Self-management in older patients with chronic illness

Chronic illness causes the majority of disease burden and health costs in developed countries; however, this could be substantially reduced by optimal patient self‐management. This study examined the levels of self‐management in patients (n = 300) with chronic illness (chronic heart failure, chronic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of nursing practice 2008-10, Vol.14 (5), p.373-382
Main Authors: Gallagher, Robyn, Donoghue, Judith, Chenoweth, Lynn, Stein-Parbury, Jane
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Chronic Disease
chronic illness
Chronic illnesses
Chronic schizophrenia
Chronic sickness
Health costs
Humans
Medical treatment
New South Wales
Nursing
older
Older people
Perceptions
Prospective Studies
Self Care
self-efficacy
self-management
Selfefficacy
Selfmanagement
Sense of coherence
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Summary:Chronic illness causes the majority of disease burden and health costs in developed countries; however, this could be substantially reduced by optimal patient self‐management. This study examined the levels of self‐management in patients (n = 300) with chronic illness (chronic heart failure, chronic respiratory disease, Parkinson's disease and chronic schizophrenia) of moderate severity who had experienced an illness exacerbation in the last month. Patient's perceptions of self‐efficacy in relation to their self‐management and their sense of coherence were also assessed at baseline and 1 month later. No changes occurred in self‐perceptions or self‐management from baseline to follow‐up. Patients at risk of poor self‐management included people with low self‐efficacy, poor sense of coherence, older age and a primary diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia. As self‐efficacy is the only predictor known to be amenable to intervention, self‐efficacy enhancing support should be promoted.
ISSN:1322-7114
1440-172X
DOI:10.1111/j.1440-172X.2008.00709.x