Biosketch
Katharine Kolcaba taught nursing theory and gerontology at the University of Akron College of Nursing for 23 years. She retired as Associate Professor Emeritus in 2008 and continued to teach her intensive theory course, as well as guest lectures, upon request for several years post-retirement. She is co-coordinator and volunteer nurse in a Parish Nurse program serving a homeless or low-income population. She also serves as consultant for her own company, The Comfort Line. Her invited presentations and workshops are focused on the application of Comfort Theory for improving the work environment and the experiences of patients and their families in health care situations.
Kathy has published extensively on the outcome of holistic comfort including her award-winning web site and her book entitled Comfort Theory and Practice (2003). The following is a partial and more current list of her work. For older articles please follow this link:
Recent Invited Contributions
Contributor to a White Paper, “Integration of Insights about the Human Perception of Comfort,” for Magna Corporation, a leader in specialized automotive seating, January 2018. Recruited by Idea Connection.
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Included in “The Nurse Theorists: Portraits of Excellence,” Volume 3 (2017). A Fitney Production. Available online at <fitne.net>
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Included in <Nursology.net> a new web site highlighting nurse theorists (2018)
Miscellaneous Creative Works and Relevant Articles
Estridge, K., Morris, D., Kolcaba, K., & Winkleman, C. (2018). Comfort and fluid retention in adult patients receiving hemodialysis. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 45(1), 25-33.
Boudiab, L. & Kolcaba, K. (2015). Comfort theory: Unraveling the complexities of Veterans’ health care needs. Advances in Nursing Science, (38) 4, 270-278.
Parks, M., Morris, D., Kolcaba, K., & McDonald, P. (2015). An evaluation of patient comfort during acute psychiatric hospitalization. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12134.
Paiva, R., de Carvalho, A., Kolcaba, K, & Paiva, C. (2015). Validation of the holistic comfort questionnaire- caregiver in Portuguese- Brazil in a cohort of informal caregivers of palliative care cancer patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, 23(2). DOI 10.1007/s00520-014-2370-5.
Parks, M., Morris, D., Kolcaba, K., & McDonald. (2015). An evaluation of patient comfort during acute psychiatric hospitalization. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, DOI 10:1111/ppc.12134.
Maeboubeh, R. & Kolcaba, K. (2014). Comfort and hope in perianesthesia nursing. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 29(3), 213-220
Book Chapters
Kolcaba, K. (2010, 2012 & 2015) Katharine Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory. In M. Parker & M. Smith (Eds.). Nursing Theories & Nursing Practice. (3rd edition, P. 389-401).
Kolcaba, K. (2010, 2012. 2015.) Impaired Comfort. In B. Ackley & G. Ladwig (Eds.). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. (9th edition, P. 222-225), (10th edition, P. 210-213).
Kolcaba, K. & Kolcaba, R. (2010). Opening Theoretical Boxes: Driving Evidence Based Pracetice through Integrative Theorizing. In B. Neuman & F. Fawcett (Eds).), The Neuman System Model (5th edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Kolcaba, K. (2010, 2008, 2004,2013, 2017). “Comfort.” Chapter in Middle Range Theories: Application to Nursing Research (& Bredow, Eds). Phila, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Schuiling, K., Sampselle, C., & Kolcaba, K. (2011) Using comfort theory as a framework for research on childbirth. In R. Bryar & S. Sinclair Theory for midwifery practice (2nd ed.). UK: Macmillan.
Kolcaba, K. & Kolcaba, R. (2010). Integrative Theorizing: Linking Middle-Range Nursing Theories with the Neuman Systems Model. In The Neuman Systems Model (5th edition, Neuman, B & Fawcett, J, Eds).
Kolcaba, K. (2010). Impaired Comfort. In B. Ackley & G. Ladwig (Eds.). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. (9th edition), P. 222-225.
Dowd, T. (2001 & 2005). Chapter 24: Katharine Kolcaba: Comfort Theory. In Nursing theorists and their work (Alliggod & Tomey, eds, 56h Ed., pp. 430-442). St. Louis, MI: Mosby.
Kolcaba, K. (2003). Comfort theory and practice: A vision for holistic health care and research. Springer Publishing Co. To be translated into Japanese and published by Igaku-Shoin Ltd of Tokyo by December, 07.
Kolcaba, K. (2003 and 2007). The theory of comfort [Peterson S. & Bredow, T., Eds.] Middle range theories: Application to nursing research. Philadelphia:
Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins. Pgs. 254-272. Book recommended by AACN for DNP) students. 2nd ed. [Solicited by editors.]
