An evaluation of Henderson's nursing needs model and how it can be adapted for use in veterinary nursing

Anarosa Wallace,Marie Jones

doi:10.12968/vetn.2020.11.8.340

Abstract

Henderson's nursing needs model is a nursing model of care that is used in human nursing. It is based on 14 fundamental needs that are said to involve every aspect of the patient. Henderson believes that if nursing interventions use these 14 fundamental needs as a framework, this will aid the patient in becoming independent again, which is the overall aim. However, as Henderson's model was intended for human use, there are aspects that are not appropriate for use in veterinary patients. Therefore, this article illustrates how it can be adapted for use in animals, using the nursing process as a structure.

Highlights

A nursing model is a description of how to plan, systematically implement and evaluate nursing care (Jeffery, 2006)
Care plans allow nurses to work towards clear goals, and enable different healthcare professionals, such as veterinary surgeons and physiotherapists, to have a better understanding of how the patient is coping in the hospital as they can clearly see what nursing interventions are being carried out (Bowes, 2015)
Nursing models guide nurses in the decision-making associated with the steps of the nursing process; when used in conjunction with the nursing process they can enable nurses to deliver a high standard of individualised patient care, as a nursing model incorporates aspects that are missing from the nursing process (Lock, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

A nursing model is a description of how to plan, systematically implement and evaluate nursing care (Jeffery, 2006). Henderson says the patient’s need to learn, leads to normal development (Petiprin, 2016) This holistic approach allows the nursing care for each animal to be individualised, as the needs for each patient will be slightly different. It does mean that nurses may forget to elaborate on things that are not included in the list (see Table 2 for Henderson’s nursing assessment form (Ahtisham and Sommer, 2015)) This can lead to insufficient interventions because the information has not been provided. This is a modification to Henderson’s original model as she did not incorporate these parameters Recording these during the nursing assessment means that they can be referred to when the patient is being evaluated to see if the patient’s condition has changed.

Breathe

Urination and Defecation

Mobilisation

Keeping the body clean

Keeping body clean

Evaluation

Conclusion