Kolcabas Theory of Comfort

Kolcabas Theory of ComfortWritten By:Marcie MontgomeryDerrek StaleyJennifer Housel

Purpose of comfortHolistic comfort is defined as the immediate experience of being strengthened through having the needs for relief, ease, and transcendence met in four contexts of experience (physical, psychospiritual, social, and environmental). (Kolcaba, 2010)

Relief: the experience of a patient who has had a specific comfort need met (Kolcaba, 2003, p. 258). Ease: a state of calm or contentment (Kolcaba, 2003, p. 253).Transcendence: the state in which one rises above problems or pain (Kolbaca, 2003, p. 259).

Comfort is dynamic; it can be achieved in various ways depending on an individuals lifestyle, environment, mental status or genetics. Health is at the core of a persons life and directly affects other aspects of life. Patient comfort is achieved through continual assessment and implementation of interventions that address patient needs.

According to Kolcabas Theory, comfort exists in 3 forms1.Relief which is the state in which pain/discomfort is alleviated2.Ease A state of contentment3.Transcendence State of comfort in which patients overcome their challengesWhen a patient achieves a certain level of comfort, his/her sense of achievement and health-seeking behavior improves, increasing healing and patient satisfaction both physically and mentally.

2Evidence Based Practice Kolcabas Comfort Theory:Environmental ModificationHigh quality care, patient satisfactionPatient focused/centered, individualizedStress, anxiety, fear, and feeling uncomfortable are detrimental to patient care/success if not addressedComfort is the core of nursing and is instilled in the foundationSupported by evidence based practice holistic and multidimensional approach to care

Incorporation of the Metaparadigm concepts (nursing, person, health, and environment) significantly contribute to patient healing.

Kolcabas Theory of ComfortAccording to Kolcabas (2003) Comfort Theory of Nursing:Nursing: The intentional assessment of comfort needs, design of comfort measures to address those needs, and reassessment of patients, families, or community comfort after implementation of comfort measures, compared to a previous baseline (Kolcaba, 2003, para.1).Person: An individual, community, or country in need of health care/comfort (Kolcaba, 2003, para.3).