What's New | June 08, 2011

Patient Self-Management

Self-management is an important aspect of health care for individuals with chronic conditions. Patients and their families often have to learn and follow complex medical regimens, and make challenging changes in lifestyle, such as weight loss or increasing exercise. Through collaboration, patients, family, and providers share information, understand the patient’s goals, and create a plan that can be used to guide care at home and in the clinical setting.

The featured Innovations describe three programs that implemented one or more of the components of self-management that led to increased knowledge, adopting healthy behavior, and/or goal-setting.

The featured QualityTools describe three practical resources that health care professionals can use to support patients in self-management.

Featured Innovations:

• Comprehensive Screening, Guideline-Based Treatment, and Self-Management Support Enhanced Access to Asthma Care, Reduced Hospitalizations and Costs

• In-Office Education via Hand-Held Electronic Device Enhances Patient Knowledge Without Burdening Primary Care Staff

• With Support From Web-Based Tools, Pharmacists Help Individuals Adopt Healthier Behaviors, Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

Featured QualityTools:

• Diabetes Wellness Center
Developed by New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation

• Partnering in Self-Management Support: A Toolkit for Clinicians
Developed by Institute for Healthcare Improvement

• Patient Self-Care Workbooks for COPD, Diabetes, and Heart Failure
Developed by TMF Health Quality Institute

View Other Issues

Also in This Issue:

Innovations >

• Community-Based Provider Training and Education Enhances Access to Oral Health Screenings and Fluoride Treatments for Low-Income Children