Middle range theories compared to grand theories are less abstract, narrow in scope, and have few concepts. Therefore, more specific and allow for empirical testing (Peterson & Bredow, 2013). Due to the ability that middle range theories can be tested and proven, these theories are widely used in nursing practice. In practice, middle range theories enable nurses to focus on concepts for example pain, health promotion, and symptom management. Although these theories are of great use to nursing practice, they are not without controversies.
First controversy is that middle range theories have no exact and accurate definition. According to the level of abstraction, middle range theories are between grand theories and situation specific theories (Peterson & Bredow, 2013). Meleis (2012) defined Middle range theory as “the coherent articulation of a set of concepts that can describe and explain relationships that are related to a particular phenomenon” (p. 411). Without a specific definition of middle range theories confusion can occur.
Middle range theories provide models for nursing practice and provide frameworks for research. These models and frameworks are based on broad phenomena of nursing …show more content…
Meleis stated that MRT are used in nursing practice and research and can be used in “the cycle of advancing foundational knowledge and enhancing quality care” (p. 407). Middle range theories provide a framework for nurses to examine situations (Meleis, 2012). Therefore, help to describe, explain, and answer questions about different nursing phenomena. Using MRT nurses are able to have a perspective of dealing of with complex situations, and provides direction of nursing interventions to use. In addition, nursing theories provide a structure for communicating with other nurses and with other members of the health care