What type of nursing theory is used to call for change?

Prescriptive theories are designed to prescribe specific actions or interventions to achieve desired outcomes in nursing practice and health care. They provide guidelines and frameworks for addressing specific issues or problems, thus calling for change in practice. These theories are often practical and aim to bring about improvements based on evidence or theoretical understanding. By offering structured approaches, prescriptive theories encourage nurses and healthcare professionals to implement changes that enhance patient care and optimize health outcomes.

In contrast, descriptive theories primarily aim to describe phenomena without necessarily implying a course of action. They focus on observations in practice rather than directly advocating for change. Middle-range theories, while they can offer some guidance for practice and research, are more focused on specific aspects of nursing and do not encompass the broader, prescriptive action required to enact significant change. Practice-level theories are closely tied to specific situations or settings and may not broadly address the need for systemic change or improvement in practice.