theorywatch

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m working with some practice theories right now, notably Dorothea Orem’s self-care and self-care deficiency theoretical framework for nursing, which is well-developed and well-respected. I’ve seen some proposed additions, such as those that deal with patients who “self-neglect.” But I don’t think that anyone has thought about a place for, say, someone like engineer John Kanzius, who developed a new radio-wave treatment for cancer during his terminal illness from the same disease. Where on the “self-care” continuum do you place a “patient” who will probably be responsible for saving many lives after his death?