Self-management: its place in the management of chronic illnesses

Abstract

Self-management programs are now regarded as important facets in the overall care of people with chronic illnesses. They are seen as producing long-lasting benefits both to participants and to the health system in terms of reduced hospitalisations and reduced lengths of stay, as well as decreasing medication usage. In this article we examine what constitutes self-management and the evidence supporting the views that the benefits are unequivocal. We argue that greater attention to research design is required before the benefits can be assessed. We also argue that greater attention must be paid to access issues for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) and lower socioeconomic status.

Levels and Barriers of Glycemic Control and Self-Management Among Diabetic Patients in Primary Health Care in Jeddah: A Cross-Sectional Study.

“…The paradigm of self-management evolved from a patient education-based model of empowerment, targeting patients with chronic diseases. It is now regarded as an efficient strategy with long-term benefits for both the patient and the healthcare system, associating reduced health expenditure with reduced hospitalization rates and length of stay and reduced medication usage (28,29). More specifically, diabetes self-management (DSM) involves a multi-pronged approach, including adherence to treatment, dietary and lifestyle regimens; foot care; regular blood sugar monitoring; and improving self-efficacy and selfconfidence in self-management (30)(31)(32).…”

Care models for people with chronic diseases: integrative review

“…Its purposes are to incite changes in behavior, to teach the patient to recognize signs and symptoms of exacerbation of the disease and act before these. 25 An example of this model is the 4G, in which the health professional distributes information and guide self-management, in identifying the problem and of habits and lifestyle changes necessary. This takes place in three stages: meeting, generation and conduction.…”

Chronic Disease Self-Management and Behavior Change Attitudes in Older Adults

“…1 East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, USA 2 Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA 3 University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA team member and is encouraged to actively communicate with the health care team as the team works to improve health outcomes (Walker, Swerissen, & Belfrage, 2003). For the older adult, self-management may be a valuable tool, yet little attention has been paid to the goals of older adults in this process.…”