Outcomes of Applying Neuman System Theory in Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review

Background: Applying theories in clinical practices is an important factor in development of nursing science and reduction of the gap between theory and practice. The aim of this study is to assess outcomes of applying Neuman system theory in intensive care units. Methods: A review study was conducted in 2016 through searching on Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Ovid, Google scholar, PubMed, Wiley, ProQuest, and Blackwell databases. The search was performed by using ICU, critical care, defense line, client system, nursing, and neuman system model as key words. Finally, 7 articles in English were assessed in this study, comprised of 5 quantitative studies, 1 qualitative study, and 1 case report study. Results: Outcomes of applying the theory were assessed in three categories including: 1. Caregivers (nurses), 2. Care receivers (patients and their families) and, 3. Intensive care unit environment. Regarding nurses, the results indicated an improvement in supporting of nurses, creating a social network in the workplace, and preventing post-traumatic disorder by using three prevention levels. Regarding patients and their families, identifying environmental stressors and controlling them resulted in high quality care and by using evidence-based care, it led to the prevention of delirium. Family was found to have an important role in terms of the created environment and acceleration in patients’ improvement; regarding factors related to the unit, creating a relaxing environment by playing music resulted in stress reduction. Conclusions: Correct evaluation of the elements of treatment process leads to identify different kinds of stressors in nurses, patients, clients’ families, and intensive care unit environment as well as providing appropriate strategies which can cause stress reduction and subsequently satisfactory treatment outcomes. Achieved knowledge and awareness may lead to new studies for combining theory with clinical practice. This new knowledge can provide dynamic and scientific care.