This presentation focuses on how Ludwig von Bertalanffy’s General Systems Theory (GST) is applied to nursing, especially John Lowe’s Theory of Self-Reliance. We’ll examine how GST helps provide culturally sensitive and complete care, how it is connected to nursing theory, and how it is used in advanced practice positions.
According to General Systems Theory, which biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy created, all living things are open systems that are always interacting with their environment. In nursing, it is understood that patients are affected by the relationships they have, the communities they live in, and the systems in society (Srdjan Kesić, 2024). Feedback, adaptation, and equilibrium are the main concepts in this theory, which are also important in holistic care. GST encourages us to see how different social, psychological, and environmental factors can influence health.
Lowe’s Theory of Self-Reliance aims to help people take care of themselves in ways that are in line with their cultural background. In the beginning, the theory was designed to help Native American people, and it stresses the importance of culturally sensitive nursing that encourages independence and decision-making. Nurses help patients by supporting their cultural practices as well as their medical needs during recovery (Wimbish-Tompkins et al., 2024). This way of thinking values both diversity and individual strength.
Both GST and Lowe’s theory point out that health is influenced by factors outside of biology, such as personal, cultural, and environmental systems. GST believes that patients are flexible and can adapt, much like the communities they belong to (Srdjan Kesić, 2024). Lowe’s model introduces culture to this way of thinking. They encourage nurses to pay attention to spiritual, emotional, and community aspects when providing care (Wimbish-Tompkins et al., 2024). Therefore, nurses need to use interventions that fit the culture and are aware of the system.
Recalling the materials from last week on cultural humility, I recalled my time helping at a community health clinic. A lot of patients struggled with language, not having enough food, or getting to medical appointments, problems not usually considered by doctors. GST made me realize that health is influenced by the whole system, not only by individuals (Musheke & Phiri, 2021). A patient’s success in following a care plan can be affected by their family, their culture, or the resources they have. As a result, I am now more understanding and aware of how the system works when caring for patients.
In advanced practice, GST helps explain the many challenges in health systems. It highlights that APRNs are expected to collaborate with patients and with communities and healthcare teams. For example, as nurse practitioners, we look at patients in the context of their families, team up with social workers, and push for changes in policies that help underserved people. Looking at the system improves care and its outcomes. GST enables APRNs to identify the areas where they should focus their efforts, such as education, access, or care coordination (Dantas et al., 2022).
All in all, General Systems Theory is an important resource for today’s nursing practice. It encourages care that considers the patient as part of a wider group of people and interactions. When we look at John Lowe’s Theory of Self-Reliance, it points out that empowerment and cultural identity are important in the healing process. They both train advanced practice nurses to give careful, inclusive, and aware care in different environments.
Dantas, A. M. N., Santos-Rodrigues, R. C. dos, Silva Júnior, J. N. de B., Nascimento, M. N. R., Brandão, M. A. G., & Nóbrega, M. M. L. da. (2022). Nursing theories developed to meet children’s needs: A scoping review. Revista Da Escola de Enfermagem Da USP, 56. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10111381/
Musheke, M. M., & Phiri, J. (2021). The effects of effective communication on organizational performance based on the systems theory. Open Journal of Business and Management, 9(2), 659–671. Scirp. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojbm.2021.92034
Srdjan Kesić. (2024). Universal complexity science and theory of everything: Challenges and prospects. Systems, 12(1), 29–29. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12010029
Wimbish-Tompkins, R., Lowe, J., Kelley, M., Millender, E. F., & Liang, H. (2024). A commercial tobacco and alcohol use intervention for urban native American youth. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2024.06.014
