Cognitive capabilities are an important theory concept (Alligood, 2014). Mishel defines cognitive capabilities as the actual processing of information with the ability to reflect on capabilities, limitations, and restrictions (Alligood, 2014). A study of the Mishel uncertainty in illness scale found ambiguity and inconsistency influenced the quality of life (Giammanco et al., 2014).
Inference, Illusions, Adaptation, New View of Life, and Probabilistic thinking
The last five major concepts in the uncertainty in illness theory to be discussed are equally important to the theory. These include inference, illusions, adaptation, view of life, and probabilistic thinking. First, inference is the ability to evaluate uncertainty …show more content…
Evidence-based research has supported the theory’s use with patients and families with multiple sclerosis, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C, myocardial infarctions, and transplantation (Alligood, 2014; Brashers et al., 2003; Cypress, 2016; Giammanco et al., 2014; Steele, Aylward, Jensen, & Wu, 2009; Stewart, Lynn, & Mishel, 2010). Applying the theory in practice has grown beyond individuals living in the United States to various nations around the world (Iranmanesh, Tirgari, Tofighi, & Forouzi, …show more content…
An expert nurse will apply past, present, and future theories to their current practice. For the MS patient, Florence Nightingale’s past reminder of the harm uncertainty can cause will improve outcomes. Merle Mishel’s present uncertainty in illness theory as an undeniable part of life requiring adaptation will develop further knowledge. Furthermore, Madeleine Leininger’s culture care theory for the future as nurses provide health care to a more diverse culture in the United States and other countries, individuals in the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western