Activation of patients for successful self-management

Patients, not healthcare providers, are the primary managers of their health conditions. Current healthcare falls short of providing the kind of support that patients need to optimally manage their conditions. But there are simple and effective self-management support tools and methods that are easy to learn and can be used within the time constraints of the office visit. In addition to tools and methods, supporting self-management requires practice redesign to reliably deliver optimal care to all patients. Whether the care team consists of a solo physician or a large, multiphysician organization, applying basic principles and using simple tools can enable patients to take a more active role in improving their health.