Underpinning Human Health Outcomes of Harmful Algal Bloom Exposure Research: An Analysis of the Relationship and Applicability of the Bureaucratic Caring Theory

INTRODUCTION: Caring is a transpersonal concept within the context of the expression from clinical practitioners or researchers to an individual, family, community and policy development. The connections between human health outcomes and the environment are profoundly relevant in harmful algal bloom (HAB) research. Nurses are responsible for integrating science and environmental health into nursing education, research and practice for collaboration, community engagement and policy changes to address patient needs and mitigate adverse environmental changes and health impacts. A theoretical framework is required to guide this work. DESIGN: An analysis of the Bureaucratic Caring Theory (BCT). BCT is a holographic theory that harmonises a dialectical synthesis of thesis (spiritual-ethical) and antithesis (bureaucracy) into a broader meaning of truth or symbiosis. RESULTS: BCT supports (1) co-creation of improved conditions for the community, (2) fostering self-consciousness and an understanding of health to existing Physical, Educational, Legal, Technological, Educational, Economic and Political dimensions unified by Spiritual-cultural meaning and (3) the study of existing theories and models to communicate community member needs and the response of the nursing profession. DISCUSSION: A theoretical framework was needed to guide practice, education, and research in HAB Human Health Outcomes research. The underpinning of HAB research with BCT aligns with nursing practice, nursing education and nursing research with interprofessional scientists and has significant health care implications. CONCLUSION: We propose the application of BCT which identifies the seven dimensions of the theory and the 8th central dimension of spiritual-ethical caring to enhance continued scientific inquiry, increased attention to environmental health education, and knowledgeable, caring practice to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and the impact of environmental health policy development.