Self-care: a well-known but yet elusive concept. A discussion of theories, concepts, interventions, and measurement

Abstract

Good self-care can improve survival, decrease health care costs, and improve quality of life of persons with cardiovascular illness. Health care professionals from different disciplines have a role in self-care support. Many definitions, theories, and measurement instruments exist addressing self-care and this plethora might be confusing to clinicians and researchers. In this discussion article, we will guide the reader to find the right terminology and discuss theoretical foundations and instruments available to frame patient care and research addressing the self-care of persons with cardiovascular illness.