Patient empowerment: the LIFE approach

Abstract

In spite of the great strides that have been made in the treatment of diabetes, many patients do not achieve optimal outcomes. In an effort to address the gap between the promise and the reality of diabetes care, empowerment has been recognised as an effective patient-centred approach to diabetes care and education. A great deal of effort has been spent training healthcare professionals and developing patient education strategies within this framework. However, less effort has been spent helping patients to learn the lessons and acquire the skills needed to collaborate in the design of a workable diabetes care plan. This article outlines four fundamental lessons that need to be addressed as part of patient education and provides a simple approach called the LIFE plan to help patients truly take charge of their diabetes.

Keywords:

• Patient-centred
• LIFE plan
• diabetes self-management
• patient education
• self-management support