What are strategies for self-management of personal support?

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Last updated: March 1, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Self-management for personal support should prioritize a combination of patient-centered strategies, including establishing a daily routine, setting achievable goals, practicing mindfulness, and maintaining a journal, as these practices provide structure, promote self-awareness, and enhance resilience. When developing a self-management plan, it's essential to consider the individual's competency stage, the complexity of the activity, and environmental factors that may influence the task 1. A recent study emphasizes the importance of self-management support in chronic disease management, highlighting the need for patient and caregiver education, self-monitoring, and problem-solving skills 1.

To implement an effective self-management plan, consider the following strategies:

  • Establish a consistent daily routine that includes adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity
  • Set specific, achievable goals using the SMART framework and break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps
  • Practice mindfulness meditation daily to reduce stress and improve focus
  • Maintain a journal to track thoughts, emotions, and progress, which helps identify patterns and triggers
  • Develop healthy coping mechanisms like deep breathing exercises when feeling overwhelmed
  • Create clear boundaries between work and personal life, especially if working remotely
  • Build a support network of trusted friends, family, or professionals you can turn to when needed

It's also crucial to recognize that self-management should be centered on patient self-management but provided in tandem with support from their health care provider (HCP) 1. Interactive workbooks or a therapy journal can be a useful tool to support self-management, as suggested by occupational therapy consensus recommendations 1. By prioritizing these strategies and considering individual needs and circumstances, individuals can effectively manage their personal support and improve their overall well-being.

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From the Research

Strategies for Self-Management of Personal Support

Strategies for self-management of personal support include:

  • Instrumental support, such as guidance and assistance with daily tasks 2
  • Psychosocial support, including emotional support and counseling 2
  • Relational support, which is at the center of support needs and fuels all other types of support 2
  • Informational support, such as education and information about the condition and its management 3
  • Acknowledgment, encouragement, and validation to help individuals make sense of their experiences and ease suffering 3

Effective Self-Management Support Interventions

Effective self-management support interventions may include:

  • A structured patient-provider exchange, including one-on-one consultations and ongoing follow-up 4
  • Tailored interventions that address individual patient needs and goals 4
  • Combinations of strategies to improve disease knowledge, independent monitoring of symptoms, and self-treatment plans 4
  • Psychological coping and stress management strategies to enhance self-efficacy and confidence 4
  • Theoretical models, such as motivational communication, to enhance intrinsic motivation and behavior change 5

Delivery of Self-Management Support

Self-management support can be delivered by:

  • Healthcare professionals, including practice nurses and case managers 6, 5
  • Family and friends, who can provide emotional and instrumental support 2
  • Fellow patients, who can offer peer support and shared experiences 2
  • Primary care professionals, who can provide personalized support and guidance 4

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Self-management support from the perspective of patients with a chronic condition: a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy, 2016

Research

Comprehensive Self-Management Strategies.

Seminars in respiratory and critical care medicine, 2015

Research

Effectiveness of personalised support for self-management in primary care: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 2016

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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