Mitzel, A., & Kolcaba, K. (2008). Two chapters: Hand Massage; Simple Massage. In Ackley, Ladwig, Swan & Tucker (Eds.), A clinical guide to evidence-based practice in nursing (402-407; 504-508). Philadelphia: Elsevier. (Invited)
Kolcaba, K. (2001). Sub-Chapter entitled “Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort” in Core concepts for advanced nursing practice (pp. 418-422). St. Louis: Mosby.
Melo, Georgia., Aguiar, Leticia., Silva, Renan., Pinheiro, Renan. (2119). Factors related to impaired comfort in chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis. Revista Brasileira de enfermagem. DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0120
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Complete Reference List (Older Citations) - Journals – Referred
Kolcaba, K. & Kolcaba, R. (2010). Opening Theoretical Boxes: Driving Evidence Based Pracetice through Integrative Theorizing. In B. Neuman & F. Fawcett (Eds).), The Neuman System Model (5th edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Kolcaba, K. (2010). Impaired Comfort. In B. Ackley & G. Ladwig (Eds.). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. (9th edition), P. 222-225.
Kolcaba, K. & Dowd, T. (2010). Measurement tools: Comfort Touch. Connections in Holistic Nursing Research, 2 (2), 4-5.
Apostolo, J. & Kolcaba, K. (2009). The effects of guided imagery on comfort, depression, anxiety, & stress of psychiatric inpatients with depressive disorders. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 23 (6), 403-411.
Kolcaba, K. & Mitzel, A. (2008). Two chapters: Hand Massage; Simple Massage. In A Clinical Guide to Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing (Ackley, Ladwig, Swan, & Tucker, Eds). Phila: Elsevier, Inc. (Invited). Pp. 402-407 504-508.
Dowd, T., Kolcaba, K., Steiner, R., Fashinpaur, D. (2007). Comparison of a healing touch, coaching, and a combined intervention in comfort and stress in young college students. Holistic Nursing Practice, 21 (4), 194-202.
Kolcaba, K. (2010, 2007, 2003). The Theory of Comfort. Chapter in Middle Range Theories: Application to Nursing Research. Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins. Pgs. 255-273. (Solicited by editors.) Book recommended by AACN for DNP students. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd editions.
Kolcaba, K. (2007-2008). Comfort as a Nursing Diagnosis. In Herdman, TH., Heath, C., Meyer, G., Scroggins, L., & Vassallo, B. (eds). Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification. St. Louis: Mosby, pg.34.
Kolcaba, K., Tilton, C., & Drouin, C. (2006). Comfort theory: A unifying framework to enhance the practice environment. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(11), 538-544.
Kolcaba, K., Schirm, V. & Steiner, R. (2006). Effects of hand massage on comfort of nursing home residents. Geriatric Nursing, 27(2), 85-91.
Kolcaba, K., & DiMarco, M. (2005). Comfort theory and its application to pediatric nursing. Pediatric Nursing, 31(3), 187-194.
Kolcaba, K. (2007-2008). Comfort as a Nursing Diagnosis. In Herdman, TH., Heath, C., Meyer, G., Scroggins, L., & Vassallo, B. (eds). Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions & Classification. St. Louis: Mosby, pg.34.
Kolcaba, K., Dowd, T., Steiner, R., & Mitzel, A. (2004). Efficacy of hand massage for enhancing comfort of hospice patients. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, 6(2), 91-101.
Kolcaba, K., & Kolcaba, R. (2003). Fiduciary decision-making using comfort care. Philosophy in the Contemporary World, 10(1), 81-86.
Kolcaba, K., & Wilson, L. (2002). The framework of comfort care for perianesthesia nursing. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, 17(2), 102-114. With post-test for 1.2 contact hours.
Kolcaba, K. (2001). Evolution of the mid range theory of comfort for outcomes research. Nursing Outlook, 49(2), 86-92.
Kolcaba, K., Panno, J., & Holder, C. (2000). Acute care for elders (ACE): A holistic model for geriatric orthopaedic nursing care. Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing, 19(6), 53-60.
Kolcaba, K., & Steiner, R. (2000). Empirical evidence for the nature of holistic comfort. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 18(1), 46-62.
Kolcaba, K., & Fox, C. (1999). The effects of guided imagery on comfort of women with early-stage breast cancer going through radiation therapy. Oncology Nursing Forum, 26(1), 67-71.
