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> Identify patient specific comfort needs and evaluation using the GCQ
> Use the 4 contexts of comfort to achieve optimal levels of functioning and collaborate with others to meet this goal
> Become familiar with other research studies that used this theory as a framework

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> Bertzen (2020)
-explored discomfort in the body, mind, and integrity of critical care patients
-identified and addressed a comfort gap between patients and nurses
> Estridge (2018)
-compared fluid retention and comfort levels of patients receiving hemodialysis
-used the GCQ to interpret patient symptoms and enhance their comfort level

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ANA (2015)
Kolcaba (2001)

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Kolcaba (2003)

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> a holistic, individualized, and complex state focused on reaching optimal levels of functioning (Kolcaba, 2003, p. 16)

Please take the time to view Dr. Kolcaba explaining her views on comfort and applying it to herself

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> Originated from Katherine Kolcaba’s interest in the concept of comfort and developed over the course of her graduate schooling (Kolcaba, 2003, p. 4)
> Her primary works include The Comfort Line website and her book entitled Comfort Theory and Practice (2003)
> Kathy was a nurse, professor, and volunteer worker

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> Reduce negative tension
> Increase positive tension and comfort
> Enhance health-seeking behaviors:
These are behaviors that patients engage in to achieve a goal of well-being (ex. internal, external, peaceful death) (McEwen & Wills, 2019, p. 255)

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> Middle range theory:
they are narrow, specific, and easily adaptable (Kolcaba, 2003, p. 77)
> Major concepts:
comfort, comfort care, comfort measures, comfort needs, health seeking behaviors, institutional integrity, and intervening variables (McEwen & Wills, p. 238)
> Three types of comfort:
1. relief- experience of a patient who has a specific comfort need met
2. ease- state of calm/contentment
3. transcendance- state in which one rises above pain (Kolcaba, 2003, p. 9)