Self-management support for patients with chronic disease: potential and questions

Zwar, Nicholas A; Dennis, Sarah M

doi:10.5694/mja17.01002

Topics

Environment and public health

General medicine

Gerontology

Helping patients help themselves works: but questions remain about what works and for whom

Health systems around the world are struggling to adapt to the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions in ageing populations. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of both death and disability in Australia, and are responsible for the larger part of its health costs.1 It is estimated that more than 11 million Australians have at least one of eight common long term conditions: arthritis, asthma, back pain and related problems, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and mental health conditions.1

1 University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW
2 University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
3 Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW

Correspondence: nzwar@uow.edu.au

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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