Working title: 'Can Hodges’ model provide a foundation for a mathematically informed ...

... epistemology and relational ontology? Part 1'

Abstract

Aims: To begin a process of examining a ‘model of care’ and conceptual framework known as Hodges’ model as a mathematical object. This paper examines the structural elements of this model, its axes and domains through a formal, logical and mathematical lens. To establish the extent to which a combined relational understanding and mathematical approaches can provide avenues for further research.

Design: This study adopts the design of a two-part exploratory and descriptive paper, using an inquiry-based approach throughout.

Methods: The method is interdisciplinary, descriptive, and involves conceptual analysis. Rather than Hodges’ Model acting as a model of, and for care, here the model is used to investigate how health and social care can be better conceptualised. The question is: What is the result when Hodges’ Model is treated as a mathematical object? Here, Hodges’ model is used as an inquiry-based model with reflection and critique.

Results: Readers will see the development of ideas, driven by the structure of a model of care, existing taxonomy defined by nursing theory, associated with foundational mathematical concepts.

Conclusion: The questions introduced and deliberated here will identify avenues for further study. And highlight Hodges’ model to other researchers; less familiar with Hodges’ model, and yet more skilled – adept mathematically.

What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community?

Re-assert the importance of theory development in nursing and health disciplines.

Draw attention to the relational (and reflexive) potential of Hodges’ model and in healthcare to abstract the collective dimensions of healthcare, especially those that are political.

Given the problems faced in the century to follow, encourage researchers within and without healthcare to further develop these ideas.

Impact:

Extend the relevance and scope of mathematical abstraction, in healthcare disciplines and the humanities, beyond statistical analysis.

This paper confirms: the conceptual utility of Hodges’ model; the challenge of requisite mathematical skills; the need for interdisciplinary cooperation.

Theorists in health and social care, policy makers and researchers seeking to apply mathematical techniques, especially category theory in the social science may find this work helpful and encouraging.

Reporting Method: N/A

Patient or Public Involvement: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.

Keywords: nursing, theory, relational ontology, health, Hodges’ model, mathematics

See also: Draft notes - 'Hodges' model - Locus of Care & Control?'

The INDIVIDUAL ↔ GROUP axis

Looking at the axes of Hodges' model, specifically the INDIVIDUAL ↔ GROUP axis, I realise (as ever) there's more than meets the eye. 

The labels for the axes are placeholders. To a certain degree they are open, flexible. In the template (link and figure in the sidebar), the what should now be familiar labels are provided for guidance, and convenience.

The care, knowledge domains can be viewed as giant - compound placeholders, even as an opportunity to abstract away a lot of detail. In care delivery, as we concentrate on patient care, , clinical interactions, procedures ... we tend to do this in political terms. Until that is, we are jolted to the wider situation and the true realities of policy, law, and practice.

While the HUMANISTIC ↔ MECHANISTIC labels are fixed, I've often shown how the I ↔ G is itself situated, so you could variously have (titles & names to follow...):

person, self, I, individual, client, patient,
carer, student, nurse x, dr y, allied health z ..

|

nurse .., husband, wife, partner, kin, couple, guardian, friend, family, team, group, community, region, nation, populations, Planet

Usually, what we have is a ONE-TO-MANY relationship, that is 1:N.

In Hodges' model can we also say that the team is the 'individual' and the organisation the group?

Another thought regarding self-care. ... Some times this state might be concurrent with being a patient.

Part of the journey in a patient's recovery. But at some point the person does not need a professional and is indepedently self-caring. Care episodes are not what they used to be. Although when 'true' self-care is achieved, it might appear One-to-None, but this is not correct. Not correct, that is, if we can credit society acting as a safety net. Usually, it would be One-to-Family; if there is no family, then the One-to-Community should (must) be the placeholder of choice.

On self-care, and the vertical axis of Hodges' model, is this also a way to define sustainable health and social care?

See also: https://hodges-model.blogspot.com/2025/10/l-shaped-model.html