The effect of Orem's Self‐Care Deficit Theory–based care during pregnancy and postpartum period on health outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Aim To examine the effect of the provision of care on health outcomes when provided based on Orem's Self‐Care Deficit Theory during perinatal period. Background The perinatal period is a process with multidimensional care needs for the mother, baby and family. Care based on nursing theories can improve the quality of perinatal care. Design A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Review methods Studies on this topic from 2006 to 2020 have been accessed by nine database searches. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Checklists for experimental and quasi‐experimental studies, developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. This study was conducted by following the Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. Results This systematic review included nine studies with a total sample size of 839 women. These studies showed that care based on Orem's theory significantly helped prolong the mean duration of pregnancy, reduced the incidence of preterm labor, improved hygiene behaviour and increased empowerment. Concerning the perinatal period, this intervention significantly improved self‐care and readiness for hospital discharge, adaptation and breastfeeding self‐efficacy and reduced nipple pain and pain due to abdominal distension. Conclusions The implementation of this theory into care during the perinatal period can contribute to improved health outcomes. Summary statement What is already known about this topic? The quality of pregnancy and postpartum care is important for the maternal health. The use of nursing theories—which nursing knowledge is produced—improves care quality and ensures that care is organized systematically. What this paper adds? There is insufficient research that supports Orem's theory of self‐care deficit in pregnancy and postpartum care and also no systematic review about this topic, but the current meta‐analysis showed that postnatal and prenatal treatments based on Orem's theory have a positive impact on the self‐care agency. The implications of this paper: The use of Orem's theory helps nurses understand women and their needs during pregnancy and postpartum periods. Integrating Orem's theory of self‐care deficit into pregnancy and postpartum nursing care services can help increase women's self‐care power.