Comfort Theory and Practice: A Vision for Holistic Health Care and Research
By K. Kolcaba. New York: Springer Publishing Company, 2003. $37.95. ISBN 0-8261-1633-7. 264 pages.
Comfort Theory and Practice: A Vision for Holistic Health Care and Research is a compilation of the author's work with comfort care from the development of a theory to her vision of comfort care for the future. The material is presented in a chronological order as the theory was developed.
The initial chapters introduce the readers to the author and cover the history of comfort as a value within the nursing profession. The initial development of Comfort Questionnaires and the measurement of comfort are discussed in chapter 3. Chapters 4 and 5 cover the development of Comfort Theory. In chapter 7, 4 quantitative studies on comfort are presented. Ethics of Comfort Care is discussed in Chapter 8. Chapters 9 and 10 update the author's mission and present her vision for the future. Of note, the comfort of nurses is also included as an important component. The vision extends from the individual patient to the hospital, to the community, to the nation, and to a global level.
Comfort Theory and Practice: A Vision for Holistic Health Care and Research is user friendly and easy to understand. Written in the first person, the text not only presents the factual material of the development of Comfort Theory, but also shares the process Kolcaba used, including her doctoral dissertation. Case studies bring the ideas to life. Quotes from literature ranging from Nightingale to Shakespeare illustrate the ideas. The text has a definite research focus, which will be very useful to anyone planning further study of the topic. The tables and figures are very helpful. There is an extensive appendix, including an "FAQ" (frequently asked questions) about Comfort Care. The reference list is extensive and broad. The work of others who assisted and participated in this process is also well documented.
Comfort Theory and Practice: A Vision for Holistic Health Care and Research can be applicable to all nurses, in all settings, since we all should be concerned with comfort. The advanced practice nurse (APN) will find this text a useful resource when developing Comfort Care programs or working with the staff members who are providing comfort care. The APN who wishes to pursue any aspect of comfort as a research topic will find this an excellent resource. In addition, the discussion of her doctoral work will be of interest to anyone pursuing advanced education.