metaparadigm

The metaparadigm is a concept used in various fields, particularly in nursing, to describe the most general elements and abstract concepts that define a discipline. It represents the overarching framework within which theories are developed and research is conducted. In nursing, the metaparadigm typically consists of four core concepts: person, environment, health, and nursing.

The person refers to the individual, family, or community who is the recipient of nursing care. Environment encompasses all internal and external factors that influence the person's well-being and the delivery of nursing care. Health is understood as the state of well-being experienced by the person, which can range from optimal wellness to illness or death. Nursing itself is defined as the actions, interventions, and processes performed by nurses to promote health, prevent illness, restore health, and alleviate suffering.

These four concepts are interconnected and form the foundational elements for understanding and practicing nursing. Different nursing theories and models may emphasize or interpret these metaparadigmatic concepts in unique ways, leading to diverse approaches to patient care and research. The metaparadigm provides a common language and a shared understanding of the essential components of nursing, facilitating coherence and consistency within the discipline. It serves as a guide for theory development, research, and practice, ensuring that all efforts are focused on the core elements of nursing.