The Use of Orlando’s Interaction Theory in Nursing Care Practice: Celiac Disease

Nursing is a profession that aims to provide care practices for individuals in a good and bad state of health. Therefore, the use of nursing theories and models in nursing care practices has key importance. The nurse-patient relationship maintains therapeutically through the care practices that base on nursing theories and models and integrative care can be provided to the patient. One of the theories that enable the given situation is Orlando’s Interaction Theory which creates an empathetic relationship between nurses and patients. The objective of this study is to provide an example of nursing care provided to a child diagnosed with Celiac Disease based on Orlando’s Interaction Theory. Method: The study was designed in the form of a case report and the study data was collected using interviews conducted with the patient and observations. Findings: As a result of the interviews, it was determined that the patient experienced difficulties in complying with the diet, felt restricted by the family members and overcoming stressful situations. Nursing interventions were planned by evaluating the verbal and non-verbal behaviors of the patient. The study findings showed that the patient exhibited more positive behaviors when his/her needs were met and the family also contributed to the management of the illness and the self-management skills of the patient were improved. Result: Orlando’s Interaction Theory can be used for managing the illness of children who suffer from chronic illnesses. Our suggestion is to increase the proper and effective use of Orlando’s Interaction Theory in the provision of care to patients with chronic illnesses.