Introduction
In veterinary nursing, the application of structured nursing models is essential for providing systematic care, particularly in complex cases such as acute cardiac patients. These models offer frameworks that guide clinical decision-making, ensuring that care is tailored to the specific needs of the animal while considering the owner’s role and environmental factors. This essay compares three prominent nursing models—Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, the Roper-Logan-Tierney Model of Nursing, and the Orpet & Jeffrey Ability Model (2007)—in the context of facilitating decision-making for acute cardiac patients in veterinary practice. The discussion will evaluate each model’s strengths and limitations, focusing on their applicability to veterinary settings and their ability to support evidence-based decision-making. By exploring these frameworks, this essay aims to identify which model is most effective for ensuring optimal outcomes in critical care scenarios.
Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory in Veterinary Nursing
Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, originally developed for human nursing, centres on the idea that individuals (or, in veterinary contexts, owners on behalf of their animals) engage in self-care to maintain health and well-being (Orem, 1991). When a self-care deficit arises—due to illness or incapacity—nursing intervention is required to compensate for this gap. In veterinary nursing, this model can be adapted by viewing the animal’s owner as the primary self-care agent, responsible for routine care, while the veterinary nurse steps in during acute conditions such as cardiac crises (Welsh, 2011).
Applying this model to acute cardiac patients, such as a dog with congestive heart failure, the veterinary nurse assesses the owner’s ability to manage symptoms like respiratory distress or lethargy and educates them on medication administration and monitoring. The strength of Orem’s model lies in its emphasis on collaboration between the nurse and owner, fostering informed decision-making. However, its limitation in a veterinary context is evident: animals cannot express self-care needs directly, and reliance on owners may lead to inconsistencies in care if owners are unable or unwilling to participate effectively (Welsh, 2011). Furthermore, the model’s focus on long-term self-care may not fully address the immediate, urgent decisions required in acute cardiac emergencies.
The Roper-Logan-Tierney Model of Nursing
The Roper-Logan-Tierney Model of Nursing, based on activities of living (ALs), provides a structured approach to care by assessing a patient’s ability to perform essential daily activities such as breathing, eating, and mobility (Roper et al., 2000). This model, although developed for human patients, has been adapted for veterinary use by focusing on species-specific needs and behaviours. In the context of acute cardiac patients, the model is particularly useful for identifying immediate physiological priorities, such as maintaining adequate oxygenation in a cat experiencing acute heart failure (Holland and Rees, 2010).
For veterinary nurses, this model facilitates decision-making by breaking down care into manageable components, allowing for targeted interventions. For instance, if a patient struggles with breathing (a key AL), the nurse might prioritise oxygen therapy and collaborate with the veterinarian to adjust diuretic doses. The model’s strength lies in its practicality and adaptability to critical care, ensuring that decisions are based on observable, measurable outcomes. However, a notable limitation is its human-centric origins, which may not fully account for the holistic needs of animals, such as behavioural or emotional stressors that could exacerbate cardiac conditions (Welsh, 2011). Additionally, the model offers limited guidance on involving owners in decision-making processes during acute crises.
The Orpet & Jeffrey Ability Model (2007)
Developed specifically for veterinary nursing, the Orpet & Jeffrey Ability Model (2007) focuses on ten core abilities—such as eating, drinking, and grooming—that reflect an animal’s capacity to function (Orpet and Jeffery, 2007). Unlike the previous models, it is tailored to the unique needs of animals, making it inherently relevant to veterinary practice. In the context of acute cardiac patients, this model enables nurses to assess how the condition impacts each ability and to make decisions based on restoring or supporting these functions (Lock, 2011).
For example, a dog with severe cardiac arrhythmia may struggle to maintain normal activity levels, prompting the nurse to recommend rest and monitor for signs of decompensation. The model’s strength lies in its individualised, animal-focused approach, which supports precise clinical decisions and ensures that care plans address both immediate and ongoing needs. Moreover, it includes owner input as a critical component, fostering shared decision-making—a particularly valuable asset in acute cases where rapid communication is essential (Orpet and Jeffery, 2007). However, a potential limitation is the model’s relative novelty and limited evidence base compared to more established frameworks like Orem’s or Roper-Logan-Tierney’s, which may restrict its acceptance in some clinical settings.
Comparative Analysis and Applicability to Acute Cardiac Care
Comparing these models, each offers distinct advantages in facilitating decision-making for acute cardiac patients in veterinary nursing. Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory excels in promoting owner involvement and long-term care planning but falls short in addressing the immediacy of acute crises due to its reliance on self-care agents who may not always be equipped for emergency situations (Orem, 1991). In contrast, the Roper-Logan-Tierney Model provides a structured, practical framework for prioritising physiological needs, making it highly applicable to emergencies, though its human focus and limited consideration of owner input are notable drawbacks (Roper et al., 2000).
Arguably, the Orpet & Jeffrey Ability Model (2007) emerges as the most suitable for veterinary contexts, particularly in acute cardiac care. Its animal-centric design ensures that decisions are grounded in the patient’s specific abilities and needs, while its inclusion of owner collaboration aligns with modern veterinary practice’s emphasis on client communication (Lock, 2011). Indeed, in a fast-paced emergency setting, the ability to quickly assess and intervene based on observable abilities—coupled with clear owner guidance—can significantly enhance patient outcomes. However, the model’s limited research base suggests a need for further validation to strengthen its credibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while all three nursing models—Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, the Roper-Logan-Tierney Model of Nursing, and the Orpet & Jeffrey Ability Model (2007)—offer valuable frameworks for decision-making in veterinary nursing, their effectiveness varies in the context of acute cardiac patients. Orem’s model supports owner engagement but struggles with the urgency of acute care, whereas the Roper-Logan-Tierney Model prioritises immediate physiological needs yet lacks an animal-specific focus. The Orpet & Jeffrey Ability Model, with its tailored approach and emphasis on both patient abilities and owner collaboration, appears most conducive to effective decision-making in critical veterinary scenarios. These findings suggest that veterinary nurses should prioritise models developed specifically for animal care, though integrating elements from broader frameworks could provide a more comprehensive approach. Future research into the practical outcomes of applying these models in acute settings could further clarify their impact on patient care and decision-making efficacy.
References
- Holland, K. and Rees, C. (2010) Nursing: Evidence-Based Practice Skills. Oxford University Press.
- Lock, K. (2011) The veterinary nurse’s role in implementing patient care plans. The Veterinary Nurse, 2(5), pp. 254-259.
- Orem, D.E. (1991) Nursing: Concepts of Practice. 4th edn. Mosby-Year Book.
- Orpet, H. and Jeffery, A. (2007) Implementing the ability model. Veterinary Nursing Times, 7(10), pp. 12-15.
- Roper, N., Logan, W.W. and Tierney, A.J. (2000) The Roper-Logan-Tierney Model of Nursing: Based on Activities of Living. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Welsh, P. (2011) Applying human nursing theories to veterinary patients. The Veterinary Nurse, 2(3), pp. 140-145.
