Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in patient care and should recognize the value and importance in patient self-management. Prevention of chronic conditions is, and should remain a priority in the U.S.
Recognizing the role of a patient’s active involvement in his or her own health care sets the stage for successful clinical outcomes. While it may seem like “common sense,” there has been little coordination or integration in routine healthcare where self-management practices enhance the patient’s well-being and promote health. For self-management to be effective, there must be buy-in between patient, family, and provider. Patients will need to be engaged and ready to make changes in lifestyle to improve his or her health. Patient engagement, shared decision making and patient understanding help to promote self-management practices in the setting of multiple chronic conditions.