1) Tell us why you think this theory is important to test.

2) Using Acton, Irving, and Hopkin's criteria, describe the study you would use to test that theory. This will be easiest to do in "bullet" format using Hopkin's criteria and a phrase or two to describe what you would do. Middle Range Theory : I chose Kolcabas Theory of Comfort 1. Theory of Comfort is a necessity for my nursing practice. Patients discomfort is an area where a nurse can assist and correct bringing a trust and bond between patient and nurse. A comforted patient is a compliant patient. Nursing is described as the process of assessing the patient's comfort needs, developing and implementing appropriate nursing interventions, and evaluating patient comfort following nursing interventions (Nursing Theory, 2010 ). Kolcaba (1994) defined comfort within nursing practice as the satisfaction (actively, passively, or co-operatively) of the basic human needs for relief, ease, or transcendence arising from health care situations that are stressful (p. 1178). 2.The study I would use to test the theory: Purpose- This study will help determine the relationship between a comforted patients health outcome and a non-comforted patients health outcome on the med surge area Summary of theory- The definition provided by Kolcaba states comfort is the immediate state of being strengthened through having the human needs for relief, ease, and transcendence addressed in four contexts of experience (physical, psychospiritual, sociocultural and environmental) (2005, p. 188). When comfort is involved the outcomes increase and patients are more willing to help with health enhancement outcomes. Constructs and concepts to be examined: Care, Comfort Care, Comfort measures taken, Comfort re-checks and health-seeking behaviors. Hypothesis- to achieve a comforting level of pain as stated by the patient as being tolerable through music therapy, repositioning, focus techniques, the use of hot packs to cold packs as deemed a necessity and when all else has failed the use of IV or PO medications for pain. The goal will be patient statement of comfort satisfaction. Instruments: There are three questionnaires available to aid in testing this theory. The General Comfort Questionnaire (x2) (GCQ) is a 28 or 48question questionnaire to help measure concepts and propositions. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) aids in measuring relief, ease, and transcendence). In 1991 Kolcaba made reference after a nursing intervention relief would be re-evaluated. The theory of comfort will be implemented using the recommended techniques and skills as stated in the theory on a 17 bed 8 PCU monitors- medical surgical unit. Patients with like illnesses will be grouped together and monitored in that fashion to avoid variables. The theory will be tested over the course of 10 months. This time frame was chosen to keep the sample size at a large enough area in order to apply the theory and to

allow for follow up time. The variables will be documented according to the effect, if any and the steps to be taken to correct. Nursing Theory: Kathy Kolcabas Theory of Comfort (2010) http://www.thecomfortline.com Kolcaba, K. D., DiMarco, M. A. (2005). Comfort Theory and Its Application to Pediatric Nursing. Pediatric Nursing, 31(3), 187-194 Kolcaba, K. Y. (1994). A theory of holistic comfort for nursing. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 19(6), 1178-1184.