# Evaluation of the middle-range theory of occupational stress in healthcare professionals

## TL;DR

This paper evaluates a theory about occupational stress in healthcare workers using expert opinions and finds it to be valid and useful for identifying stressors and protective factors.

## Contribution

The study validates the Middle-Range Theory of Occupational Stress in Healthcare Professionals using a structured evaluation method with expert judges.

## Key findings

- The theory was deemed adequate in significance, parsimony, testability, and empirical adequacy.
- Initial concerns about internal consistency and pragmatic adequacy were resolved in a second evaluation round.
- The theory can help identify stressors and guide interventions for healthcare professionals.

## Abstract

to evaluate the Middle-Range Theory of Occupational Stress in Healthcare Professionals based on the opinions of expert judges.

this is a methodological study. The theory was evaluated using Fawcett’s criteria, and the phases described by Borel et al. were followed for the evaluation of nursing theories.

the evaluation was conducted in two rounds. The sample consisted of five judges. In the first round, the theory was considered adequate regarding significance, parsimony, testability, and empirical adequacy. However, one item related to internal consistency and one item related to pragmatic adequacy were not considered adequate. In the second round, the previously unvalidated items were deemed adequate.

the Middle-Range Theory of Occupational Stress in Healthcare Professionals was evaluated as adequate, and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. The theory will allow for the identification of stressors and protective factors related to occupational stress, as well as the implementation of interventions by nurses, demonstrating the impact of the study.

avaliar a Teoria de Médio Alcance do Estresse Ocupacional em Profissionais de Saúde com base na opinião de juízes.

trata-se de um estudo metodológico. Realizou-se a avaliação da referida teoria a partir dos critérios de Fawcett e utilizaram-se as fases descritas por Borel et al. para avaliação de teorias de enfermagem.

a avaliação ocorreu em duas rodadas. A amostra correspondeu a cinco juízes. Na primeira rodada, a teoria foi considerada adequada quanto à significância, parcimônia, testabilidade e adequação empírica. Contudo, apenas um item relacionado à consistência interna e um item relacionado à adequação pragmática não foram considerados adequados. Já na segunda rodada, os itens não validados anteriormente foram considerados adequados.

a Teoria de Médio Alcance do Estresse Ocupacional em Profissionais de Saúde foi avaliada como adequada, sendo aceita a hipótese alternativa. A teoria permitirá a identificação dos estressores, dos fatores de proteção relacionados ao estresse ocupacional e a realização de intervenções pelo enfermeiro, demonstrando o impacto do estudo.