What is the primary focus of Dorothy Orem's Theory?

The primary focus of Dorothy Orem's Theory is centered around the self-care deficit model. This theory emphasizes the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their own health and well-being through self-care practices. Orem posits that people can perform self-care activities to maintain their health and manage illnesses, and that nursing becomes necessary when individuals are unable to meet their self-care needs due to a deficit.

In the context of nursing, this theory promotes the nurse's role in assessing patients’ capabilities for self-care and identifying when assistance is needed. The ultimate goal is to empower patients to take charge of their health, thus ensuring they are capable of managing their conditions independently while also receiving the support they need from healthcare professionals.

Understanding the self-care deficit model helps healthcare providers facilitate patient education, encourage preventive health practices, and recognize the importance of community health interventions, but these are supportive elements rather than the central focus of Orem's theory. By concentrating on the self-care deficit, Orem's model lays the foundation for how nurses can assist patients in achieving optimal health outcomes.