The key message in this definition is that all three elements of the triangle need to be addressed. There is also a very strong interaction between them – a persons emotional reaction to their condition clearly will affect their motivation to pursue a self-management approach, the social impact might be more crucial to address than the physical (debt, loss of employment etc). Successful self management will happen when there is support for all three elements.
- Biological: this is the obvious part of a long-term health condition – the physical symptoms. It is here that traditional care has it’s focus – relieving the symptoms, offering and carrying out treatment, input by various health professionals etc. Reducing the physical impact of illness is a vital and essential element of care but it is just part of the story.
- Social: physical illness will have a varied effect on peoples life but it will, in some way, alter the way they live and affect the way they interact with their family and communities. There will be an impact on their work, their hobbies and interests and possibly their financial situation.
- Emotional: the process of being diagnosed is an emotional journey of illness, tests and (often) waiting. Coming to terms with the diagnosis is one that takes time. People differ as how well (and how) they deal with this. Some people will focus solely on the negative and will need help to see things in a more positive light.
Page last reviewed: 18 May 2020
