Medium reach theory for nursing in cardiovascular rehabilitation.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe a medium-range nursing theory for the cardiovascular rehabilitation process. Methods: theoretical development study, addressing the elaboration of medium-range theory, based on Roy’s Adaptation Model, which combined theoretical deduction with induction strategies, based on literature review and concept analysis. Results: the Medium-Range Theory for Nursing in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation presents eleven concepts and respective definitions, organized in relationships that represent elements, through modeling and image representation. Theoretical assumptions and propositions are presented. Final Considerations: the theory presented aims to contribute to the description of the cardiovascular rehabilitation process from the perspective of the adaptation of the person, family and groups, as well as to impact the nursing care implemented to patients in the process. The procedures advanced from conceptualization to operationalization, through the production of theoretical propositions that will guide future theoretical testing.