Chronic disease self-management

Abstract

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.