HEALTH AND SELF-CARE

All care lies on a spectrum ranging from 100% self-care, eg brushing teeth regularly, through to 100% professional care, eg neurosurgery. Between these points there is a range of shared care where individuals, their relatives and healthcare professionals cooperate to provide the most appropriate care for an individual.

Self-care is about making optimal use of primarily existing (and new where appropriate) NHS services and empowering individuals to take action to maintain their health. Support for self-care involves increasing the capacity, confidence and efficacy of the individual for self-care by providing a range of options. This is achieved through a provision of care that is more convenient, with a personalised care programme for each individual, which involves them in the decision-making process.

The Impact Of Self-Care For The NHS

There is scope for development of improved self-care in all long term conditions. Currently, around 80% of GP consultations relate to long term conditions - of which 25% are minor complaints.

By encouraging individuals to become more aware of their own health through appropriate advice, information and support, there is evidence to show that health, quality of life, life expectancy and patient satisfaction all improve. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that self-care can bring a 40% reduction in the number of primary care consultations, a 17% reduction in visits to outpatient departments and a 50% reduction in Accident and Emergency visits. In addition, self-care can encourage a decrease in the use of hospital resources (admissions can be halved). It has been shown that involving patients and their families in ongoing health decision-making and self management can increase individual and family responsibility for the delivery of chronic care and help individuals adapt care regimens to their own lifestyles. These findings have been supported by a report by the Health Services Management Centre (University of Birmingham) and the Surrey and Sussex Primary Care Trust Alliance which found evidence from two reviews and three randomised trials that showed how involving people with long term conditions in decision-making can be empowering and can help them take control of their care.

For more information please visit HM Treasury - Wanless Report