The Roper, Logan and Tierney (1996) Model: perceptions and operationalization of the model in psychiatric nursing within a Health Board in Ireland

This study aimed to determine whether the Roper, Logan & Tierney model was an appropriate model for planning nursing care for clients who are mentally ill. Data were collected from two sources in one Health Board region in Ir eland. A care plan audit was used to evaluate the extent to which the Roper , Logan & Tierney model was used to assess, plan and evaluate nursing care in nursing documentation. Qualitative interviews with nurses explored their experiences of using the model and their perceptions of the model's useful ness and appropriateness for planning care. Both data sets were complementa ry, the qualitative data often providing contextual information which helpe d put the findings into perspective. It was found that there was little evi dence that the Roper, Logan and Tierney model guided care planning and that goals and nursing interventions were frequently not explicitly documented. Interviews with nurses indicated that they lacked educational preparation for using the model and found the model constraining and physically orienta ted. The appropriateness of the Roper, Logan and Tierney model for planning care for clients who are mentally ill is questioned. It is suggested that nurses need to be adequately prepared if they are to use a model appropriat ely. Consideration should be given when selecting a model as to its 'fit' w ith the needs of the client group and the ward team philosophy.