Patient Self-Management

Self-management support is a two-way communication process that encourages interaction between the patient and members of the health care team. It is designed to help patients learn how to adopt healthy behaviors, problem solve and eventually improve their self-care.

The overall goal of self-management support is to increase the patient’s self-confidence in their ability to change their own behaviors. To support patient self-management, physicians and office staff can:

  • Support the patient in selecting behaviors they are prepared to change
  • Help the patient learn strategies to change those behaviors a little at a time
  • Assist the patient with problem-solving any issues or concerns that may arise

Accreditation

This program meets the accreditation criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been accredited for 14.0 MAINPRO-C credits (effective until July 4, 2010) or alternatively 3.5 MAINPRO-M1 credits per 3.5 learning session.

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Dr. Andrew Sear

"I've had improvements in patients' control of their own blood sugars, so we're meeting targets in greater numbers. For the practice it's much more satisfying. The patients understand their conditions. I feel we're getting somewhere. They feel that they are getting somewhere."

Dr. Andrew Sear, Quesnel

Dr. Mark Walker, with patient, Eugene

Dr. Mark Walker (left) with patient, Eugene (right)

"I think it's great because I like to be the engineer of my own train...If I have the data and I have the professional people with me, I think we can make good decisions. And I feel that I have a lot of input into those decisions and I really like that."

Eugene