Which term captures the notion of modifying a patient's ability to care for themselves?

The term that effectively captures the notion of modifying a patient's ability to care for themselves is self-care agency. This concept refers to the patient's capacity to perform self-care activities, make decisions regarding their health, and take active roles in managing their own care. Enhancing self-care agency empowers patients by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to manage their health conditions effectively.

Supportive care, while related, is more focused on the assistance provided to patients rather than the patients' ability to care for themselves. Self-care initiatives refer to programs or strategies aimed at promoting self-care but do not directly address the individual's capacity for self-care. Dependent care suggests a reliance on others to care for them, which contrasts with the idea of fostering independence and self-management in health care. Thus, self-care agency stands out as the most pertinent term related to modifying and enhancing a patient's ability to care for themselves.