The ethics of self-management preparation for chronic illness.
While nearly all patients with a chronic disease must self-manage their condition to some extent, preparation for these responsibilities is infrequently assured in the USA. The result can be significant harm and the undermining of a patient's ability to take advantage of life opportunities and be productive. Agreeing to care for a patient involves a moral responsibility to see that she or he receives the essential elements of care, including the ability to manage the disease on a daily basis. The research base for the efficacy of self-management and for how patients can be prepared to assume it is sufficiently strong that health care professionals must advocate for its inclusion in the routine evidence-based care of individuals with chronic disease. Because patient education is central to nursing's philosophy and practice, the profession should play a major role in removing structural barriers to self-management preparation and assuring its provision to a high standard of quality.
Redman
Barbara K
BK
College of Nursing, Wayne State University, 5557 Cass Avenue, 112 Cohn Building, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. ae9080@wayne.edu
D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D004522:Educational Status; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D015438:Health Behavior; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D009014:Morals; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000941:ethics* / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000941:ethics / Q000458:organization & administration; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011209:Power, Psychological; D028662:Principle-Based Ethics; D012648:Self Care / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States