Understanding Dorothea Orem’s Self Care Theory: An Overview
Dorothea Orem’s theory on self care is widely recognized as a crucial guideline in the nursing profession. Nurses are expected to provide holistic care to their patients, and Orem’s theory emphasizes the importance of patient participation in their own care. In this article, we will provide an overview of Orem’s self care theory and how it can be applied in nursing practice.
Introduction
Dorothea Orem was a nursing theorist who developed the Self-Care Deficit Theory. The theory describes individuals’ ability to take care of themselves and their reliance on healthcare professionals for assistance when they can’t carry out the necessary tasks. As nurses, understanding and implementing Orem’s theory in practice can help provide better care to patients.
Self Care Theory
Self care is defined as the practice of taking an active role in one’s own health and well-being. Orem’s Self Care Theory describes three types of self-care: universal, developmental, and health deviation.
1. Universal Self-Care
Universal self-care refers to the basic activities of daily living, such as hygiene and nutrition. Everybody needs to engage in these activities independently to maintain optimal health actively.
2. Developmental Self-Care
Developmental self-care refers to an individual’s ability to meet their needs throughout their life stages and reach their full potential.
3. Health Deviation Self-Care
Health deviation self-care pertains to self-care when an individual is grappling with illness or other health problems and has special needs.
Applications in Nursing Practice
Orem’s Self Care theory can be applied to nursing practice in a variety of ways. Nurses can assess patients’ self-care abilities and provide support and education throughout their care journey. The theory also emphasizes the importance of patient participation in their care, which can lead to better health outcomes.
Examples of Self-Care
Self-care looks different for everyone and may change throughout an individual’s life experiences. For example, an elderly patient may need assistance with their hygiene and mobility, while a new mother may require guidance with breastfeeding and infant care.
Conclusion
Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Theory is a crucial tool for nurses in providing holistic care to patients. The theory outlines the importance of patient involvement in their own care and provides guidelines for nurses to assist patients in meeting their needs. Understanding and implementing Orem’s theory in practice can significantly improve patient outcomes, leading to better health outcomes overall.
