Introduction
Dorothea Orem’s Theory is one of the world’s most popular theories of medical care. The theory was proposed by Dorothea Orem, an American nurse who significantly contributed to healthcare science. This article provides a brief summary of Orem’s theory, its significance, its applications, and her biographical information. Understanding this theory and its application in healthcare benefits all patients and healthcare providers.
The Theorist’s Background
Dorothea Orem was born in 1914 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was an active patron of health care, a writer, and a teacher. In 1939, she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Practical Nursing from the University of Washington and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from George Washington University in 1981. Orem dedicated much of her life to the study, teaching, and promotion of health care theory.
Theory Description and Application
Dorothea Orem was an influential nursing theorist who developed the Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory in the 1950s. This theory focuses on self-care, which is the ability of individuals to take care of their health and well-being. Orem’s theory suggests that nurses should assist individuals who are not capable of performing self-care on their own, such as those with physical or mental disabilities, chronic illnesses, or the elderly. Orem believed that nurses should be facilitators, helping patients identify their self-care needs and develop the skills to meet them (García-Alonso & Fonseca, 2020).
Orem’s theory has been widely adopted in nursing practice and has impacted the profession. The Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory is an important framework for nurses to develop and implement effective interventions. This theory recognizes the importance of patient autonomy and self-care and promotes a collaborative approach to health care. It encourages nurses to assess the patient’s needs, provide support, and empower them to take an active role in their own care.
Nurses are encouraged to use a holistic approach to patient care, with the patient as the primary focus (Olubiyi, 2019). This theory emphasizes the importance of the nurse-patient relationship and patient education. It also provides a structure for nurses to set goals and implement interventions to promote patient health (Olubiyi, 2019). By embracing the Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory, nurses can better help patients achieve health and well-being.
Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory benefits nurses and their patients by providing a framework for nursing care that focuses on the individual’s abilities and needs. This theory also helps nurses identify and address any deficits in self-care a patient may have and develop strategies to help them meet their self-care needs (Olubiyi, 2019). This theory benefits all patients, regardless of age, gender, or health status, as it emphasizes the importance of self-care and its positive effect on overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
Dorothea Orem’s Theory is one of the most important and popular theories of medical care. It proposes a process of self-care that can be used for the prevention or treatment of illness and maintaining health. It is used by midwives, nurses, and patients to achieve optimum health. Dorothea Orem has made significant contributions to the science of health care and is one of the most important figures in the world of medical care. In this regard, it is important to better understand this theory as it provides a better view of the benefits of self-care for patients.
References
Olubiyi, S. (2019). Nurses’ application of Dorothea Orem’s Self Care Theory towards management of chronically ill patients at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State. Web.
García-Alonso, J., & Fonseca, C. (2020). Theoretical Contributions from Orem to Self-care in Rehabilitation Nursing. Springer Nature.