Distinguishing Feature of Nursing Interventions in the Circle of Care Model
According to the Circle of Care Model, nursing interventions are distinguished by their uniqueness and tailoring to individual patient responses, which represents the fundamental integration of nursing's caring philosophy with clinical practice. 1
Core Distinguishing Characteristic
The Circle of Care Model explicitly emphasizes that nursing's distinctive contribution lies in individualizing care to each patient's unique circumstances and responses, rather than applying standardized protocols alone. 1 This patient-centered approach combines:
- Traditional nursing caring elements situated within a framework that honors individual patient responses and needs 1
- Tailored interventions that are fitted to the specific characteristics, preferences, and circumstances of each patient 2
- Relationship-based care that recognizes the human-to-human connection as foundational to effective nursing practice 3
How This Differs from Other Approaches
Not Technology-Based
While technology may support nursing care, the Circle of Care Model does not define nursing interventions primarily through technological approaches. 1 The model emphasizes the human caring relationship as central, with technology serving as a tool rather than the defining feature. 3
Not Narrowly Prescribed
The model explicitly rejects narrowly prescribed perceptions in favor of a holistic, individualized approach that considers the patient's complete context. 1 Nursing interventions are designed to be flexible and responsive to individual patient needs rather than rigidly protocolized. 2
Beyond Standard Therapeutics
While nursing includes therapeutic interventions, the Circle of Care Model distinguishes nursing by its synthesis of caring with clinical management, creating a unique approach that goes beyond standard medical therapeutics. 1 This includes:
- Self-care capacity optimization tailored to individual patient abilities and resources 4, 3
- Coordination of multidisciplinary resources specific to each patient's circle of care 4
- Relationship continuity that enables trust and knowing between providers and patients 5
Evidence Supporting Individualization as the Key Distinction
Recent high-quality guidelines consistently identify patient-centered, individualized approaches as nursing's core contribution:
- The American Heart Association emphasizes that nurse-led models focus on optimizing self-care capacity specific to individual patients and families 4
- Nursing harm prevention strategies require comprehensive assessment and tailored interventions based on individual risk factors 6
- Effective nursing interventions for stroke prevention must be individualized with multiple tailored strategies to achieve targeted outcomes 6
Clinical Application
In practice, this means nursing interventions should:
- Assess individual patient characteristics including learning styles, cultural factors, readiness to change, and self-efficacy 6
- Design interventions fitted to the specific patient rather than applying one-size-fits-all protocols 2
- Continuously adjust care based on individual patient responses and changing circumstances 6
- Coordinate care across the patient's circle while maintaining focus on individual needs and goals 5
The Circle of Care Model's emphasis on uniqueness and tailoring represents nursing's fundamental commitment to seeing and responding to each patient as an individual within their specific context and care network. 1