Systemic assessment of depressive symptoms among registered nurses: A new situation-specific theory

Abstract

Background: A mentally-healthy nursing workforce is vital to providing quality healthcare. While there has been research conducted internationally on depressive symptoms in nurses, most studies have lacked a theoretical framework. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a situation-specific theory, the Systemic Assessment of Depressive Symptoms among Registered Nurses (SAD-RN). Methods: The SAD-RN was developed through theory synthesis using the Roy's Adaptation Model (RAM) as a framework. Sixty-four research articles were selected to abstract relevant concepts based on a priori RAM concepts. Findings: Using depressive symptoms as the anchor concept, related emergent concepts of SAD-RN include context, stressors, protective factors, negative health outcomes, and low patient care quality. Discussion: SAD-RN is an evidence-based comprehensive model that offers researchers a guiding theory to be used in their future research on depressive symptoms among RNs.