G. Strengths and Limitations

The Roper-Logan-Tierney theory centers on the patient’s individuality. The model helps assess the patient's relative independence and potential for independence in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) using a dependence/independence continuum, considering their lifespan, development, and the five key factors. This will help the nurse in formulating individualized care plans aimed at increasing the patient’s independence in performing activities of daily living, as well as determine what ongoing support is needed to offset any dependency that still exists.

From this, we understand that there is a strong link between the model and the nursing process. Roper, Logan, and Tierney (1996) described the nursing process as “a simple method of logical thinking”. Using the four stages of the nursing process, individualized nursing care will be realized.

The model is also broad and flexible, allowing it to be used in any field of nursing.

However, the ADLs themselves are frequently misunderstood or are assumed to have limited scope, leading to dissatisfaction with the model, when one fails to recognize that the ADLs are more complex than the title would lead one to believe. In the United Kingdom, where the model is prevalent, it has been reduced to being used simply as a checklist, often used to assess how the life of a patient has changed due to illness, injury, or admission to a hospital rather than as a way of planning for increasing independence and quality of life.

Care plans were mere “paper exercises”, without any reflection of the actual problems of the patients and the care given.

There is also more emphasis on physical care and a lack of application of the five key factors, which make the model holistic.