Theory Description, Critical Reflection, and Theory Evaluation of the Transitions Theory of Meleis et al according to Chinn and Kramer (2011)

Transitions Theory (TT) states that change and transition are phenomena that make humans more vulnerable to health risks. Transitions Theory was evaluated through a text analysis of 4 publications, 3 nursing expert focus group interviews in Switzerland, and a mapping review of the transition literature of the last 5 years. Although the implementation of TT into Swiss nursing practice seems problematic due to conceptual deficiencies, transition is a meaningful nursing topic. The connection between TT, research, and practice is weak. Yet guidelines for theory description, theory analysis, and theory actualization could enhance and strengthen the body of knowledge in nursing.