Key Concepts

Roper-Logan-Tierney Model of Nursing is based upon activities of daily living. The activities of daily living are used to assess the level of dependence and independence of a patient. Assessment of level of dependence and independence is best done upon admission and will be reviewed as the patient progresses to a higher level of independence. With the changes on the level of independence, a nurse will be able to identify if the patient is improving or failing to improve.

The activities of daily living is extensive as it includes the following aspects: a) maintaining a safe environment, b) communication, c) breathing, d) eating, drinking and elimination, e) washing and dressing, f) temperature control, g) mobilization, h) working and playing, i) expressing sexuality, j) sleeping, k) death and dying.

The model is holistic as it is influenced by factors such:

• Biological- influenced by the overall health, current illness or state of injury
• Psychological- influenced by emotion, cognition, and spiritual beliefs and the ability to understand. Roper further described this as “knowing, thinking, hoping, feeling, & believing.”
• Sociocultural- influenced by society, it also includes expectations and values based on social class or status, or related to individual’s perceived or actual health or ability to carry out activities of daily living
• Environment- these are affected by the environment’s influence on the patient and the patient’s influence on the environment.
• Politico economic- influence by the government policies, and programs, state of war, conflict, availability and access to benefits.

Author:  
Vanessa Grace Resuento, RN