A nursing practice model for chronic illness

As the 21st century approaches, one very important issue for nursing is the increased prevalence of chronic conditions such as arthritis. Self-management is one way that individuals can cope with the uncertainty and many changes chronic illness brings. The purpose of this article is to describe a nursing model that addresses the need for enhanced self-management skills and the rehabilitation nurse's role in this process. The model is based on the concept of intentional action and uses Orem's (1995) self-care deficit nursing theory as its conceptual structure. The expected outcomes of care for clients are effective self-management skills and subsequently improved health status and quality of life. The model will be useful in the design of rehabilitation nursing research as well as in the planning of care for individuals with chronic illness.