Cuidarte Model: Institutional adoption of a nursing care model based on King's theory

Basing care practice on a theoretical approach is useful for reasoning and critical thinking, making practice more orderly and effective. This article presents the experience of structuring a Conceptual-Theoretical-Empirical (CTE) system that guided the creation of the «Modelo Cuidarte» (Cuidarte Model) at a clinic in Medellín, Colombia. The objective of this work was to build a theoretical framework, based on King's proposals, to underpin this care model. The experience took place at a high-complexity, Catholic, university clinic between August 2023 and August 2024. The initial five phases of the methodology proposed by Fawcett and DeSanto-Madeya for developing theoretical models were followed: 1) formulating an idea or vision; 2) forming a working group; 3) structuring a planning committee and a long-term plan; 4) reviewing institutional and nursing department strategic documents, and 5) building and developing the CTE. As a result, Imogene M. King's Conceptual System and Theory of Goal Attainment were selected as the theoretical bases to ground the practice of the institution's nursing team. King's conceptual model establishes the vision of care, while her theory, through the transaction model, guides its practical articulation. This theoretical framework drives the Cuidarte Model, which fosters patient- and family-centered care, promotes their participation in the Nursing Care Process, and encourages nurse autonomy and decision-making.