Question

Describe three strategies that actively involve a person to self-manage their chronic disease.

Chronic disease being a urinary tract infection and lower limb cellulitis

Answer 1

The National Chronic Disease Strategy defines self-management as “active participation by people in their own health care”.7 This is increasingly seen as important, given the rising burden of chronic illness and the resulting effects on the health system.

Emphasizing patient responsibility, and acting in concert with the provider community, self-management represents a promising strategy for treating chronic conditions—moving beyond education to teaching individuals to actively identify challenges and solve problems associated with their illness.

Utilizingself-management support principles in primary care has the potential to have a positive effect on the health care and health outcomes of people with chronic conditions, as well as have a positive impact on clinician and patient satisfaction.

>Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation.

Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Appropriate use of medications.

Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals.

>The body can often resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own without the help of antibiotics. By some estimates, 25–42 percent of uncomplicated UTI infections clear on their own. In these cases, people can try a range of home remedies to speed up recovery. Complicated UTIs will require medical treatment.

•Drink lots of water, urinate before and after sexual activity, change tampons regularly, wipe from front to back, wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing, and take showers instead of baths.

>Cellulitis is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch. Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur in the face, arms and other areas.

There are several things you can do to ease any discomfort and avoid complications.

These include:

Covering your wound. Properly covering the affected skin will help it heal and prevent irritation. Follow your doctor’s instructions for dressing your wound and be sure to change your bandage regularly.

Keeping the area clean. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for cleaning the affected skin.

Elevating the affected area. If your leg is affected, lie down and elevate your leg above your heart. This will help reduce swelling and ease your pain.

Applying a cool compress. If the affected skin is hot and painful, apply a clean washcloth soaked in cool water. Avoid chemical icepacks, as these can further irritate damaged skin.

Cellulitis requires treatment with antibiotics, which are only prescribed by a doctor.