Concept Analysis
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Institution
Course
Instructor
Date
Concept Analysis
Selfcare
Definition
WHO (2021, para 1) defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider”?
Defining attributes
Chipu and Downing (2020) identify seven attributes of self-care, namely process, capability, activity, autonomous choice, self-control, education, and interaction.
Antecedent and consequence
Self-care is associated with seven antecedents, including self-motivation, commitment, participation, resources, social, religious and cultural beliefs, the availability of time, and spiritual and professional support (Chipu and Downing, 2020). The identified consequences include the maintenance of health and wellbeing, increased self-esteem, autonomy, disease prevention, increased social support, empowerment, and the ability to cope with stress (Chipu and Downing, 2020).
Theoretical application of the concept
The self-care concept finds relevant application to Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory defines Nursing as “The act of assisting others in the provision and management of self-care to maintain or improve human functioning at the home level of effectiveness” (Gonzalo, 2021, para. 23) With self-care, individuals are encouraged to undertake activities that can maintain their lives, health, and wellbeing. Such activities include physical exercise, taking a balanced diet, practicing healthy eating habits, cleaning their surroundings, following physician’s prescriptions and instructions, going for regular checkups, practicing safe sexual activities and so on (WHO, 2021).
Reflection
The concept of self-care is important to me as an NP in ensuring a healthy life for my patients and the achievement of desired outcomes. I might not be available to take full-time care of my patients. Besides, it is not my wish for my patients to be coming to the hospital frequently with deteriorating conditions seeking medical help. As such, I need to be building their capacity to self-care to ensure that they maintain their health at an individual level. I do this by teaching and guiding them, ensuring a positive environment for growth and development, and providing physical or psychological aid (Chipu and Downing, 2020).
References
Chipu, M., & Downing, C. (2020). Professional nurses’ facilitation of self-care in intensive care units: A concept analysis. International journal of nursing sciences, 7(4), 446-452. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2020.08.002
Gonzalo, A. (2021). Dorothea Orem: Self-Care Deficit Theory. Nurseslabs. https://nurseslabs.com/dorothea-orems-self-care-theory/#dorothea_orems_self-care_deficit_theory
WHO. (2021). Sexual and reproductive health. What do we mean by self-care? https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/self-care-interventions/definitions/en/