The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems: A New Paradigm for Nursing
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Basic Concepts of the Complex Adaptive Systems
- Adaptability is the system’s ability to respond flexibly to change without losing integrity [12]. Adaptability requires agents within the system (such as nurses) to develop problem-solving and quick decision-making skills.
- Self-organization is the ability of the system to organize spontaneously without the need for centralized planning [10]. In healthcare environments, this principle translates into the ability of operators to coordinate and collaborate flexibly.
- Emergence is the ability of a system to generate new properties and unpredictable behaviors from the interactions between its components [36]. Applied to nursing, this principle suggests that nurses can generate innovative solutions through their actions and interactions.
- Nonlinearity, meaning that the relationships between the system components are not linear but are characterized by complex feedback and interdependencies [16]. This makes it difficult to predict how the system will evolve accurately.
- Sensitivity to initial conditions small changes in the system’s initial conditions can lead to significant differences in its evolution over time [12]. This principle emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and specific circumstances in which the system operates.
2.1. Nursing Theories
2.2. Theoretical Development of Complex Adaptive Systems
- Holistic approach: consider the patient a complex, interconnected system rather than a collection of isolated symptoms.
- Interdependence: recognize the importance of relationships and interactions between patients, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
- Resilience and Adaptation: promote the ability of patients and nursing staff to adapt to changes and challenges.
- Flexibility: adapt nursing practices according to patients’ specific and dynamic conditions and the context.
3. Implications for Nursing
Limitations and Future Research
4. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Notarnicola, I.; Lommi, M.; Ivziku, D.; Carrodano, S.; Rocco, G.; Stievano, A. The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems: A New Paradigm for Nursing. Healthcare 2024, 12, 1997. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191997
Notarnicola I, Lommi M, Ivziku D, Carrodano S, Rocco G, Stievano A. The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems: A New Paradigm for Nursing. Healthcare. 2024; 12(19):1997. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191997
Chicago/Turabian StyleNotarnicola, Ippolito, Marzia Lommi, Dhurata Ivziku, Sara Carrodano, Gennaro Rocco, and Alessandro Stievano. 2024. "The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems: A New Paradigm for Nursing" Healthcare 12, no. 19: 1997. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191997
APA StyleNotarnicola, I., Lommi, M., Ivziku, D., Carrodano, S., Rocco, G., & Stievano, A. (2024). The Nursing Theory of Complex Adaptive Systems: A New Paradigm for Nursing. Healthcare, 12(19), 1997. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191997