learning Objectives - Explain the history of modern Medicine and Surgery
Hours - 2
Teaching and Learning Activities - Lecture cum discussion
Assessment Methods - Short answer Objective type
Content of the chapter
a) Brief history of evolution of modern
medicine and surgery
b) Theories of illness and its causation -Illness
as human experience
c) Review of Nursing process and Nursing care
plan
Introduction
Medical–Surgical Nursing is a core subject that focuses on the understanding of diseases affecting various body systems and the nursing care required for patients suffering from these conditions. This course is designed to help students understand the fundamental concepts of disease and the disease process, enabling them to develop comprehensive knowledge of disorders related to medical and surgical specialties.
Through this course, students will gain in-depth understanding of the causes, symptoms, signs, treatment, and prevention of common medical–surgical conditions. Emphasis is placed on the application of scientific principles in nursing practice, development of essential nursing skills, and the delivery of holistic and patient-centered care.
The course also prepares students to assess patient needs, plan and implement appropriate nursing interventions, and evaluate outcomes using the nursing process. On completion of this course, students will be competent to provide safe, effective, and comprehensive nursing care to patients with medical–surgical disorders in various healthcare settings.
a) Brief History of Evolution of Modern Medicine and Surgery
The evolution of modern medicine and surgery has progressed through several important stages. In ancient times, medical practice was closely linked with religion and superstition. Early civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Indians made significant contributions to medical knowledge. Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine,” introduced rational thinking and emphasized observation and clinical diagnosis.
During the Middle Ages, medical progress slowed due to religious dominance, though Arab physicians preserved and expanded medical knowledge. The Renaissance period marked major advancements with the study of human anatomy by Andreas Vesalius. The discovery of the circulation of blood by William Harvey laid the foundation for modern physiology.
The 19th century saw revolutionary developments such as germ theory by Louis Pasteur, antiseptic surgery by Joseph Lister, and the introduction of anesthesia by William Morton, which made surgery safer and more effective. The 20th century brought rapid advancements including antibiotics, vaccines, diagnostic imaging, organ transplantation, and minimally invasive surgery. Today, modern medicine is evidence-based, technology-driven, and focused on holistic patient care.
b) Theories of Illness and Its Causation – Illness as Human Experience
Illness refers not only to physical disease but also to the individual’s personal experience of health problems. Various theories explain the causation of illness:
- Biomedical Theory
Illness is caused by identifiable physical factors such as infection, genetic defects, or organ dysfunction. Treatment focuses on curing the disease. - Psychosomatic Theory
Emotional stress and psychological factors contribute to physical illness. - Behavioral Theory
Lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and substance abuse influence illness. - Socio-cultural Theory
Social conditions, culture, economic status, and environment play a role in health and disease. - Holistic Theory
Health and illness are the result of interaction between physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors.
Illness as a human experience recognizes that each individual responds differently to illness based on personal beliefs, emotions, culture, and past experiences. Nurses must understand these factors to provide empathetic and individualized care.
c) Review of Nursing Process and Nursing Care Plan
The nursing process is a systematic, scientific method used to provide quality nursing care. It consists of five steps:
- Assessment
Collection of subjective and objective data about the patient’s health status. - Nursing Diagnosis
Identification of actual or potential health problems based on assessment data. - Planning
Setting priorities, goals, and expected outcomes, and selecting appropriate nursing interventions. - Implementation
Carrying out the planned nursing interventions. - Evaluation
Determining whether the goals have been achieved and modifying the care plan if needed.
A nursing care plan is a written document that outlines nursing diagnoses, goals, interventions, and evaluation. It ensures continuity of care, promotes effective communication among healthcare professionals, and helps deliver individualized, holistic patient care.