Pediatric self-management: a framework for research, practice, and policy

Pediatrics. 2012 Feb;129(2):e473-85. doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-1635. Epub 2012 Jan 4.

Abstract

Self-management of chronic pediatric conditions is a formidable challenge for patients, families, and clinicians, with research demonstrating a high prevalence of poor self-management and nonadherence across pediatric conditions. Nevertheless, effective self-management is necessary to maximize treatment efficacy and clinical outcomes and to reduce unnecessary health care utilization and costs. However, this complex behavior is poorly understood as a result of insufficient definitions, reliance on condition-specific and/or adult models of self-management, failure to consider the multitude of factors that influence patient self-management behavior, and lack of synthesis of research, clinical practice, and policy implications. To address this need, we present a comprehensive conceptual model of pediatric self-management that articulates the individual, family, community, and health care system level influences that impact self-management behavior through cognitive, emotional, and social processes. This model further describes the relationship among self-management, adherence, and outcomes at both the patient and system level. Implications for research, clinical practice, and health care policy concerning pediatric chronic care are emphasized with a particular focus on modifiable influences, evidence-based targets for intervention, and the role of clinicians in the provision of self-management support. We anticipate that this unified conceptual approach will equip stakeholders in pediatric health care to (1) develop evidence-based interventions to improve self-management, (2) design programs aimed at preventing the development of poor self-management behaviors, and (3) inform health care policy that will ultimately improve the health and psychosocial outcomes of children with chronic conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Caregivers / education
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Child
  • Chronic Disease / psychology
  • Chronic Disease / rehabilitation*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / psychology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / therapy
  • Educational Status
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / organization & administration
  • Family Conflict / psychology
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • Patient Compliance / psychology
  • Problem Solving
  • Self Care* / methods
  • Self Care* / psychology
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors