Wound Management: Using Levine’s Conservation Model to Guide Practice

author: 

Matthew J. Leach, BN(Hons), ND, PhD

Levine’s conservation model,¹ initially constructed as a teaching framework for medical-surgical nursing,² is based on the belief that nursing interventions should be aimed at conserving function.^3,4 Roberts and Taylor⁵ and Fawcett⁴ state that nurses currently use Levine’s model in practice by acting to preserve client energy and integrity — encouraging bed rest, maintaining pressure area care, and preserving privacy. To clarify the relationship between Levine’s conservation model and wound management, each of the four principles of Levine’s model will be examined. To enhance understanding of the context in which Levine’s conservation principles are presented, the underlying assumptions, definitions, and limitations of the model are discussed.

Definitions

Levine’s conservation model¹ consists of four major principles. The principles are defined as follows:

  • conservation of energy — balancing energy output and input to avoid excessive fatigue⁴

  • conservation of structural integrity — maintaining or restoring the body structure by preventing physical breakdown and promoting healing⁵

  • conservation of personal integrity — maintaining or restoring the patient’s sense of identity and self-worth⁵ and…acknowledging uniqueness⁴

  • conservation of social integrity — fostering awareness that the patient…is a social being who interacts with others⁵ in their social environment. read more...