Question

How do nurses use Kolcaba's Theory of Comfort during COVID, what have you encountered, and how does it help provide quality care?

Answer 1

Kolcaba's Theory of comfort

This nursing theory was developed in 1990 by Katherine Kolcaba.Kolcaba describes comfort as a product of holistic nursing care. Kolcaba explained comfort in relief ,ease and transedence forms. In Relief specific comfort levels are met but not the complete relief from the symptoms. Ease form achieved when  the patient is in some comfort level .Transedence means once the patient is strengthened to move against the challenges in health.

Kolcaba also explained the 4 context in which the patient can get the comfot. These 4 context are physical, psychospiritual, environmental and socio cultural.

Description of theory

Nursing- It is the  assessment of patients comfort needs, and development and implementation of  appropriate nurisng interventions or measures and evaluation of  the interventions of comfort.

Health-It is the optimal level of functioning described by individual, family, or community.

Patient/Person-Individual, family, community who are in need of comfort.

Environment- Any surrounding that can be maniulated by the nurse for others who enhance comfort.

Hoe does nurses use  Kolcaba's Theory of Comfort during COVID 19

Kolcaba's Theory explains comfort as the fundamental need of human being when they are in stressful situation.

Need	Relief	Ease	Transedence
Physical	Fever Sore throat Cough Head ache Loss of smell Loss of taste Chest pain Shortness of breath Tiedness	Administration of medications Administration of fluids Administration of oxygen Provide comfortable position	Motivate or encourage the patient to take rest in a comfortable position Encourage to take lots of fluids.
Psychospiritual	Anxiety Fear	Emotional and psychological support to the patient Listen the patient and have a positive talk	Encourage the patient to engage in activities like reading, listening music , watching television, hearing speeches/talks.
Environmental	Separation anxiety due to hospitalization	Provide reassurance and appropriate information	Encourage the patient to involve in the activities like reading, listening music,watching television, hearing speeches/talks
Socio cultural	Use of various instruments	Proper use of instruments	Provide calm and quiet environment

How does it provide quality care

Kolcaba's Theory says the health care needs of the patient are accurately assessed and appropriate measures or nursing interventions are carried out to overcome those needs, patients comfort level is enhanced.Once the comfort is increased which improve the health seeking behaviours. The health seeking behaviours may be internal or external to the patient.Internal behaviours can observed in the Covid 19 are relief from fever, pain, tiedness ,improved oxygenation etc.Some external behaviours are acceptance of instructions and participation in the diversional activities.Kolcaba also believes that focus of comfort not only in nursing but also in other professions also. So a teamed approach will help to provide holistic care to the Covid 19 patients which will enhance the comfort.