Self-management
Self-management has been described in many different ways. Generally it refers an individual using different methods to exercise control and take responsibility whilst living day to day with a chronic condition such as stroke.
According to Kate Lorig, an expert in chronic disease self-management programmes from Stanford University, USA, self-management methods can include the following examples:
- Problem-solving: when the individual who has had a stroke develops a new problem or complication, finding the most effective ways to solve the problem.
- Decision-making: the individual deciding when more treatment is necessary, or when to seek advice, or change exercises.
- Resource utilization: finding out what services are available to the individual in the local community, and making best use of the available resources, e.g. stroke clubs.
- Collaboration: the individual who has had a stroke working together with physiotherapist, nurses and doctors to find solutions and plan the timing and content of treatment schedules.
- Taking action: finding different ways to keep as active as possible and take control over all the different ways that make it easier to live day-to-day after a stroke.
