The Self Management of Chronic Conditions

A patient who is self managing a chronic condition is actively involved in the prevention, understanding and regulation of his symptoms by means of his behavior and choices. The most diffused self management theories and strategies are presented, with an accent on those that can be relevant for supporting solutions in Healthcare HCI. The user centered design process is explained by making the example of a project for the development of tools supporting the self management of stroke, congestive heart failure and chronic pain. Paper prototypes are illustrated throughout the work.