Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease that threatens public health in the modern world. However, with proper management and control, patients can lead to longer quality lives. Health measures such as healthy coping skills, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, risk-reduction behaviors, and good problem-solving skills can help improve the quality of life among patients with diabetes (Fernandes & Naidu, 2017). This is basically what can be termed as self-care. Through diabetes treatment and care education, nurses have a role in creating awareness and motivating patients’ participation in self-care.
Several theories have been developed to promote patient participation in self-care management among patients with type II diabetes mellitus. This paper examines Orem’s self-care model and Peplau’s Theory. According to Orem’s theory, human beings have the ability to take care of themselves but in the event this ability in an individual is distorted, nurses have a role as facilitators and agents of change in helping the person regain the ability through the provision of direct care and compensatory educational support (Borji et al., 2017). This theory supports the notion that a nurse teaches a patient or family member self-care skills including how to make decisions and solve problems. The skills that are required involve self-monitoring of blood glucose and diet, setting insulin dosage, and exercising regular physical activity (Hemmati et al., 2017).
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On the other hand, Peplau’s Theory revolves around establishing a nurse-client interpersonal relationship. The theory supports modern concepts of motivational interviewing, client engagement, client self-management, and informed decision-making. According to Peplau’s theory, the nurse must understand their own behavior and how it affects their patients in order to foster positive interactions. The theory is defined in four phases; orientation, identification, exploitation, and termination.
Both theories are centered on creating client awareness and attain self-care. However, while Peplau’s theory reflects on the nursing practice as an interactive and therapeutic relationship with the client, Orem’s theory was founded on the basis of a personal endeavor to improve the quality of nursing from Orem’s individual perspective and state (Borji et al., 2017). Therefore, Peplau’s theory emphasizes the nurse-client interpersonal relationship whilst Orem’s just calls for care and education without much attention to relationship building. Further, Orem’s theory focuses on improving only the physical condition of the patient while Peplau’s theory is holistic as it addresses the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the patient (Deane & Fain, 2016).
In conclusion, both theories have contributed significantly to the body of nursing knowledge hence very significant in nursing practice. However, I find Peplau’s theory to be more relevant in today’s practice as it supports communication, learning, positive practitioner-client relationship, and patient-centeredness.
References
Borji, M., Sharifi, A., Otaghi, M., & Kazembeigi, S. (2017). The impact of Orem’s self-care model on the quality of life in patients with type II diabetes in Ilam. Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal , 10 (1), 213-220. doi:10.13005/bpj/1100
Deane, H. W., & Fain, A. J. (2016). Incorporating Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations to promote holistic communication between older adults and nursing students. Journal of Holistic Nursing , 34 (1), 42-43. doi:10.1177/0898010116630680
Fernandes, S., & Naidu, S. (2017). Promoting participation in self care management among patients with diabetes mellitus: An application of Peplau's theory of interpersonal relationships. International Journal of Nursing Education , 9 (4), 129-134. doi:10.5958/0974-9357.2017.00109.x
Hemmati, M., Shahbaz, A., Parizad, N., & Ghafourifard, M. (2017). Preventing and managing diabetic foot ulcers: application of Orem’s self-care model. International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries , 38 (2), 165-172. doi:10.1007/s13410-017-0570-5
