An examination of the self-care concept uncovers a new direction for healthcare reform.
The concept of self-care is multidimensional, with many defining elements. This paper describes the origin of this comprehensive concept. It examines the response of the nursing discipline to citizen self-care initiatives and the subsequent effects this response has had on the development of nursing knowledge. The evolution of self-care as a core concept within Canadian health policy is presented; the potential readiness fo citizens to accept self-care as an aspect of healthcare delivery is explored, identifying potential benefits and obstacles. The paper concludes with a proposed self-care approach to healthcare reform in Canada and the subsequent influence this approach may have on the discipline of nursing. The congruency between a self-care healthcare delivery system and the theoretical foundations and perspective of healthcare delivery held by the nursing discipline is discussed. The role nurses might assume in shaping a self-care healthcare delivery system is delineated.
University of New Brunswick, Saint John.
Dianne
D
McCormack
D002170:Canada; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D005544:Forecasting; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009729:Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009742:Nursing Theory; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011640:Public Policy; D012648:Self Care / Q000639:trends*