Research studies that explicitly examined the relationships
between heart failure, self-care, and quality of life
were reviewed to determine what is known and not
known about this topic. Timmons and Horan (2007)
conducted a literature search on the analysis of Orem’s
(2001) self-care deficit theory as it pertains to coronary
care nursing practice. They reviewed 23 articles written
between 2001 and 2006. The purpose of the study was
to determine whether or not this theory could be utilized
by nurses to improve self-care deficits of patients in
a coronary care unit. The researchers found that the theory
was useful in guiding nurses to provide holistic and
comprehensive care to their cardiac patients, especially in
the form of supportive education. Despite their findings,
the authors found a significant lack of information in the
literature that would have provided coronary care nurses
with practical applications of the theory. Therefore, the
researchers recommend further studies be done to help
demonstrate the importance of understanding self-care
deficits of cardiac patients to improve the quality of care
provided.