Volume 10, Issue 1 (Journal of Clinical and Basic Research (JCBR) 2026)
jcbr 2026, 10(1): 37-41 |
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Ranjbar Noei F, Jouybari L. From theory to practice: Integrating pharmacological management, the nursing process, and Watson's principles of human caring in an elderly patient with congestive heart failure: A Case Study. jcbr 2026; 10 (1) :37-41
URL: http://jcbr.goums.ac.ir/article-1-549-en.html
URL: http://jcbr.goums.ac.ir/article-1-549-en.html
1- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran , f.rnjbr.n@gmail.com
2- Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
2- Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
Abstract: (728 Views)
Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) requires holistic, patient-centered care that extends beyond pharmacological management. Watson's Human Caring Theory provides a structured framework for addressing the physical, psychological, spiritual, and relational needs of patients with chronic illness. This case study aimed to describe the integration of Watson's Caritas Processes into the nursing process and to evaluate outcomes over a six-month follow-up period. It illustrates a relatively uncommon application of Watson's Human Caring Theory for a socioeconomically disadvantaged patient with CHF who was illiterate, had significant physical limitations, and required individualized, realistic care goals.
Case Presentation: An 85-year-old woman with CHF and a history of three hospital readmissions received a seven-day nursing intervention based on Watson’s Caritas Processes during her hospitalization. The intervention integrated evidence-based pharmacological management with therapeutic presence, empathetic communication, individualized family education, spiritual support tailored to the patient’s beliefs, and realistic care goals. Patient outcomes were assessed at discharge and at three- and six-month follow-up intervals. Improvements were observed in symptom control, functional status, emotional well-being, self-care capacity, and family caregiving, with no hospital readmissions reported during the six-month follow-up period.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates the feasibility of integrating Watson's Human Caring Theory into the nursing care of an older patient with CHF during hospitalization. A seven-day caring-based intervention, followed by a six month of follow-up period, was associated with improvements in symptom control, functional status, emotional well-being, self-care, and family engagement, with no hospital readmissions. These findings suggest that theory-guided, holistic nursing care may complement pharmacological management in supporting patients with complex care needs.
Case Presentation: An 85-year-old woman with CHF and a history of three hospital readmissions received a seven-day nursing intervention based on Watson’s Caritas Processes during her hospitalization. The intervention integrated evidence-based pharmacological management with therapeutic presence, empathetic communication, individualized family education, spiritual support tailored to the patient’s beliefs, and realistic care goals. Patient outcomes were assessed at discharge and at three- and six-month follow-up intervals. Improvements were observed in symptom control, functional status, emotional well-being, self-care capacity, and family caregiving, with no hospital readmissions reported during the six-month follow-up period.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates the feasibility of integrating Watson's Human Caring Theory into the nursing care of an older patient with CHF during hospitalization. A seven-day caring-based intervention, followed by a six month of follow-up period, was associated with improvements in symptom control, functional status, emotional well-being, self-care, and family engagement, with no hospital readmissions. These findings suggest that theory-guided, holistic nursing care may complement pharmacological management in supporting patients with complex care needs.
Article Type: Case report |
Subject:
Nursing
Received: 2026/01/16 | Accepted: 2026/03/15 | Published: 2026/08/23 | ePublished: 2026/08/23
Received: 2026/01/16 | Accepted: 2026/03/15 | Published: 2026/08/23 | ePublished: 2026/08/23
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