Wickramasinghe, Nilmini, Bodendorf, Freimut, Kayser, Lars, Rasmussen, Bodil, Zoffmann, Vibeke, and Currey, Judy
Chronic diseases also referred to as non communicable diseases are the largest causes of death in the developed world (AIHW, 2017; WHO, 2014). Moreover, due to their very nature, individuals who develop one or more chronic diseases must continue to live their lives with this condition as by definition there is no universal cure for chronic condition. Experts agree that this means that regular monitoring and self- management are essential. To date healthcare systems have not addressed chronic disease management well (Hacker et al., 2017). Given the increasing numbers of individuals presenting with one or multiple chronic diseases today, it makes it an imperative to develop superior approaches for managing patients with chronic diseases so that they enjoy a high quality of life as well as try to stem the rising economic burden to healthcare systems and society (WHO, 2014). In Australia alone 50% of individuals have one chronic disease such as cancer, obesity diabetes or depression and 20% have at least two chronic diseases (AIHW, 2017). The problem is further underscored when one considers the projected costs of chronic disease management (ibid). This paper highlights a research stream that is embarking on identifying a new approach to chronic disease management using Guided Self Determination (GSD). Supported by positive results from a Danish study, the GSD solution represents a paradigm shift in how chronic disease management is addressed (Zoffmann, 2004). The following presents the GSD method, describes the role for IS/IT and then highlights key aspects of the pilots to be conducted in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]