Is ‘self-care’ the future of medicine?

Description

Proponents say it could help manage an ageing population struggling with chronic disease, but its effect on primary care is yet to be determined.

Self-care could reduce some of the strain on Australia's healthcare system.

One of the barriers to establishing a clear role is a lack of a standardised definition of what constitutes self-care and how it can be integrated into the Australian healthcare system.
 
A 2018 Australian Health Policy Collaboration (AHPC) report on self-care broadly defines it as the understanding of what helps to achieve or maintain good health, coupled with the ability to address minor illnesses promptly and seek help from healthcare services when necessary. Yet, the same report also states it is often ill-defined, poorly understood, and not backed by systematic and programmatic support.

Subject

Self-care in Australian Primary Care sector