Delineating the concept of self-management in chronic conditions: a concept analysis

TLDR

Self‑management is widely used in healthcare yet lacks consensus, and clarifying it can improve understanding and implementation in chronic‑condition programmes. The study aims to clarify the self‑management concept through a Walker and Avant concept analysis. The authors performed a systematic Walker and Avant analysis, searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and identified ten attributes organized into person‑oriented, person‑environment‑oriented, and summarizing groups. The analysis revealed ten attributes across three groups, highlighting the concept’s complexity and the need for further work to make it measurable.

Abstract

Self-management is a concept frequently used within healthcare but lacks consensus. It is the aim of this study to clarify the concept.Concept analysis according to Walker and Avant, comprises eight steps: select concept, determine purpose, identify uses, determine defining attributes, identify model case, identify additional cases, identify antecedents and consequences and define empirical referents.PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science.Ten attributes delineating the concept have been identified and organised into three groups. Group (a): person-oriented attributes: the person must (1) actively take part in the care process, (2) take responsibility for the care process and (3) have a positive way of coping with adversity. Group (b): person-environment-oriented attributes: (4) the person must be informed about the condition, disease and treatment and self-management, (5) should be individualised, which entails expressing needs, values and priorities, (6) requires openness to ensure a reciprocal partnership with healthcare providers and (7) demands openness to social support. Finally, Group (c): summarising attributes: self-management (8) is a lifetime task, (9) assumes personal skills and (10) encompasses the medical, role and emotional management.The findings of this study recognise the complexity of the concept, but also show the need for further investigation to make the concept more measurable. Clarity about the concept will enhance understanding and facilitate implementation in self-management programmes for chronic conditions.