title: Self-management: its place in the management of chronic illnesses.
abstract: Self-management programs are now regarded as important facets in the overall care of people with chronic illnesses. They are seen as producing long-lasting benefits both to participants and to the health system in terms of reduced hospitalisations and reduced lengths of stay, as well as decreasing medication usage. In this article we examine what constitutes self-management and the evidence supporting the views that the benefits are unequivocal. We argue that greater attention to research design is required before the benefits can be assessed. We also argue that greater attention must be paid to access issues for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) and lower socioeconomic status.
authors.affiliation: Peer-Led Self-Management in Chronic Illness project, Australian Institute for Primary Care, La Trobe University.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Hal
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Swerissen
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Belfrage
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support