Prevalence and predictors of the use of self-care resources

Citation
Jh. Hibbard et al., Prevalence and predictors of the use of self-care resources, EVAL HEALTH, 22(1), 1999, pp. 107-122
Citations number
10
Categorie Soggetti
Public Health & Health Care Science","Health Care Sciences & Services
Journal title
EVALUATION & THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS
ISSN journal
01632787 → ACNP
Volume
22
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Pages
107 - 122
Database
ISI
SICI code
0163-2787(199903)22:1<107:PAPOTU>2.0.ZU;2-C
Abstract
Health care reform goals are to reduce costs and increase access while main taining quality of care. A potentially effective avenue for achieving these difficult goals is to activate the untapped potential of consumers in mana ging their own health care. This study focuses on three Northwest communiti es and examines the prevalence of the use of self-care resources and the co rrelates of use. A random sample of households was surveyed using a mail-ou t questionnaire. The findings indicated that the use of self-care resources was high in the three community populations. Consulting a self-care book w as the most commonly used resource, followed by telephone advice nurses. Co mmunities do vary in their level of self-care resource use. Understanding t his variability may help communities to expand the use of such resources an d lessen the demand for formal health care services. Suggestions for future studies are discussed.