Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing vs. Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory in Culturally Sensitive Interventions

Comparison of the Theories

Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing Theory

There are many nursing theories, but to compare two of them, it is viable to choose Madeleine Leininger’s transcultural nursing theory and Dorothea Orem’s self-care deficit theory. The transcultural nursing theory asserts that nursing care should be adapted to the cultural, social, and religious needs of the patient (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2018). Leininger emphasizes that the cultural context is the most crucial factor determining how patients perceive and accept medical services. This theory highlights the importance of culturally competent nursing care for patients belonging to different cultural groups (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2018).

Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory

Meanwhile, Orem’s theory states that people can be self-sufficient and independent if they are provided with the necessary knowledge, resources, and skills. According to Orem’s theory, nursing care should be aimed at helping patients reach a certain degree of self-sufficiency in caring for themselves (Berbiglia & Thuy, 2022). According to Orem, nursing interventions should be based on the evaluation of patient needs and the provision of the necessary knowledge and resources for the patients to manage their health independently.

Selection of the Most Suitable Theory

Both theories are applicable in conducting educational interventions on STIs among low-income Hispanics with insufficient knowledge of STIs. However, in this project, it is more appropriate to use Leininger’s theory as it allows for consideration of cultural, religious, and social aspects of patients and simplifies the adaptation of educational interventions to their needs. As a result, it will be possible to determine the effectiveness of the intervention with reference to cultural differences.

Application in Practice: Preceptor’s Experience

The preceptor also uses Leininger’s theory as it posits that nurses should use an individualized approach to treatment and care for each patient. To achieve this, the preceptor takes into account the cultural values of each patient, as well as their individual needs and cultural group characteristics. The goal of this method is to provide the best medical care for each patient. The result of such work will be a more professional and complete understanding of different cultures and their influence on people’s health. This, in turn, enables nurses to provide more effective treatment and care for each patient based on their cultural peculiarities.

References

Berbiglia, V. A., & Thuy, L. T. (2022). Dorothea E. Orem: Self-care deficit theory of nursing. In M. R. Alligood (Ed.), Nursing theorists and their work (10^th ed., pp. 198-212). Elsevier.

McFarland, M., & Wehbe-Alamah, H. (2018). Leininger’s transcultural nursing: Concepts, theories, research and practice (4^th ed.). McGraw-Hill.