Applying Parse's Theory in Caring for a Depressed Patient Following Hysterectomy With Oophorectomy: A Case Study

Background

Depression is a common complication in women undergoing hysterectomy. By utilizing nursing theories in patient care, improved care standards, more affordable care costs, and greater quality of life can be achieved. Parse's theory of human becoming is among the nursing theories prioritizing each individual's conception of quality of life as a crucial nursing goal. This study aimed to apply Parse's theory of human becoming to the care of a depressed patient following a hysterectomy with oophorectomy.

Case

The participant was a 44-year-old woman who underwent hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy on January 1, 2023, following a diagnosis of grade 1 right ovarian cancer. After three days of hospitalization, she returned home to live with her husband and four children. Postoperative care was provided by a home care nurse—also the researcher—who observed signs of emotional distress and depressive symptoms, including social withdrawal, irritability, and loss of interest in daily activities. The nurse implemented nursing interventions grounded in Parse's Human Becoming Theory, including therapeutic communication, mindfulness practices, journaling, and involving the family in emotional support. Data were analyzed using Parse's qualitative research methodology (2011).

Conclusion

Based on the first principle of Parse's theory (meaning), the findings showed that patients' meaning and values of life changed from “disappointment” to “hope.” In the second principle (rhythmic patterns), contradictory patterns of “dependency-nondependency” and “hope-disappointment” were identified. Based on the third principle (transcendence), with the actual presence of a nurse and the implementation of care and treatment, the patient's mental state switched from “depression and despair” to “hope and happiness.” This research found that Parse's theory of nursing was effective in alleviating depression in patients following hysterectomy with oophorectomy surgery. This study also highlights the importance of utilizing nursing theories in patient care.