Dr. Katharine Kolcaba
The Comfort Theory1
Comfort Theory

Dr. Kolcaba’s theory was deliberated in women with third stage breast cancer
undergoing radiation and chemotherapies1.

Kolcaba’s target audiences for her theory were1:

Gerontological Nursing1

HIV/AIDS1

Holistic Nursing1

Mental Health Nursing1

Nursing Research and Theory1

Oncology1

Palliative and Hospice Nursing1

Long Term Care Facilities1

Spiritual Care1
Theory Development

Conducted a concept analysis of comfort3.

The three types of comfort (relief, ease, transcendence) and four contexts of holistic
human experience3.

Taxonomic structure to guide for assessment3.

Comfort as a product of holistic nursing3.

A broader theory for comfort was introduced3.
Kolcaba’s
Theory Description

Nursing is described as the process of assessing the patient’s comfort needs, developing
and implementing appropriate nursing interventions, and evaluating patient comfort
following nursing interventions3,4.

Health is considered to be optimal functioning3,4.

Person/Patient can be considered as individuals, families, institutions, or communities
in need of health care3,4.

Environment is anything that can be manipulated by a nurse, or loved one to enhance
comfort3,4.
What does comfort mean by Webster
definition?
-a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
2
-a feeling of freedom from worry or disappointment2
-the act of consoling; giving relief in affliction2
-give moral or emotional strength to2
-lessen pain or discomfort; alleviate2
Comfort as a Whole
Relief, Ease, Transcendence
Comfort Types

Relief- the state of having a specific
comfort need met4,5.

Ease- the state of calm or
contentment4,5.

Transcendence- the state in which one
can rise above problems or pain4,5.
Contexts of Comfort
Physical
Psychospiritual
Environmental
Sociocultural
Conceptual Framework for
Comfort Theory
Comfort Theory in
Relation to my Profession

I chose the comfort theory because comfort of the patient or client promotes well being
and a quicker recovery.

In my current career, we have tried white boards to evaluate a patients’ comfort/pain
status.

I’ve thought as well about a career change into hospice and thought that educating
myself more on the comfort theory my help me in this new career change.
References
1. http://libguides.twu.edu/content.php:pid=387632
2. Merriam-Webster. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comfort
3. Kolcaba, K. (2011). Comfort Theory. Retrieved from
http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/comfort_theory_Kathy_Kolcaba.html
4. Kolcaba, K., Tilton, C., & Drouin, C. (2006). Comfort theory: A unifying framework
to enhance the practice environment. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(11), 538-544.
Retrieved from http://www.thecomfortline.com/files/pdfs/2006%20%20Comfort%20Theory%20A%20unifying%20framework%20to%20enhance%20the%20practice%20envir
onment.pdf
5. March, A. & McCormack, D. (2009). Nursing theory-directed healthcare, modifying kolcaba’s comfort theory
as an institution-wide approach. Wolters Kluwer Health. Doi: 10.1097/HNP.OBO13e3281a1105b