[Meleis theory: a tool for better understanding city-hospital transitions]

Abstract

Meleis' theory: a tool for better understanding the hospital/town transitions. The purpose of this article is to provide a critique of the transition theory conceptualized by Afaf Meleis. A clinical vignette is used to highlight the strengths and limitations of the theory in the care of elderly people returning home after hospitalization for heart failure. The discussion is based on Peggy Chinn and Maeona Kramer's method of critical analysis.

Keywords: discharge; elderly; heart failure; hospital; hôpital; insuffisance cardiaque; personne âgée; theory of care; théorie de soins; transition.