Contributor: Hannah Scranton
Authors – Ippolito Notarnicola, Marzia Lommi , Dhurata Ivziku, Sara Carrodano, Gennaro Rocco, and Alessandro Stievano
First published – 2024
Major Concepts
Holistic Approach: The nurse considers the patient as a whole, taking into account the interconnections between the different physical, psychological, social and environmental dimensions that influence their condition.
Interdependence: The nurse recognizes the importance of relationships and interactions between the patient, other health professionals in which the actions of each influence and are affected by the dynamics of the system.
Resilience and Adaptation: Both the patient and the nurse must develop the ability to cope with changes and challenges, while maintaining their well-being and the effectiveness of care practices, This principle emphasizes the importance of adaptability within the system.
Flexibility: Rather than applying standardized protocols and procedures, the nurse must be able to adapt his or her approach according to the specific and dynamic conditions of the patient and the care setting. This principle highlights the need to abandon the rigid and linear approach typical of many traditional nursing theories.
These four principles interact with cach other. fostering the emergence of innovative solutions to address the complexity of healthcare. The application of NTCAS aims to improve the quality of care, user and staff satisfaction, and promote the adaptability of the entire system.
(From the primary Source article cited below)
Typology
Grand theory
Brief Description
The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems is grounded in the principles of Complex Adaptive Systems (CASs). It seeks to offer a new paradigm for nursing practice that addresses healthcare’s dynamic and evolving nature. This theory promotes personalized care plans adaptable to patients’ changing needs by emphasizing a holistic and interactive approach to care. It also underscores the importance of interprofessional collaboration and effective communication in improving the quality of care. It provides a robust framework for developing adaptive and resilient nursing practices that can respond to the complexities of modern healthcare. By integrating the principles of CASs into nursing, the Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems fosters a more flexible, interdependent, and holistic approach to patient care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and improving healthcare systems. This theory has practical applications in various healthcare settings, offering a framework for personalized and adaptable care plans that respond to the dynamic needs of patients while improving overall system efficiency.
Primary Source
Notarnicola, I., Lommi, M., Ivziku, D., Carrodano, S., Rocco, G., & Stievano, A. (2024). The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems: A New Paradigm for Nursing. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 12(19), 1997. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191997
About the Authors
Ippolito Notarnicola is a Nurse Research Fellow at the Center of Excellence for Culture and Nursing Research of the Order of Nursing Professions in Rome (OPI Rome). He is a professor of nursing disciplines in degree and master’s degree courses at the Universities of Rome Tor Vergata, at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and of the Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel” in Tirana. He received his PhD in nursing from the University of L’Aquila. He obtained the title of fellowship by examination at RCSI in Dublin. He carries out research in the field of nursing sciences at national and international level, and is the author of publications at national and international level.
Marzia Lommi is affiliated with the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome “La Sapienza” Rome, Italy. Director of the Nursing Degree Course, Sapienza University of Rome.
Dhurata Ivziku has been Professor in the Nursing Degree Course at University UniCamillus since 2019. Nurse researcher at the Foundazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico in Rome since 2018. Experience in clinical nursing coordination from 2015 to 2018, and several years of experience as a professional nurse in multi-specialist medical-surgical departments and private healthcare (2005-2015) at the Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico in Rome. PhD in Nursing Sciences and Public Health from the University of Rome Tor Vergata in 2018 with honors. Since November 2023, National Scientific Qualification as a Second Level Professor in the Scientific Disciplinary Sector MED/45. Member of the Scientific Committee of the Italian Society for Nursing Professions Management and Direction and on the executive board of the Transcultural Nursing Association. Research Fellow of the European Specialist Nurses Organization. Deputy Director of the JBI-Italian Evidence-based Practice Nursing Scholarship Center of Excellence, at the CECRI, OPI Rome. Experience in qualitative and quantitative research on topics related to chronic diseases, nursing workload study, nursing management leadership, university student competencies, and well-being.
Sara Carrodano is a Nurse and PhD candidate in Nursing & Public Health – Clinical Governance & Risk Management – Socio-Health Education
Gennaro Rocco, PhD, MscN, Ed.M, RN, FFNMRCSI, FESNO, FAAN. Scientific Director,Center of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship, OPI, Rome, Italy; Scientific Director, International Center for Nursing Research Montianum, Our Lady of Good Counsel CatholicUniversity, Tirana, Albania;
Professor of health professions bachelor and masters degree courses I University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Professor, Schools of Health Professional I Catholic University Our Lady of Good Counsel, Tirana, Albania; Visiting Professor, Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts, US; Member Hall of fame, SigmaTheta Tau International, Indianapolis, US; Fellow ad Eundem RCSI I University,Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Dublin, Ireland; Fellow (Hon) I EuropeanSpecialist Nurses Organisation, Bruxelles, Belgium; Fellow I American Academy of Nursing, Washington, US
Alessandro Stievano is the research coordinator of the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship of OPI Rome – Italy (the Regulatory Authority for the Nursing Professions). The Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship in Italy is a novel project that represents a unique venture for Italy, and one of the first to be set up in Europe. The Centre has funded more 400 educational and research projects since its inception in 2010. He is also an expert of learning processes and social health policy issues, and, in this logic, he achieved a master’s degree in education (Rome Three University Rome -Italy) and another one in Sociology for Health and Policy from University of Bologna – Italy and a PhD in nursing from University of Tor Vergata – Rome – Italy. He is published on a national and international level, particularly on ethics and transcultural matters. His main interests in research are linked to professional and policy issues in nursing and health professions, nursing ethics and transcultural nursing.