1. The three components of patient self-care
Active involvement of patients in their long-term care is important for good outcomes
The three components of patient self-care
Monitoring
Keeping watch on signs and symptoms
Maintenance
Sustaining physical and emotional stability
Management
Responding to changes in signs and symptoms
Notes
Involving patients is essential to improving their experience of care and outcome of their care. This is especially important for patients with heart failure. Patients can and should do things that help maintain their health. They need to monitor the severity of their illness, and many of them can learn to manage their symptoms by adjusting their therapy. For example, diuretic medications may be prescribed for use as required.
Maintenance involves adherence to medication and lifestyle changes.
Monitoring of the signs and symptoms of heart failure includes activities such as daily weighing to assess fluid retention.
Management means responding appropriately to any changes in symptoms.
Reference
Riegel B, Jaarsma T, Stromberg A. A middle range theory of self-care of chronic illness. ANS Adv Nurs Sci 2012;35:194–204.