A Unitary Transformative Decision-Making Theory: An International Consensus Approach
Nursing care decision-making is a complex process historically guided by systematic-positivist and intuitive-humanistic models. However, a unified theory grounded within the Unitary Transformative Paradigm has been lacking. This study introduces the Unitary Transformative Decision-Making (U-TIDE) theory, developed through a 6-phase exaptation heuristic inquiry. U-TIDE integrates 10 core concepts: unitary dialogic engagement, unitary appreciative knowing, voluntary mutual patterning, potential for change, communicating, meaning, transformative human experience, consciousness, human betterment, and integrality. Aligned with the Functional Health Patterns and Standardized Nursing Terminologies, U-TIDE frames decision-making as a dynamic, collaborative, and transformative process that bridges Unitary Transformative Paradigm theory with practice, enriching nursing care.
Authors
- Paulo Carlos Garcia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4591-1145)
- Ana Choperena (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2359-6674)
- L. Bertocchi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8263-8419)
- Chinma Stella Adereti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6042-6431)
- Dorothy Jones (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0594-0942)
- Rita Gengo
- Suellen Cristina Dias Emidio
Institutions
- Boston College (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Advances in Nursing Science
- Published
- 2026-08-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1097/ans.0000000000000691
- Primary Topic
- Appreciative Inquiry and Organizational Change
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00