Kolcaba, K. & Wykle, M. (1996). Comfort research: Spreading comfort around the world. Reflections: Sigma Theta Tau International, 23(2), 12-13.
Kolcaba, K., & Fisher, E. (1996). A holistic perspective on comfort care as an advance directive. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 18(4), 66-76.
Kolcaba, K. (1995). The art of comfort care. Image: The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 27, 293-295.
Kolcaba, K. (1995). Process and product of comfort care, merged in holistic nursing art. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 13(2), 117-131.
Kolcaba, K. (1994). A theory of comfort for nursing. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 19, 1178‑1184.
Kolcaba, R., & Kolcaba, K. (1994). Health maintenance as a responsibility for self. Philosophy in the Contemporary World, 1(2), 19-24.
Kolcaba, K., & Wykle, M. (1994). Assessment of health promotion in long‑term care. Geriatric Nursing, 15, 266-269.
Kolcaba, K. (1992). Holistic comfort: Operationalizing the construct as a nurse‑sensitive outcome. Advances in Nursing Science, 15(1), 1‑10.
Kolcaba, K. (1992). The concept of comfort in an environmental framework. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 18(6), 33‑38.
Kolcaba, K. (1991). A taxonomic structure for the concept comfort: Synthesis and application. Image: Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 23, 237‑240.
Kolcaba, K., & Kolcaba, R. (1991). An analysis of the concept comfort. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 16, 1301‑1310.
Kolcaba, K., & Miller, C. (1989). Geropharmacology: A nursing intervention. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 15(5), 29‑35.
Dowd, T., & Kolcaba, K. (2007). Two interventions to relieve stress in college students. AHNA Beginnings, Winter 2007.
Dowd, T., Kolcaba, K., & Steiner, R. (2006). Development of an instrument to measure holistic client comfort as an outcome of healing touch. Holistic Nursing Practice, 20(3), 122-129.
Dowd, T., Kolcaba, K., Steiner, R., & Fashinpaur, D., (2007). Comparison of healing touch and coaching on stress and comfort in young college students. Holistic Nursing Practice, 21(4), 194-202.
Dowd, T., Kolcaba, K., & Steiner, R. (2003). The addition of coaching to cognitive strategies: Interventions for persons with compromised urinary bladder syndrome. Journal of Ostomy and Wound Management, 30(2), 90-99.
Dowd, T., Kolcaba, K., & Steiner, R. (2002). Correlations among six measures of bladder function. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 10(1), 27-38.
Dowd, T., Kolcaba, K. & Steiner, R. (2000). Cognitive strategies to enhance comfort and decrease episodes of urinary incontinence. Holistic Nursing Practice, 14(2), 91-102.
Fox, C., & Kolcaba, K. (1996). Decision making in unsafe practice situations. Revolution: The Journal of Nurse Empowerment, Spring, 68-69.
Kinion, E., & Kolcaba, K. (1992). Plato's model of the psyche. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 10, 218‑230.
Novak, B., Kolcaba, K., Steiner, R., & Dowd, T. (2001). Measuring comfort in families and patients during end of life care. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, 13(3), 170-180
Schirm, V., Baumgardner, J., Dowd, T., Gregor, S., & Kolcaba, K. (2004). Development of a healthy bladder education program for older adults. Geriatric Nursing, 25(5), 301-306.
Schuiling, K., Sampselle, C., & Kolcaba, K. (2011) Exploring the presence of comfort within the context of childbirth. In R. Bryar & S. Sinclair Theory for midwifery practice (2nd ed.). UK: Macmillan. (invited author), 197-214.
Vendlinski, S., & Kolcaba, K. (1997). Comfort care: A framework for hospice nursing. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care, 14 (6), 271-276.
Wagner, D., Byrne, M., & Kolcaba, K. (2006). Effect of comfort warming on preoperative patients. AORN Journal, 84(3), 1-13.
Wilson, L., & Kolcaba, K. (2004). Practical application of Comfort Theory in the perianesthesia setting. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing. 19(3), 164-173.
(Invited article)
COMPLETE REFERENCE LIST (older citations) - Books and Chapters in Books
“The Theory of Comfort” in “The Nurse Theorists: Portraits of Excellence,” Volume 3 (2017). A Fitney Production. Available online at <fitne.net>
Schuiling, K., Sampselle, C., & Kolcaba, K. (2011) Using comfort theory as a framework for research on childbirth. In R. Bryar & S. Sinclair Theory for midwifery practice (2nd ed.). UK: Macmillan.
