What is Self-management Support?

Self-management support aims to increase a person’s knowledge, confidence and skills when looking after their health. Self-management support is about helping people to

• learn more about their condition
• set goals, problem solve and make plans to live a healthier life.

Self-management support is not a one off but is an on-going part of the care of a long-term health condition.

There are many different types of self-management support. Some examples include:

• Regular reviews by different members of your healthcare team
• Information on your condition
• Action plans, for use when symptoms get worse e.g. asthma action plan or COPD communication plan
• Group-based Diabetes education. Examples include Discover Diabetes, DESMOND or CODE for people with Type 2 Diabetes. Berger or DAFNE for people with Type 1 Diabetes
• Cardiac rehabilitation for people with heart conditions
• Pulmonary rehabilitation for people with Asthma or COPD
• Lifestyle change supports. Examples include stop smoking services or supports to increase physical activity levels
• Support with dealing with the emotional aspects of long-term health conditions for example counselling
• Support groups such as Cardiac Support Groups, Diabetes Support Groups and COPD support groups
• Social Prescribing or Health and wellbeing community referral
• Chronic Disease self-management programmes such as the HSE Living Well programme

The person with the condition is not going it alone but is a partner in their own healthcare. While the term puts emphasis on “self,” effective self management is very much a team effort.