According to Virginia Henderson's Theory, how is a patient defined?

Virginia Henderson's Theory of nursing emphasizes the concept of patient autonomy and the role of nurses in facilitating patient independence. In her framework, a patient is regarded as an individual who requires assistance to achieve independence in fulfilling basic human needs. This recognition of the patient's needs highlights that individuals may not always be able to take care of themselves due to health challenges, and thus require support from nursing professionals.

Henderson articulated the importance of nursing as a service that helps individuals regain their independence through the execution of fundamental activities necessary for health and well-being. Each patient is seen as someone with a unique set of needs, and the role of the nurse is to assist in meeting those needs so that the patient can eventually attain a level of independence.

This perspective advocates a more collaborative approach to healthcare and underscores the importance of empowering patients to take charge of their own health once they are provided with the necessary support and resources.