Maximizing stroke recovery using patient self-care self-efficacy

Self-care self-efficacy is a compensatory mechanism that may lead to improved psychological adaptation poststroke. Nurses working with stroke patients may use self-care self-efficacy interventions to help the patients achieve a successful recovery. This article describes the four components of self-efficacy, and discusses their application to stroke patients in rehabilitation. Self-care self-efficacy interventions have the potential to decrease depression and increase quality of life for patients after stroke, and may become a valuable tool for nurses who practice in rehabilitation settings. The use of self-care self-efficacy techniques by nurses helps to motivate patients to succeed in their self-care after stroke.