Supporting self-management of chronic health conditions: Common approaches

The principles of chronic condition self-management, common approaches to support currently used in Australian health services, and benefits and challenges associated with using these approaches are described.

Abstract

The nature and context for patients' contact with services, and patients' specific needs and preferences are what must be considered when deciding on the most appropriate support mode to effectively engage patients and promote self-management. Choice of approach will also be determined by organizational factors and service structures. Whatever self-management support approaches used, of importance is how health services work together to provide support.