Theory, Research and Evidence Based Practice
Evidence based Practice (EBP) is the practice of using evidence drawn from scientifically rigorous studies to make decisions. There are various theories and models used in research for EBP. The most interesting theory to me is the Self-care Deficit Nursing Theory. This is because the theory recognizes the need for self-care and treats patients as equal partners in the delivery of quality health services.
Self-care is important in the management of chronic diseases and in disease prevention in primary care and therefore plays central role in modern day nursing practice. The self-care deficit theory was advanced by Dorothea Orem and is based on the philosophy that people wish to take care of themselves and to achieve good health (Taylor & Katherine, 2011). Nursing practice involves identifying self care deficits and supporting the patient to close the gaps.
A research paper that applies the self-care deficit theory is “Effect of educational program based on PRECED model on quality of life in patients with type II diabetes.” The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of an educational program based on PRECEDE (predisposing, reinforcing, enabling, causes, education, diagnosis, and evaluation) in improving the quality of life for patients with type 2 diabetes. Data was collected from 78 participants using pre and post education questionnaires. The researchers found that the PRECEDE model is effective in improving the quality of life for patients based on physical health and self assessment outcomes (Taghdisi et al., 2011).
This study uses the self-care deficit theory to identify educational needs for patients with type II diabetes. Basing research on an established theory such as the self care deficit theory improves the credibility of the research and makes it readily applicable for generating evidence for use in nursing practice.
References
Taghdisi, M. H., Borhani, M., Solhi, M., Afkari, M. E., & Hosseini, M. E. (2011). Effect of
educational program based on PRECED model on quality of life in patients with typeII diabetes. Journal of Gorgan University of Medical Sciences, 13(1), 29-36.
Taylor, S. G., & Katherine Renpenning, M. (2011). Self-care science, nursing theory and
evidence-based practice. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
