Supporting a patient's self-management
Routasalo, P.; Airaksinen, M.; Mäntyranta, T.; Pitkälä, K.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 125(21): 2351-2359
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 19999659 Document Number: 634733
Regardless of favorable results of health care, citizens still face with health risks which are associated with the life style. Shift from professional-centered care to patient-centered care sets challenging tasks and roles to professionals as well as patients. Professional's authority is transformed into a role of a patient's partner and trainer, with whom the patient negotiates the best treatment for him or her. Professional taking the role of a partner and a trainer strengthens the patient's self-management skills by supporting patient's empowerment, autonomy, motivation and self-efficacy when the patient is solving his or her health problems and making decisions. From the patient's point of view, self-management demands knowledge of objectives and means of treatment as well as willingness to take responsibility for one's own treatment and ways of living, as well as confidence to one's own resources and capabilities.