Chronic disease self-management
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Date
2009-07Author
Katterl, Rachel
Kalucy, Elizabeth Carment
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Show full item recordAbstract
Chronic conditions cannot be ‘cured’. Therefore effective strategies are required to
manage the illnesses and minimise their consequences for patients, their families
and the health system. Self-management programs represent a way in which this
care may be realised. Self-management programs focus on teaching patients to
control their chronic illness more effectively. These programs can be generic (for
those with multiple chronic diseases) or disease-specific, and are considered to be a
component of the overall management of chronic disease.
The Australian Government has focused on a dedicated push towards self-management
practice. The Department of Health and Ageing currently administers
the Sharing Health Care initiative as part of a package that is targeting older
Australians with complex and chronic conditions.