Kolcaba, K. & Kolcaba, R. (2010). Integrative Theorizing: Linking Middle-Range Nursing Theories with the Neuman Systems Model. In The Neuman Systems Model (5th edition, Neuman, B & Fawcett, J, Eds).
Kolcaba, K. (2010). Impaired Comfort. In B. Ackley & G. Ladwig (Eds.). Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. (9th edition), P. 222-225.
Kolcaba, K. (2003). Comfort theory and practice: A vision for holistic health care and research. Springer Publishing Co. To be translated into Japanese and published by Igaku-Shoin Ltd of Tokyo by December, 07.
Kolcaba, K. (2003 and 2007). The theory of comfort [Peterson S. & Bredow, T., Eds.] Middle range theories: Application to nursing research. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins. Pgs. 254-272. Book recommended by AACN for DNP) students. 2nd ed. [Solicited by editors.]
Mitzel, A., & Kolcaba, K. (2008). Two chapters: Hand Massage; Simple Massage. In Ackley, Ladwig, Swan & Tucker (Eds.), A clinical guide to evidence-based practice in nursing (402-407; 504-508). Philadelphia: Elsevier. (Invited)
Kolcaba, K. (2001). Sub-Chapter entitled “Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort” in Core concepts for advanced nursing practice (pp. 418-422). St. Louis: Mosby.
Kolcaba, K. (2001). Chapter 5: Holistic care: Is it feasible in today’s health care environment? In H. Feldman (Ed.), Nursing leaders speak out (pp. 49-54) and formula for the outside. NY: Springer.
Dowd, T. (2001 & 2005). Chapter 24: Katharine Kolcaba: Comfort Theory. In Nursing theorists and their work (Alliggod & Tomey, eds, 56h Ed., pp. 430-442). St. Louis, MI: Mosby.
Miller, C. (1998). Nursing care of older adults. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott. [Contributor for Chapters 1, 2, 22. Chosen AJN Book of the Year, 1990. In fourth printing].
Parker, M. & Smith, M. (2010). Nursing theories & nursing practice. Chapter 22, Katharine Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory, 389-401.
Sitzman, K. & Eichelberger, L. (2011). Understanding the work of nurse theorists. Boston, MA: Jones & Bartlett. Chapter 18, Katharine Kolcaba’s Theory of comfort, 125-132.
COMPLETE REFERENCE LIST (older citations)
Significant Citations
Rothrock, J., Murpy, E., & Seifert, P. (2006). Tea and toast for the perioperative nurse’s spirit. Denver: AORN Publications. (Preface by Editors about Comfort Theory, and Invited Forward by K. Kolcaba)
D. Robinson, & C. Kish (2001). Core concepts in advanced practice nursing, Section VI, Theoretical foundations: Kolcaba’s theory of comfort (pp. 418-422).
B. Kozier, G. Erb, A. Berman, & K. Burke (2000). Fundamentals of nursing: Concepts process, and practice (6th Ed.). Chapter 25: Caring, comforting, and communicating (pp. 430-431). New York: Prentice Hall.
Phillips, L., & Ayres, M. (1999). Supportive and nonsupportive care environments for the elderly. In. A. Hinshaw, S. Feetham, & J. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of Clinical Nursing (pp. 600-603). Newbury Park, CA:Sage.
Kolcaba, K. (2002 & 2005). Comfort. [Includes definition, theory of comfort, relevance to nursing, review of comfort studies, and future directions.] The Encyclopedia of Nursing Research (1st and 2nd Ed.). New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Other Related Scholarly Activities
Kolcaba, K. (on line). Web Site: www.TheComfortLine.com Copyright 1997; updated continuously.
Kolcaba, K., & Dowd, T. (2000). Kegel exercises: Strengthening the weak pelvic floor muscles that cause urinary incontinence. American Journal of Nursing, 100(11), 59.
Kolcaba, K. (1999, September). Guided imagery study cited in American Health Magazine, p.47.
Kolcaba, K. (1998, May). The art of comfort care. Summa Research Progress Newsletter.
Kolcaba, K. (1988). A framework for the nursing care of demented patients. Mainlines, 9(6), 12‑13.
Kolcaba, K. (1987). Reaching optimum function is realistic goal for elderly. (Letter to the Editor). Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 13(12), 36.
