Self-Care Deficit Theory

Self-Care Deficit Theory

Write about a nursing theory.

• Introduction (Brief background of the theorist)
• Basic Concept Analysis (Briefly discuss the theory’s core concepts)
• Relevance (Discuss how the theorist connects to the theory, connect the theory to healthcare, connect the theory to current research/practice today)
• Use at least two peer-reviewed/research articles that detail the nursing theory being applied in clinical practice/research and summarize key findings of both articles including results and implications for future practice.
• Summary (Address strengths and limitations of theory)

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APA

Self-Care Deficit Theory

Introduction

Dorothea Orem (1914–2007), a prominent nurse theorist, developed the Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory (SCDNT) in the mid-20th century. With a focus on the patient’s capacity for self-care, Orem’s work emerged from her practical nursing experiences and a desire to improve the understanding of nursing’s role in healthcare. Her theory is a cornerstone of modern nursing, emphasizing the importance of supporting individuals who are unable to meet their own self-care needs due to illness or disability.

Basic Concept Analysis

Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory is composed of three interrelated theories:

1. Theory of Self-Care: This emphasizes individuals’ ability to care for themselves. Orem identified self-care requisites, including universal needs (e.g., air, water, food), developmental needs (e.g., growth and maturation), and health deviation needs (e.g., needs arising from illness or injury).
2. Theory of Self-Care Deficit: This explains when nursing is needed—when individuals cannot meet their self-care demands due to limitations in ability or knowledge.
3. Theory of Nursing Systems: Orem proposed three types of nursing systems based on the level of assistance needed:
   • Wholly compensatory system: The nurse provides complete care.
   • Partly compensatory system: The nurse and patient share care responsibilities.
   • Supportive-educative system: The nurse’s role is to educate and support the patient to regain independence.

Relevance

Orem’s theory aligns with her belief that nursing involves promoting self-care to restore health and well-being. The theory is directly applicable to healthcare as it defines the nurse’s role in filling gaps in patients’ self-care abilities. It serves as a framework for assessing patient needs, planning care, and evaluating outcomes.

In current practice, the theory supports patient-centered care, focusing on empowering individuals to participate in their recovery. For example, in chronic disease management, nurses educate patients on managing symptoms, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. Orem’s theory is also relevant to the modern emphasis on health promotion and preventative care, aligning with nursing’s role in educating individuals and communities.

Application in Research and Practice

1. Article 1: Application of Orem’s Theory in Diabetes Management
   A study by Alkorashy et al. (2021)….