1. Hildegard Peplau
Theory of Interpersonal Relations

2. Introduction:
Hildegard Peplau developed a theory that explains and describes very specific elements of effective interaction between the nurse and patient. The theory she created defines elements of excellent and effective practice specifically in psychiatric nursing by using concepts from nursing’s metaparadigm (Black, 2014).
“Within the relationship with my patient, how can I best help him or her understand his or her health problems and develop new, healthier behaviors?” (Black, 2014)

3. How Nursing Theory can be used for evidence based practice:
Every great practice came from someone’s idea or theory.
We need these theories so we can study them and test them to see if the evidence shows if they are safe or effective
Even after it has been determined that a certain theory is safe and effective, another person may be tweaking that theory to make it even safer. That is why healthcare is always changing.
Evidence based practice provides care for patients by applying the best available evidence by scientific method for making clinical decisions.

4. 4 Metaparadigm Concepts of Peplau’s Theory
Person
This would be defined as the patient or someone who needs the help from the nurse.
The person is a system made up of individual parts physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual (Black, 2014).
Environment
This would be defined as the outside pressures that may be hindering the person to meet their healthcare goals.
Nurse and patient use the therapeutic relationship to develop a plan for coping with illness and the current environmental situation
Person: Each of the individual parts of the person is supported by the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. This relationship is designed to encourage the patient to improve and maintain their own health and well-being.
Environment: How is the patient adjusting to the current environment? Nurse and patient examine the patient’s support system and they look at ways to foster the relationships within their support system

5. Health
This would be defined as the patient working towards their goal and progressing to a better life
*Nurse educates about disease process, the patient must understand the illness.
*Nurse and patient identify behaviors that may have contributed to the illness
*Nurse and patient develop a plan for new behaviors to prevent illness and promote overall well-being.
Nursing
This would be defined as the relationship between the patient and the nurse
Stages of the nurse-patient relationship (Black, 2014)
*Orientation *Identification
*Exploitation *Resolution
Nursing: Both the nurse and patient self-reflect and improve . Four stages of the nurse patient relationship are
Orientation phase which includes defining the problem.
Identification phase which is the selection of appropriate assistance for professional help.
Exploitation phase looks for problem solving alternatives by using some assistance of professionals.
Resolution is the final phase and it happens because the needs of the client have been met and the professional relationship has been terminated

6. How can Peplau’s theory improve current health care:
Peplau’s theory was based on the nurse-patient relationship. Her focus on encouraging the patient to play an active role in their own care is more relevant today than ever.
The nurse uses her own personality and communication skills in what Peplau refers to as the “therapeutic use of self.” (Black, 2014)
Patients
Families
Other members of the healthcare team.
References:
Black, B.P. (2014). Professional Nursing, Concepts & Challenges.
St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.
By strengthening the relationship between the nurse and patient and communicating better with our patients we are helping them to become strong, healthy individuals