Name
Chamberlain University
NR-501: Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice
Prof. Name
Date
The theory selected for this study is Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM), which emphasizes the role of proactive health behaviors in enhancing overall well-being. A key issue examined is patients’ adherence to prescribed medication regimens and how advanced practice nurses (APNs) play a significant role in addressing this challenge. Medication adherence is critical in chronic illness management, yet patients often face barriers such as lack of knowledge, motivation, or environmental support.
By using Pender’s Health Promotion Model as a framework for evidence-based practice, APNs can better understand patient behaviors, identify influencing factors, and implement strategies that encourage commitment to health-promoting actions.
The Health Promotion Model was developed by Nola Pender to encourage individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and enhance their quality of life. This model highlights the multidimensional nature of individuals and the importance of the interaction between personal characteristics, environmental influences, and behavioral outcomes.
According to Pender, health promotion is not only about disease prevention but also about empowering individuals to achieve a higher level of wellness. The model acknowledges that behavioral choices are influenced by psychological, social, and cultural contexts (Petripin, 2020).
| Key Elements | Description |
|---|---|
| Designer | Nola Pender |
| Focus | Promotion of health and enhancement of well-being |
| Nature of the Model | Multidimensional – considers physical, psychological, and social aspects |
| Interaction | Examines how individuals interact with their environment to sustain health |
| Application | Provides a framework for nurses to guide patients toward healthier behaviors |
(Adapted from Petripin, 2020)
Advanced practice nurses frequently serve as primary care providers, placing them in a crucial role in health promotion. Research demonstrates that patients under the care of nurse practitioners (NPs) report numerous benefits:
Improved health outcomes due to proactive health management
A perception that they are heard and valued in care discussions
Recognition of the expertise and knowledge NPs bring to patient care
Increased focus on preventive care and health promotion strategies (Rickards & Hamilton, 2020)
This reflects the strength of the HPM in guiding nursing practice, as it aligns with the NP’s emphasis on patient-centered care and empowerment.
Medication adherence is a global health issue, particularly among patients with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. APNs often encounter patients who demonstrate non-adherence due to limited health literacy, inadequate motivation, or misperceptions about their prescribed regimen.
By applying health promotion principles, APNs can help patients recognize the importance of consistent medication use. Interventions such as education, motivational interviewing, and family involvement may improve treatment compliance, leading to better clinical outcomes.
The Health Promotion Model provides APNs with a structured way to identify barriers to adherence and develop personalized interventions. The model emphasizes the influence of social support and interpersonal interactions on health behaviors.
“Persons are more likely to commit to and engage in health-promoting behaviors when significant others model the behavior, expect the behavior to occur, and provide assistance and support to enable the behavior” (Petripin, 2020).
This underscores the importance of family members, peers, and healthcare providers in fostering positive behavioral change.
The Health Promotion Model identifies several factors that can influence whether patients adhere to their treatment regimen:
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Perceived Barriers | Beliefs about obstacles (e.g., cost, side effects, complexity of regimen) |
| Perceived Self-Efficacy | Confidence in one’s ability to follow the medication schedule |
| Activity-Related Affect | Emotional responses connected with health behaviors (positive or negative) |
| Interpersonal Support | Influence of family, friends, and healthcare providers |
| Situational Influences | Environmental factors such as accessibility of pharmacies or reminders |
Implementing educational programs and supportive interventions based on these factors can significantly enhance adherence rates (Barati et al., 2020).
Failing to follow prescribed treatment regimens may result in uncontrolled chronic conditions, hospital readmissions, and a decline in quality of life. For example, hypertension that is left untreated due to poor adherence may lead to severe complications, including stroke or heart failure (Vrijens et al., 2017).
By applying the HPM, APNs can more effectively address the underlying causes of non-adherence, empowering patients to make sustainable health choices.
In summary, Pender’s Health Promotion Model offers a strong theoretical foundation for addressing issues related to medication adherence. The model helps advanced practice nurses identify patient-specific barriers, assess interpersonal and environmental influences, and implement interventions that foster long-term adherence.
Ultimately, the integration of the HPM into evidence-based nursing practice not only enhances patient adherence but also contributes to improved health outcomes and a more holistic approach to chronic illness management.
Barati, M., Goudarzi, H., Bashirian, S., & Moeini, B. (2020). Determinants of medication adherence among hypertensive patients using the Pender’s health promotion model. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 9(1), 89.
Petripin, A. (2020). Pender’s Health Promotion Model – Nursing Theory. Nursing Theory. Retrieved from https://www.nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/pender-health-promotion-model.php
Rickards, T., & Hamilton, S. (2020). Patient experiences of primary care provided by nurse practitioners in New Brunswick, Canada. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 16(4), 299–304.
Vrijens, B., Antoniou, S., Burnier, M., de la Sierra, A., & Volpe, M. (2017). Current situation of medication adherence in hypertension. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 100.
Vrijens, B., & Heidbuchel, H. (2015). The process of medication adherence: From non-adherence to effective adherence. Heart, 101(6), 417–419.
