ABSTRACT
Objective:
To assess the Peaceful End of Life Theory according to an assessment framework of nursing theories.
Method:
Reflection developed through the investigation of the Peaceful End of Life Theory and its application in Palliative Care nursing practice, using the analysis and assessment framework proposed by Jacqueline Fawcett. The analysis involved an impartial and detailed investigation of the theory, including the scope, context and content of the theory; and the assessment was based on the criteria of significance, internal consistency, parsimony, testability, empirical adequacy and pragmatic adequacy.
Results:
What the scope is considered, this is considered a medium-range and predictive theory. Its context is based on Katharine Kocalba’s Comfort Theory. In the content, it presents defined, well-outlined and interrelated concepts. Its significance derives from its explicit definition of the concepts of the metaparadigm; its internal consistency from the definition it provides for each concept and its use of the concepts without contradiction. It is parsimonious because nurses can use it for care to end-of-life patients.
Conclusion:
The importance of the theory is highlighted, as well as its application in the activities of nurses focused on care to end-of-life individuals and their relatives, as it presents concepts and propositions in line with what Palliative Care proposes.
DESCRIPTORS:
Nursing; Terminally ill; Palliative care; Nursing theory; Assessment of theory
