Egenomsorg

Egenomsorg, literally "own care" in Norwegian and Swedish, is a concept used in health care to describe the activities individuals perform themselves to maintain health, prevent illness, and manage existing health conditions. It covers daily routines, symptom monitoring, medication management, treatment adherence, nutrition, physical activity, personal hygiene, safety measures, and the use of assistive devices. Egenomsorg is central to maintaining independence, health-related quality of life, and participation in daily life, and it can reduce reliance on professional care when individuals have adequate support and resources.

In nursing and health services, egenomsorg aligns with the broader concept of self-care, as articulated in theories such as Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory. Health professionals typically support and empower patients to develop self-care agency through education, goal setting, and tailored plans. This collaborative approach is especially important in aging populations, chronic illnesses, disability, and at-home care, where caregivers and professionals provide training and oversight while promoting patient autonomy.

Practical examples include regular monitoring of vital signs, medication management, symptom tracking, wound care, insulin administration for diabetes after training, healthy eating, physical activity, sleep hygiene, and fall and safety precautions. Digital tools, telehealth, and care planning often facilitate egenomsorg by enabling remote monitoring and information access.

Policy and care delivery efforts in Nordic countries emphasize enabling individuals to maintain independence through education, support services, and community-based care. Limitations arise when cognitive impairment, severe physical limitations, or resource constraints hamper an individual's capacity to self-manage. See also: self-care, patient empowerment, nursing.