Care based on Meleis' Transition Theory in adolescent diagnosed with celiac disease

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Transition Theory developed by Afaf Ibrahim Meleis is a nursing theory that conceptualises the developmental, situational, and health-illness-based changes individuals encounter throughout their life course. It aims to evaluate individuals' adaptation processes to these changes and to maintain their health status. Nursing theories and models provide a theoretical framework for clinical practice, including individualising care, ensuring continuity, and improving the quality of care. The fact that change and adaptation processes exhibit individual differences necessitates planning nursing care with an evidence-based, holistic approach. This case presentation discusses an adolescent who was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain, weight loss, and delayed puberty and was diagnosed with celiac disease as a result of the evaluations performed. The diagnosed patient experiences multiple transitions, including shifts between health and illness, maintaining daily functioning, and managing the symptoms and complications of a chronic condition. However, a review of the literature indicates that studies systematically integrating multiple transition experiences into nursing care within a theoretical framework remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the transition process from health to illness in an adolescent diagnosed with celiac disease, in accordance with Meleis’ Transition Theory, and to elucidate the contribution of theory-based nursing care to this process. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews, and nursing care was implemented in line with Meleis’ Transition Theory. In light of these findings, the use of Meleis’ Transition Theory is recommended in the care of individuals undergoing the transition from health to illness.