This chapter discusses how basic human needs are met and
highlights the need for nurses and midwives who work in person-
centred ways, to have an appreciation of how the individual, the
family and the community environment operate as a dynamic
system. The concept of systems theory as a way of thinking about
factors that impact upon health and illness needs of individuals
and communities, is introduced. An overview of Neuman's Systems
Model (1989) as a way of thinking about the interrelationships
among these is presented. Neuman's Systems Model is an example
of a nursing theory that describes stressors and enablers of
health that can be related to basic human needs. Neuman's model
is very person-centred as it has a very strong emphasis on
viewing the individual as a complete person. Fundamentals of
Nursing and Midwifery: A Person-Centred Approach to Care p.
38-55