Patient Self-Management: A Vital Asset in Chronic Care Management

Chronic conditions can leave patients feeling disheartened and powerless over their own health. Of course, healthcare professionals play a paramount role in caring for those with chronic conditions, but without the patient’s active participation, outcomes may be suboptimal. Patient Self-Management is an essential skillset that empowers chronic care patients to confidently take charge of their own health.

What is Patient Self-Management?

“Patient Self-Management” refers to the actions a patient takes to manage their own chronic condition(s) outside of the doctor’s office. Not to be confused with “self-care”—which centers around daily healthy habits such as exercise and staying hydrated—Patient Self-Management grants the patient more autonomy by using various skills and techniques to manage their chronic health conditions on an ongoing basis.

6 Ways Care Teams Can Encourage Patient Self-Management Skills

Clinicians and care teams should know how to empower their patients for self-management. As such, here are six important things to keep in mind:

1. Use a Patient-Centered Care Approach

Patient-Centered Care takes into consideration personal relationships, cultural values, and mental health, with the patient and their family members acting as key decision makers.

2. Teach Proper Self-Monitoring Habits

Self-monitoring is a key part of self-management, by which the patient checks their own vitals in accordance with their condition. Common examples of self-monitoring include glucose testing and blood pressure monitoring.

3. Prioritize Health Literacy

Make health data accessible, which allows patients to track their own progress and access important documentation. It’s crucial for the patient to be able to parse through and access health information so they can make informed decisions.

4. Connect Patients With the Right Support Networks

Patient-Centered Care is a whole-person approach that addresses all aspects of a patient’s life that impact their physical and mental health. Community support resources can assist with issues related to feelings of isolation or socio-economic status, for instance.

5. Build Trust

Close patient-provider relationships are crucial for Patient Self-Management success. Patients who trust their providers are more likely to stick to the care plan and report any new symptoms that appear.

6. Educate

There’s a reason for the old saying, knowledge is power—the more knowledgeable a patient is about their health, the more empowered they’ll be to voice their questions and concerns. Educate the patient on all aspects of their condition(s) so that they have a clear picture of achievable health goals and how to implement any behavioral changes accordingly.

Patient Self-Management for Chronic Care

When carried out correctly, Patient Self-Management is a vital asset for patients and providers alike, leading to better health outcomes and closer patient-provider relationships. Leveraging a leading Chronic Care Management platform can help automate care plan documentation, seamlessly track health trends, and maximize reimbursement opportunities for your practice.

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