Fox, C., & Kolcaba, K. (1995). Unsafe practice: A lack of strategies for effective decision making. (News, notes, and tips). Nurse Educator, 20(5), p. 3-4.
Peer-reviewed Publications
Bice, A.A., Kantor, R., Parker, D.L, Conde-Zuega, R. (In Review, 2021) Holistic Review of BSN
to DNP Applicants: A Step-by-Step Approach to Implementation. Journal of Professional
Nursing.
Griggs, K. M., Waddill, C. B., Bice, A. A., & Ward, N. (2021). Care during pregnancy, childbirth,
postpartum, and human Milk feeding for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. The American
Journal of Maternal Child Nursing.
Bice, A. A. (in press). Theory of Comfort. In Martha Alligood (Ed.), Nursing theorists and their
works (10th edition ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.
Bice, A. A., & Kolcaba, K. (2020). Katharine Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory. In Marlaine C. Smith and
Diane L. Gullet (Ed.), Nursing theories and nursing practice (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A.
Davis.
Bice, A. A., & Bramlett, T. (2019). Teaching nurses from a holistic comfort perspective. Holistic
Nursing Practice, 33(3), 141-145. 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000325
Bice, A. A., & Parker, D. L. (2019). Piloting virtual clinical site visits in a family nurse practitioner
program. Nurse Educator, 58(3), 160-164. 10.3928/01484834-20190221-06
Bice, A. A., Pond, R., & Lutz, B. J. (2019). The pediatric procedural holistic comfort assessment:
A feasibility study. Journal of Pediatric Healthcare, 33(5), 509-519.
10.1016/j.pedhc.2019.01.006
Bice, A. A., Griggs, K. M., & Arms, T. E. (2019). Narratives of doctorally prepared faculty on
tenure track: A Pilot Study. Journal of Professional Nursing, 35(4), 293-299.
Bice, A. A. (June 2018). Cognitive dissonance and pediatric procedural pain management: A
concept clarification. Pain Management Nursing, 19(3), 230-237. 10.1016/j.pmn.2017.07.005
Bice, A. A., Hall, J., & Devereaux, M. (2018). Exploring holistic comfort in children who
experience a clinical venipuncture procedure. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 36(2), 108-122.
doi.org/10.1177/0898010117692719
Bice, A. A. (June 2017). Inadequate pediatric procedural pain management in the emergency
room: A policy analysis. Scholarly Journal of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, 1(1), 25-
30.
Bice, A. A. (2017). Treating obesity begins at home. American Journal of Nursing, 117(4), 13.
10.1097/01.NAJ.0000515211.62097.8c
Bice, A. A., & Wyatt, T. H. (2016). Holistic comfort interventions for pediatric nursing procedures:
A systematic review. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 35(3), 280-295.
doi.org/10.1177/0898010116660397
Bice, A.A., Wyatt, T., Gunther, M. (2014). Increasing nursing treatment for pediatric procedural
pain. Pain Management Nursing, 15(1), 365-379.
Scholarly Presentations
Bice, A. A., & Roberto, A. (November 2019). North Carolina League for Nursing Fall Workshop.
Increasing Student Diversity through Faculty Shared Governance: Holistic Admissions in a
North Carolina BSN to DNP Program. North Carolina League for Nursing; Greensboro, NC.
Bice, A. A. (October 2019). North Carolina National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
Developmentally Appropriate Holistic Comfort Interventions for Pediatric Patients. Durham, NC.
Bice, A. A. (March 2021). Evolution of Nursing Practice & Application of Theory in Nursing
Practice at the University of Miami, "Kolcaba’s Theory of Holistic Comfort," University of
Miami, Virtual.
Bice, A. A. (September 2020). National League for Nursing Virtual Education Summit. Mirrored
Holistic Comfort Education for Sexual Minority Youth: Development in a Distance Education
Pediatric Didactic Advanced Practice Nursing Course.
Bice, A. A. (March 19, 2018). NAPNAP Annual 2018, "The Pediatric procedural holistic comfort
assessment: A feasibility study,", Chicago, IL
Bice, A.A., & Kolcaba, K. (2021, June, PENDING). “Evolution of a Relevant Nursing Concept: Kolcaba’s Theory
of Holistic Comfort”. Nursing Science-2021.
Bice, A. A. (July 2019). Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research Congress, "Developmentally appropriate
holistic comfort interventions in the pediatric population," STTI, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Bice, A. A. (July 2019). Symposium Lead: Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research
Congress, "Holistic Comfort Nursing:
