Theoretical and methodological reflections for the construction of middle-range nursing theories

Abstract

Objective: to reflect on strategies and procedures for the development of middle-range theories and these theories’ contributions to connect abstract and empirical levels of the discipline to nursing pratice. Method: analytic reflection study. Results: considerations on the development of middle-range nursing theories are presented, exemplified by the Interactive Breastfeeding Theory, derived from the Conceptual Model of Open Systems, by Imogene King. Some subjects addressed are the reflexive aspects of lack of use of theoretical elements contained in the scientific literature of Brazilian nursing, especially in doctoral theses. The relevance of the debate on strategies for expanding the development of middle-range nursing theories in Brazil is defended. Conclusion: middle-range theories, which are located at the mid-point between grand theories and practice, present characteristics of theoretical and methodological references. They enable a practical way for nurses to connect philosophical perspectives to the real world and make applications of the theory to the clinical practice, and are thus a highly relevant subject.