selfmanagement

Self-management refers to the tasks individuals undertake to manage health, illness, or daily life. In health care, it includes monitoring symptoms, managing medications, adopting lifestyle changes, and coping with psychosocial effects. While health professionals provide guidance, self-management centers on the person’s active role in decision making and daily practice.

In chronic care, self-management supports conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and chronic pain. Core elements are self-monitoring, adherence to treatment, problem solving, goal setting, action planning, and lifestyle adjustments like nutrition and physical activity. Access to education and resources is essential for effective self-management.

Supportive strategies include structured education, coaching, reminders, self-monitoring tools, and patient-held action plans. Shared decision making and social support improve motivation and adherence, while digital health tools can assist tracking and feedback without replacing professional care.

Evidence indicates that self-management interventions can improve symptoms and quality of life, with variable effects on health care utilization. Success depends on condition, program intensity, health literacy, motivation, and ongoing support tailored to the individual.

Outside health care, self-management is used in education, work, and community settings to develop self-regulation, time management, and financial planning, emphasizing autonomy and skill development for daily life.

Measurement relies on patient-reported outcomes, including activation and self-efficacy, and may track adherence and routine formation. Effective self-management is supported by enabling health systems rather than placing the burden solely on individuals.