David CHAN
Abstract
The Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) is a logical and systematic nursing theory which identifies the recipient of nursing care as a bio-psycho-social adaptive system. It provides a unique conceptual framework which can help guiding nurses in assessment, problem identification, goal setting, planning, implementation and evaluation of care in nursing practice. In Intensive Care Units (ICUs) where patients have severe physiological dysfunction and are under a lot of stress, application of RAM in such area may help guiding nurses to identify patient problems and prioritize care. The RAM has been used in the ICU of the Prince of Wales Hospital for many years for guiding nurses in assessing the health status of critically ill patients. This case study describes how the RAM was applied in assessing health of a patient with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in this ICU.
Key words: Health assessment, ICU, Roy Adaptation Model, SARS