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• Improve overall well-being: Caring interactions can enhance the patient’s emotional and psychological well-being, leading to improved quality of life.  

Three Structural Criteria for Evaluating Middle-Range Theories:

Middle-range theories bridge the gap between grand theories and empirical data. They are more specific and focused than grand theories, making them more testable and applicable to specific research questions. Three key criteria for evaluating middle-range theories are:  

1. Clarity and Specificity: A well-developed middle-range theory should be clearly defined and specific in its scope. It should clearly articulate its key concepts, assumptions, and propositions.
2. Testability: The theory should be testable through empirical research. It should generate testable hypotheses that can be investigated through data collection and analysis.
3. Relevance: The theory should have practical relevance to the real world. It should be able to explain and predict phenomena in a meaningful way and have implications for research, practice, and policy.

By carefully considering these criteria, researchers can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of middle-range theories and determine their usefulness for guiding research and practice.