An examination of the sustainable adoption of whole-person care (WPC)

Aim This study illustrates how King's theory of goal attainment was used to focus an examination of whole-person care (WPC) and to extend the range of knowledge needed for WPC and nursing practice. Background Leadership implemented a faith-based innovation using continuing education for patient care that incorporates body-mind-spirit and eight principles called CREATION. Three questions arose: (1) Is there an evidence-based framework to determine whether the philosophy supports the discipline of nursing? (2) How extensive is the adoption and application of WPC? (3) Does the model make a difference in the context of nurse-patient interactions and outcomes in support of Magnet recognition criteria? Methods Interpretative phenomenology was used and an interview protocol was developed to examine the adoption and movement toward a culture of WPC. Results WPC was 'lived.' It is a relationship-oriented patient care model. However, except in direct patient care, the principles of CREATION were poorly diffused. Implications for nursing management These results contribute to nursing leadership's roles in fostering a workplace climate that enables the diffusion of innovative models of care. In addition, these results support the Institute of Medicine's call for nurses to take the lead in adopting innovations and provides leaders with actionable strategies.