Effects of Orem's Self-Care Model of Nursing on Hand Symptoms and Life Activities in Geriatric Individuals Diagnosed With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Study

Background and Purpose: According to Orem's self-care deficit theory, when patients cannot meet their care needs, they need nursing systems for maintaining their health. Nursing care for elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should be based on maintaining self-care. This study aims to determine the effects of Orem's self-care model of nursing care given to geriatric patients with RA on hand symptoms, life activities, and hand pain. Methods: The study sample comprised a total of 22 patients (intervention group, 11; control group, 11) who met the sample selection criteria at a rheumatology outpatient clinic of a university hospital between June 17, 2019 and September 20, 2019. All interviews with patients in the intervention group were conducted by daily phone calls and a face-to-face interview at the hospital every 4 weeks. Patients continued to receive routine prescription by a physician during the course of application. Results: No difference was observed between the groups in terms of descriptive patient characteristics (p >.05). Hand pain, hand symptoms, and life activities of patients in the intervention group were measured at study initiation, week 4, and week 8. Intragroup comparison revealed that hand pain, hand symptoms, and life activity scores were lowest at week 8 in the intervention group (p <.05). Implications for Practice: This study indicates that nursing care given according to Orem's self-care model is effective in reducing pain, improving hand functions, and performing life activities.