This paper applies Orem's self-care deficit nursing theory (SCDNT) to the promotion of health behavior. Expected outcomes of this theory application in a home care nurse service situation are identified. Orem's theory is described as is its application toward achieving the identified outcomes. Conclusions discuss theory assets and limitations for practice and research development.
A visiting or home care nurse service will attempt to promote health behavior. A nurse Practioner will visit patients at home with a focus on the enhancement of compliance with medications and diet, through methods of teaching and promotion of patient independence. Orem's self-care deficit theory of nursing will be applied in this situation to achieve three expected outcomes that can help prevent illness and promote health. These outcomes include the following: enhancement of client education; decreased levels of illness and disability; and improved ability to engage in decision-making related to health.
The use of a conceptual model of nursing theory is considered the hallmark of professional nursing. Models of critical thinking provide intellectual skills that are necessary for the viewing of a clinical situation (Chapter 12). Orem's theory is described as a caring approach which employs experiential and specialized knowledge for the practice of nursing care. SCDNT-based critical thinking includes diagnostic, prescriptive, regulatory, and control cognitive operations. Diagnostic operations establish nurse-client relationships and contract to identify self-care demands. Prescriptive operations formalize expectations; self-care demands are evaluated. Regulatory operations employ prescriptions. Control operations evaluate effectiveness of regulatory operations and client outcome (Chapter 8).
The first expected outcome, enhancement of client education, will assist with teaching and promoting client independence and the promotion of c...