It is particularly used in rehabilitation and primary care settings, where the patient is encouraged to be as independent as possible.
The nursing theory is based upon the philosophy that all "patients wish to care for themselves".
They can recover more quickly and holistically if they are allowed to perform their own self-cares to the best of their ability.
[1] Self-care requisites are groups of needs or requirements that Orem identified.
It is the job of the Registered Nurse to determine these deficits, and define a support modality.