The Biopsychosocial Dynamics of Emergency Care: A Theoretical Framework for Integrating Biomedical and Sociological Perspectives in Nursing Practice

Abstract

This study presents a theoretical exploration of the biopsychosocial dynamics within emergency nursing, aiming to develop a comprehensive conceptual framework that bridges biomedical, psychological, and sociological perspectives. The motivation arises from the limitations of traditional biomedical models that prioritize clinical efficiency while often overlooking emotional, social, and cultural factors influencing patient care. Guided by constructivist and interpretivist paradigms, the study rejects empirical testing in favor of deep theoretical synthesis, drawing on literature spanning 2010 to 2025.

The research followed a three-phase approach: conceptual extraction from peer-reviewed sources, theoretical synthesis using biopsychosocial and systems thinking, and articulation of a multi-layered framework. Through this process, key themes such as “personhood in crisis,” “contextualized risk,” and “ethical clinical presence” were identified, revealing the complex interplay between physiological status, emotional states, and societal structures. These themes were layered into a framework that positions the patient at the center, surrounded by interacting clinical, psychological, sociocultural, and institutional forces.

The findings underscore that emergency nursing requires a shift from reductionist practices toward integrative, patient-centered approaches that respect the totality of the human experience. The proposed framework not only contributes to theoretical discourse but offers potential for future application in curriculum reform, policy development, and interprofessional collaboration. It advocates for emergency care that is ethically grounded, socially responsive, and relationally aware.