Seeking the views of health professionals on translating chronic disease self-management models into practice

Few studies have investigated the views of health professionals with respect to their use of chronic disease self-management (CDSM) in the workplace.ObjectiveThis qualitative study, conducted in an Australian health care setting, examined health professional's formal self-management (SM) training and their views and experiences on the use of SM techniques when working with people living with a chronic illness.MethodsPurposive sample of 31 health care professionals from a range of service types participated in semi-structured interviews.ResultsThe majority of participants (65%) had received no formal training in SM techniques. Participants reported a preference for an eclectic approach to SM, relying primarily on five elements: collaborative care, self-responsibility, client's individual situation, structured support and linking with community agencies. Problems with CDSM centred on medication management, complex measuring devices and limited efficacy with some patient groups.ConclusionThis study provides valuable information with respect to the use of CDSM within the workplace from the unique perspective of a range of healthcare providers within an Australian health care setting.Practice implicationsTraining implications, with respect to CDSM and patient care, are discussed, together with how these findings contribute to the debate concerning how SM principles are translated into healthcare settings.