Orem's 16 theory of self-care deficit in nursing,
which proposes that by increasing a patient's selfcare
agency (abilities) the probability of obtaining
desired health outcomes is increased, provides the
theoretical foundation of the program. Four constructs
that are key to the PRO-SELF Program are
self-care, therapeutic self-care demand, self-care
agency, and nursing. Orem 16 stated that, "Selfcare
is the practice of activities that individuals
initiate and perform on their own behalf in maintaining
life, health, and well-being," and defined
therapeutic self-care demand as "a time-specific
calculation of sets of actions judged to have validity
and reliability in controlling factors that affect
human functioning." For example, a therapeutic
self-care demand is created when a patient receiving
chemotherapy experiences a side effect. Selfcare
agency is defined as the "complex acquired
ability to meet one's continuing requirement for
care. ''16 Using the PRO-SELF Program the patient's
self-care agency is enhanced through the
provision of relevant information, the enhancement
of self-care skills, and the provision of support.
The program is designed for the adult learner
with a fourth grade or higher level of education.
Nursing is needed when there is a deficit between
the patient's self-care agency and the existing
therapeutic self-care demands.