Aim: This study aimed to develop a model of aesthetic nursing practice to promote adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) through technical action research (TAR).

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often exhibit poor adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation. However, systematic, comprehensive programs that integrate aesthetic principles to promote adherence, tailored to the study site, are lacking.

Methods: We employed the philosophy of Pragmatism and the theory of Aesthetic Nursing Practice (AesNURP) to develop a nursing model to support adherence to PR in a respiratory care unit in China. AesNURP provided substantive knowledge to conduct the model development process through the aesthetics in nursing processes—encountering, co-creating caring relationships, and meaningful engaging, along with the phases of reconnaissance and TAR—planning, acting and observing, and reflecting. In addition, AesNURP was used to structure components and interventions for aesthetic nursing practice in the model. The model was developed through two iterative cycles of TAR.

Results: The developed model consisted of three processes of aesthetic nursing practice: (1) Connecting and Knowing, (2) Collaborative Planning, and (3) Coaching and Being With. These processes unfolded within an aesthetic environment characterized by both subjective emotional engagement and an objective sense of respect and harmony. The model was designed to support adherence to PR through a continuum of activities spanning inpatient care and home-based management.

Conclusion: This study developed and iteratively refined a nursing practice model tailored to the study site's specific clinical context. Further research is needed to examine implementation and longer-term sustainability across different clinical settings.