Self-Management Support

Self-management support is the help given to people with chronic conditions that enables them to manage their conditions day to day.

Using self-management support skills and tools, primary care teams can help people to:

• Manage their chronic conditions
• Develop the confidence to make healthy choices

An increasing number of people have at least one chronic illness that requires day to day management. Outcomes for these patients with complex needs can be improved by helping them become more active in self-care.

In addition, to become recognized as a patient-centered medical home (PCMH), practices may be asked to demonstrate that they make use of self-management support principles and techniques.

Self-management support can be incorporated into daily practice in a variety of ways. These include:

• Using all members of the care team
• Using each medical office visit to identify, encourage, and track patients' behavior change efforts
• Supporting patients by referring them to community-based programs