What is the primary focus of middle-range theories in nursing?

The primary focus of middle-range theories in nursing is on specific phenomena that can be tested. These theories are designed to bridge the gap between grand theories, which are broad and abstract, and practice theories, which are more specific to particular nursing interventions. Middle-range theories provide a framework for understanding specific aspects of nursing practice, allowing for empirical testing and validation. This focus enables nurses to apply these theories in practical settings, guiding their assessments, interventions, and evaluations of patient care.

By concentrating on testable aspects of nursing phenomena, middle-range theories contribute significantly to the development of evidence-based practice, facilitating research that enhances patient outcomes. This emphasis on specific, observable elements is what distinguishes middle-range theories from the more generalized and philosophical nature of grand theories or philosophical underpinnings that do not lend themselves to direct application in practice.