Progressing self care is crucial. It is now seen as a significant solution towards achieving a sustainable health system, but the Self Care Forum does not see self care as occupying the common conditions end of the spectrum. It sees opportunities to follow the principles of self care across a care continuum (see diagram below). The Self Care Continuum extends from the self care of individual daily choice, to fully supported conditions like major trauma, with many points in between, where individuals can be supported in taking better actions for themselves. The Self CareForum estimates that 80 percent of GP consultations include a self care element if self-management is included.

For self care to be an acceptable progression in modern healthcare, there must be observable benefits across the participants in the sector. Done effectively, self care:

• Empowerspeoplewithrelevantinformation
• Increases confidence and informed decision making
• Gives people greater control of their own health
• Encourages healthy behaviours that help prevent ill health in the long term
• Helps people take care of their minor ailments and better manage others, reducing GP consultations
• Increases personal responsibility around healthcare to help improve people’s health and wellbeing
• Facilitates better management of people and resources.