Self-management: a comprehensive approach to management of chronic conditions

Am J Public Health. 2014 Aug;104(8):e25-31. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302041. Epub 2014 Jun 12.

Abstract

For both clinical and economic reasons, the increasing number of persons living with chronic conditions represents a public health issue of growing importance. Emphasizing patient responsibility, and acting in concert with the provider community, self-management represents a promising strategy for treating chronic conditions-moving beyond education to teaching individuals to actively identify challenges and solve problems associated with their illness. Self-management also shows potential as an effective paradigm across the prevention spectrum (primary, secondary, and tertiary) by establishing a pattern for health early in life and providing strategies for mitigating illness and managing it in later life. We suggest ways to advance research methods and practical applications of self-management as steps in its future development and implementation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease / therapy*
  • Community Health Services / methods
  • Humans
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Self Care / methods*