An evaluation of the self-management support capacity of providers of chronic condition primary care
Tracy E. Cheffins A B C , Julie A. Twomey A , Jane A. Grant A and Sarah L. Larkins BA Townsville General Practice Network, PO Box 7780, Garbutt BC, Qld 4814, Australia.
B School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Qld 4811, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: tracy.cheffins@jcu.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 18(2) 112-115 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY11021
Submitted: 21 February 2011 Accepted: 2 June 2011 Published: 21 October 2011
Abstract
Self-management support (SMS) is an important skill for health professionals providing chronic condition management in the primary health care sector. Training in SMS alone does not always lead to its utilisation. This study aimed to ascertain whether SMS is being used, and to identify barriers and enablers for SMS in practice. Health professionals who underwent SMS training were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. A response rate of 55% (14 of 24) was achieved. All interviewees rated their understanding of the principles of SMS as moderate or better. In relation to how much they use these principles in their practice, several (5 of 14) said minimally or not at all. The tools they were most likely to use were SMART goals (8 of 14) and decision balance (5 of 14). Core skills that were being used included problem solving (11 of 14), reflective listening (13 of 14), open-ended questions (12 of 14), identifying readiness to change (12 of 14) and goal setting (10 of 14). The most important barriers to implementing SMS were current funding models for health care, lack of space and staff not interested in change. The most highly rated enabling strategies were more training for general practitioners and more training for practice nurses; the lowest rated was more training for receptionists. The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions due to ageing and lifestyle factors must be addressed through new ways of delivering primary health care services. Self-management support is a necessary component of such programs, so identified barriers to SMS must be overcome.
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