The Application of Orem’s Self-Care Model to Burn Care

Abstract

Although many studies from burn nurses are present in the literature, very little information is found that indicates a theory-based approach to care. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the deficiency of nursing theory in the specialty of burn nursing and to suggest Orem's Self-Care Model as a valid basis for delivering care and increasing the level of professionalism in this specialty area. The correlation of Orem's three systems (ie, wholly compensatory system, partially compensatory system, and supportive/educative system) to the unique care needs of burn patients with varying levels of acuity are the keys to understanding the application of this theory to the practice of burn care. In applying theory to practice, clinicians discover that no single theory addresses each aspect of care precisely. Because of this characteristic, gaps in theory exist. Consideration of various components of alternate theories is appropriate as integration of theory and practice is developed. Although Orem's theory is quite applicable to burn care, certain components of Watson's Caring Theory and Roy's Adaptation Model is also applicable to those aspects of burn care not addressed by Orem. Those in the field of burn nursing should begin looking forward and adapting a specific theory to this specialty practice. Orem's Self-Care Model is the most applicable to burn care and provides a beginning point for theory usage in burn nursing care.