Using conceptual models of nursing to guide nursing research: the case of the Neuman systems model.

Conceptual models of nursing inform thinking and give meaning and direction to nursing research. The Neuman systems model is used to exemplify the following five steps, which provide specific direction for conceptual model-based research: (a) Develop a comprehensive understanding of the substantive content and research rules of the conceptual model, (b) review existing research guided by the conceptual model, (c) construct a conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure, (d) clearly communicate the conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure, and (e) conclude the report with an evaluation of the empirical adequacy of the middle-range theory and the credibility of the conceptual model.