What does Dorothea Orem's theory focus on?

Dorothea Orem's theory, known as the Self-Care Deficit Theory, emphasizes the importance of self-care in the nursing process. The core concept is that individuals have a natural ability to take care of themselves, and when they cannot, it leads to a self-care deficit that requires nursing intervention. The theory outlines the importance of assessing patients' self-care capabilities and the role of nurses in supporting and teaching individuals how to meet their self-care needs.

This focus on self-care underlines Orem’s belief that patients are more likely to achieve overall health and well-being when they actively engage in their care process. Nurses are encouraged to promote self-management and empower patients to maintain their health and manage their conditions effectively. This theoretical framework guides nurses in developing care plans that enhance patients’ self-care abilities, ensuring that care is tailored to each individual’s needs.

While health promotion, nursing interventions, and patient education are also important aspects of nursing practice, they are components that may be included within the broader context of self-care as defined by Orem’s theory. The central theme remains the individual's role in managing their own health through self-care, making it the primary focus of her theory.