Internationally, self-management is recognised as one of the most critical components in improving health care for people with long-term conditions. It is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of people with long-term conditions and it also enables the health system to make the best use of increasingly scarce resources.
Self-management refers to any way in which a person with a long-term condition manages their condition by themselves. Learning and practising self-management is an ongoing process; it is not accomplished in a singular step. Self-management involves a person with a long-term condition and their family/whānau working in collaboration with carers and health professionals.
Self-management support refers to the policies and people that support self-management behaviours across the lifespan.
This publication provides health care professionals with a simple overview of best practice advice and guidelines for supporting patients to more effectively manage their own long-term conditions. It also includes an appendix of specific guidelines for those with diabetes.