Running head: OREM’S SELF-CARE DEFICIT THEORY

Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory

Name

Institutional Affiliation
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Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory

Introduction

Orem’s self-care nursing theory is considered to be a grand nursing theory

which got formulated between 1959 to 2001 (Wong et al., 2015). It can be referred to

as Orem’s Model of Nursing. In most cases, the Theory is applied in primary care and

rehabilitation settings. Eventually, patients will become more independent. Dorothea

E. Orem developed this Theory while aiming at the improvement of the quality of the

nurses who were working in general-purpose hospitals (Wong et al., 2015). Thus,

nurses can use it in guiding and improving their practices. However, it must be in

accordant with other theories, laws, and principles. This research relates different

concepts which creates a different outlook of the phenomenon.

The validity of the Theory Based on Empirical Testing

The Empiric indicators are identified for the concepts as they are defined.

Increasing the theories complexity increases empiric accessibility (Wazni et al.,

2017). This Theory is a readily applied theory. The theoretical entities of this Theory

give measurement and are well defined since there is the development of instruments

which operate the given concepts so that they can be tested empirically (Wazni et al.,

2017). For instance, a Community Care Deficit Nursing Model was developed in

2005. This was mainly for the use of the multiperson unit in a community setting. 

Generalizability of the Theory

Orem theory has broader theoretical concepts in different situations. These can

be in emergency department, intensive care unit, and rehabilitation whereby the self-

care is considered to be a driving force to the patients and nurses. It is beneficial since

it is used by all the nurses from the beginner to expert in the practice area. In most

cases, it can be applied to those in need of nursing care as well as the situations that
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are not able to meet the self-care units, including children. The Orem theory lacks

some of the concepts that are important for nursing care. He emphasized the lack of

mental health and how they occur once the Theory is improvised in the health care

setting. Nevertheless, during the last modification of the Theory, Orem emphasized

and discussed the importance of having positive mental health (Hagran & Fakharany,

2015).

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Strengths or weaknesses depends on how a theory is formulated. A significant

intensity of this Theory is that it is applicable for beginners and seniors in the nursing

field. According to the terms nursing systems, self-care and self-care deficit, a

beginner will understand in much greater depths hence gaining more experience and

knowledge. In most cases, the Theory is needed when the individual is not in a

position to maintain the specified self-care required to sustain the health and life and

recovery from injuries and diseases (Wazni et al., 2017). Generally, the theory gives a

comprehensive foundation to clinical practices.

Limitations

The theory is considered to be plain yet sophisticated. The reader may

misunderstand the employment of different terms in self-care. The health definition

was bound to three rigid conditions referred to as “concrete nursing system.” This

indicates rigidness. In the whole description of the theory, there is a less

acknowledgment of the emotional demands of an individual. 

Congruence with Current Nursing Standards

The Theory is congruent with the current standards of nursing. Most

importantly, the Theory promotes client-based care. It stresses much on the autonomy
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and independence of the patient in ensuring that they take care of they are always in

good health. Additionally, its social attributes conform to the provision that every

nurse practices compassionately and respectfully for the inherent worthiness, unique

characteristics, and dignity of every patient. Besides, the Theory stresses on the

nurse’s role in noticing any deficits in a patient’s self-care capability. This conforms

to the provision that a nurse has total responsibility, accountability, and authority for

nursing practice. 

Theory’s Social and Cross-Cultural Relevance

Socially and cross-culturally, the theory is pivotal. The Theory offers a

platform to understand science in the appropriateness, relevance, and effectiveness of

nursing practice and intervention. Thus, care for patients in their environmental and

social contexts is crucial to determine considerations for meaningfulness (Njie-Carr et

al., 2018). For instance, community care is found to be important in some cultures

since it impacts decisions that elders of a given community make while in others,

individuals are autonomous, and their own choices are paramount (Njie-Carr et al.,

2018). Since Orem’s self-care deficit theory is testable in empirical studies,

integration of contextual factors strengthens theory application in specific culturally

appropriate ways.

Impact of the Theory on Nursing

The Theory has a significant impact on nursing practice. Some circumstances

may sometimes be observed within a theoretical framework’s context. The theory

defines the necessity for nursing care. This occurs when the patient is encountering

some deficit or limitation, thus interfering their maintenance of self-care (Wong et al.,

2015). Furthermore, it explicates several interactions that should take place between a

carer and the patient. Its basic premise is that people can be accountable for their
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health as well as other people’s. Besides, the theory is concerned with nursing

research, clinical practice, and goals (Wong et al., 2015). Finally, it guides research

programs that reveal self-care behaviors and requisites of specific clinical

populations.
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References

Njie-Carr, V. P., Adeyeye, O., Sanneh, K., & Ludeman, E. (2018). Evaluating

Relevance of Nursing Theories in Cross-Cultural and International

Contexts. Journal of National Black Nurses' Association: JNBNA, 29(1), 13-

21.

Wazni, L., & Gifford, W. (2017). Addressing Physical Health Needs of Individuals

With Schizophrenia Using Orem’s Theory. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 35(3),

271-279.

Wong, C. L., Ip, W. Y., Choi, K. C., & Lam, L. W. (2015). Examining self‐care

behaviors and their associated factors among adolescent girls with

dysmenorrhea: An application of Orem's self‐care deficit nursing

theory. Journal of Nursing Scholarship,  47(3), 219-227.