Using Orem's theory to generate nursing diagnoses for electronic documentation

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Decision-Making
• Nursing Theory Application

Background:

• Nursing practice benefits from theoretical guidance for unique and useful decision-making.
• Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory provides a framework for understanding patient needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate a decision-making process based on Orem's theory.
• To produce specific diagnostic statements linking self-care demand and agency.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of the formulation process.
• Application of Orem's Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory principles.

Main Results:

• A structured decision-making process was developed.
• The process yields diagnostic statements on therapeutic self-care demand and self-care agency.

Conclusions:

• Integrating Orem's theory into decision-making enhances nursing practice specificity.
• This approach supports tailored patient care by clarifying self-care deficits.