Nola Pender Health Promotion Model

Theory Overview “Theories provide the base from which we seek to understand patients and their health problems and from which we plan interventions to help them” (Zaccagnini & White, 2017, p. 14). Theories are necessary for nursing research and practice. Utilizing a theory that is congruent with the program’s goal will help guide and provide structure to the project leaders throughout the implementation process. The nursing theory chosen for the osteoporosis program is the health promotion model (HPM).
The HPM was published by Nola Pender in 1982 and revised in 1996, incorporating theoretical considerations and research findings from past studies (Peterson & Bredow, 2017). Pender developed the model after witnessing providers intervening only after a patient had developed a health problem. As a result, she began researching models focusing on health promotion, but found they were based on negative motivation. Therefore, she focused her model on positive motivation, convinced that promoting healthy behaviors could prevent the onset of health problems, increase one’s quality of life, and reduce spending (Petiprin, 2016b). Pender’s positivity is reflected in her definition of health. It is defined as “the actualization of inherent and acquired
The model is designed to guide nurses in promoting and helping patients improve their health, increase and maintain functional ability, and improve their quality of life (Peterson & Bredow, 2017). To achieve the desired outcomes, it is necessary to address provider practices in relation to osteoporosis. A baseline assessment is needed to identify areas that require further intervention. The assessment will focus on the provider’s perception of self-efficacy in identifying at risk patients, screening rates, education, and discussing preventive measures. Perceived benefits to a screening program and perceived barriers to screening and prevention must also be