Why should patients do what we ask them to do?

Many factors contribute to patients' self-management success. In the main these are attitudes, beliefs or perceptions of the patients rather than demographic characteristics. Patients do need not only to acquire knowledge and self-management abilities, but also the desire to apply them on a life-long basis. They require understanding and support. Education is a life-long process. All those involved in care need training in the educational process. Both the targets set and achieved by the patients need regular assessment. It is critical to perform a comprehensive assessment of the influencing factors. Conclusions are drawn on the consequences for relief education.