Attached.

Nursing Scholarly Article Critique - Outline
I.

Self-Care Deficit Theory

II.

Application to Research and Practice

III.

Application to Clinical Practice Issues
A. Use in Multiple Sclerosis
B. Application in Type II Diabetes Management

IV.

Application in Primary Care


Running head: NURSING SCHOLARLY ARTICLE CRITIQUE

Nursing Scholarly Article Critique
Name
Institution

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NURSING SCHOLARLY ARTICLE CRITIQUE

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Nursing Scholarly Article Critique
Self-Care Deficit Theory
Dorothea Orem proposed the self-care deficit theory for nursing practice, where it details
the importance of individuals to maintain autonomy through self-care (Younas, 2017).
According to Orem, deliberate initiatives by a person to perform personal activities such as
health and wellbeing which promote the perception to regaining independence. The two-step
theory helps nurses to identify the deficits and then look for methods to compensate for them
(Younas, 2017). The unmet needs for self-care can interfere with the self-esteem of the patient
which could interfere with the effectiveness of any care process. Therefore, Orem proposed that
nurses should work to identify these unmet needs and look for ways to compensate for any
deficits to improve the care for patients (Naz, 2019). The requisites of self-care encompass
developmental, universal and health deviation with inadequacies in any indicating a deficiency
for a patient (Younas, 2017). Through a thorough patient assessment, a nurse can identify these
needs. After identification, the nurse proposes strategies to help the patient through either
compensatory or educative methods. The degree of deficit informs the type of intervention that
will be applied in helping a particular patient.
The theory emphasizes the need for patients to feel self-sufficient as they manage their
conditions. The helplessness associated with some conditions contributes to increased stress to
patients, which interfere with the nursing activities (Younas, 2017). Therefore, in application of
the self-care deficit theory, the patient can understand the need for working together with the
practitioners to meet the set goals. The method helps nurses to apply a holistic approach to
patient care while stressing the need for maintenance of autonomy for the patient.

NURSING SCHOLARLY ARTICLE CRITIQUE

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Application to Research and Practice
Orem’s theory, though proposed in 1971, continues to be applied widely in nursing
research and practice (Younas, 2017). The theory redefined how professionals approach patients
and empower them to not only be better but feel better. As nurses focus on the aspects that need
intervention for a patient, it creates a platform for making mutual goals with the client and helps
them achieve their autonomy. Patients, due to certain illnesses, may lose related functional
abilities to dress or bath which could interfere with their self-esteem (Younas, 2017). According
to the theory, nurses should help patients regain independence in the fundamental aspects of life,
which increases their chances of recovery.
Nurses, as the lead agents, come up with programs that are informed by theory to help
patients demonstrate independence in their daily living. The approach has been involved in the
Doctor of Nursing Programs (DNPs) to assist nurses in the diagnosis of deficits and design of an
intervention that promotes wellness. One way of applying the theory in practice is through the
active help of patients with self-deficits such as dressing and feeding (Naz, 2019). The nurses
can also propose clothing that is easier to put on for patients. In cases of toileting, nurses
recommend the use of bedpans or suppositories to ensure that patients regain independence as
much as possible. Indeed, positive patient outcomes can be realized with the application of selfcare deficit theory in the management of specific conditions (Naz, 2019). As a way of using
evidence-based practices, the application of self-care theory for the management of specific
illnesses has shown excellent results.
Application to Clinical Practice Issues
Use in Multiple Sclerosis

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Afrasiabifar et al. (2016) applied the self-care model in dealing with the fatigue
experienced by patients with multiple sclerosis. The aim was to help patients with daily activities
by promoting independence despite the increasing fatigu...