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3.6 APPLICATION OF KING'S OPEN SYSTEMS THEORY TO
REHABILITATION NURSING
King's model is relevant to this study because it discusses rehabilitation as a dynamic
process of plannedadaptive change in life style, in response to unplanned change
imposed on the individual by disease or traumatic incidence. It recognizes the rights to
separateness as an individual and to togetherness with other hwnan beings. It revolves
around and evolves from the disabled person's goals, choices and decisions, shared and
shaped in an integrative way by all who have an impact upon the individual, with the
nurse being an important influence on the client's life. Rehabilitation is goal directed,
requiring one to listen, hear, observe, see, speak and be understood.
3.6.1 PERSONAL SYSTEMS
It is important to understand that each individual is a personal system. It involves the
physical needs ofthe individual, like amputated patients who have the same disability but
require individualized care as they have different physical needs. It includes perception,
seIf- growth and development. This takes place through learning, for instance, leaming
about the care of the stump or crutch walking in order to be able to adapt to the
environment
where one lives.
Personal systems also involve the space around the individual, which refers to the
physical environment or territory of the individual. This shonld facilitate adaptation of
amputated persons; there shonld be no barriers in the environment, for instance, ramps in
the place ofsteps to facilitate mobility ofthe amputees using wheelchairs. All the comers
ofthe house as well as the roads shonld be accessible to amputees.
It also involves body image, which is usually distorted after amputation. It is the
responsibility ofthe nurse to see that the amputees are weIl educated and given a chance
to see other amputees who have been well rehabilitated and have gained a positive self-
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