion Model advocates for individuals to actively pursue healthier lifestyles while recognizing the multiple factors influencing health choices. Unlike models that primarily focus on disease prevention, the HPM promotes empowerment, motivation, and self-actualization as central to achieving wellness.

Health promotion, according to Pender, is a multidimensional concept encompassing physical, emotional, social, and cultural aspects. Health behaviors emerge through the continuous interaction between personal attributes and environmental factors (Petripin, 2020).

Core Features of Pender’s Health Promotion Model

Application of the Health Promotion Model in Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) often serve as primary care providers, positioning them to play a pivotal role in promoting health and preventing illness. Research demonstrates that patients managed by nurse practitioners frequently experience:

• Improved health outcomes due to an emphasis on prevention and continuous monitoring.

• Higher satisfaction levels, as patients feel actively engaged in their care decisions.

• Enhanced trust in the clinical expertise and guidance provided by NPs.

• Increased focus on preventive measures, contributing to long-term wellness (Rickards & Hamilton, 2020).

This alignment between nursing practice and HPM underscores the model’s effectiveness in supporting patient-centered care, empowerment, and behavioral change.

Issue for Advanced Practice Nurses

Medication non-adherence is a major global concern, particularly among patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Contributing factors often include misconceptions about medication, limited understanding, or reduced motivation.

APNs can apply health promotion principles to enhance medication adherence by:

• Educating patients about the importance of consistent treatment.

• Using motivational interviewing to increase engagement and confidence.

• Involving family members to promote accountability and emotional support.

These interventions enable patients to maintain adherence, prevent disease progression, and improve overall health outcomes.

Theory as a Framework for Evidence-Based Practice

The Health Promotion Model provides a comprehensive structure for APNs to identify barriers and implement targeted, culturally sensitive interventions. A core principle of the model emphasizes social support and interpersonal influence in shaping behavior.

Pender highlighted that:

“Persons are more likely to commit to and engage in health-promoting behaviors when significant others model the behavior, expect the behavior to occur, and provide assistance and support to enable the behavior” (Petripin, 2020).

This perspective underlines the importance of family, peers, and healthcare providers in fostering adherence and long-term behavior modification.

Factors Affecting Medication Adherence

Implementing patient education, structured follow-ups, and supportive interventions that address these factors can significantly enhance adherence (Barati et al., 2020).

Consequences of Non-Adherence

Non-adherence to prescribed medication regimens can result in serious health complications, including:

• Poorly controlled chronic illnesses

• Increased hospital readmissions

• Higher risk of complications (e.g., stroke or heart failure in hypertension)

• Reduced quality of life for both patients and caregivers (Vrijens et al., 2017)

Integrating HPM into nursing practice enables APNs to address the root causes of non-adherence, encourage sustainable behavior change, and empower patients to take control of their health.

Conclusion

In summary, Pender’s Health Promotion Model offers a robust framework for improving medication adherence within nursing practice. By focusing on the psychological, environmental, and social dimensions influencing behavior, APNs can design tailored, evidence-based interventions that empower patients.

This integration strengthens adherence, enhances patient autonomy, and promotes holistic care, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life for individuals managing chronic illnesses.

References

Barati, M., Goudarzi, H., Bashirian, S., & Moeini, B. (2020). Determinants of medication adherence among hypertensive patients using Pender’s Health Promotion Model. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 9(1), 89.

Petripin, A. (2020). Pender’s Health Promotion Model – Nursing Theory. Nursing Theory. https://www.nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/pender-health-promotion-model.php

Rickards, T., & Hamilton, S. (2020). Patient experiences of primary care provided by nurse practitioners in New Brunswick, Canada. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 16(4), 299–304.

NR 501 Theoretical Framework to Support Evidence-based Practice

Vrijens, B., Antoniou, S., Burnier, M., de la Sierra, A., & Volpe, M. (2017). Current situation of medication adherence in hypertension. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 100.

Vrijens, B., & Heidbuchel, H. (2015). The process of medication adherence: From non-adherence to effective adherence. Heart, 101(6), 417–419.