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The issues influencing community health services and primary health care
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 15(1)

What skills do primary health care professionals need to provide effective self-management support?
Seeking consumer perspectives

Sharon Lawn A E , Malcolm Battersby A , Helen Lindner B , Rebecca Mathews B , Steve Morris C , Leanne Wells C , John Litt D and Richard Reed D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Flinders Human Behaviour and Health Research Unit, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.

B Australian Psychological Society, PO Box 38, Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Vic. 8009, Australia.

C Australian General Practice Network, PO Box 4308, Manuka, ACT 2603, Australia.

D Department of General Practice, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.

E Corresponding author. Email: sharon.lawn@health.sa.gov.au

Australian Journal of Primary Health 15(1) 37-44 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY08053
Published: 19 March 2009

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the skills required by primary health care (PHC) professionals to provide effective chronic condition prevention and self-management support, according to the perceptions of a sample of Australian consumers and carers. Qualitative data were collected and integrated from a focus group, key informant interviews and National Stakeholder meetings and a National Workshop, supported by an extensive literature review. With the exception of health professionals specifically trained or currently working in this area, consumers and carers perceive there is a lack of understanding, competence and practice of chronic condition prevention and self-management support among PHC professionals. The PHC workforce appears not to have the full set of skills needed to meet the growing burden of chronic conditions on the health system. Recommendations include education and training that focuses on improved communication skills, knowledge of community support resources, identification of consumers’ strengths and current capacities, collaborative care with other health professionals, consumers and carers and psychosocial skills to understand the impact of chronic conditions from the person’s perspective.

Additional keywords: chronic condition self management, patient-centred care.


Acknowledgements

This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing through the Australian Better Health Initiative. The information and opinions contained in this article do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.


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