Lesson Three - Management
| Site: | MoodleHUB.ca đ |
| Course: | Chronic Conditions [1 cr] - AB Ed copy 1 |
| Book: | Lesson Three - Management |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Sunday, 14 September 2025, 5:28 AM |
Information
- This lesson is designed to take approximately 20 minutes.
- You have the following tasks and assignments to complete in this lesson:
- Study all Lesson 3 content, including videos, supplementary reading, etc.
- 3.1 Final Project
Lesson Outcomes
- Share what treatment and self-management look like for you.
- Discuss how a chronic condition impacts a patient and those around them.
Introduction
Self Management for Chronic Conditions
For those diagnosed with a chronic condition, treatment, education, and self-management are very important. These skills will be discussed in this lesson.
Pixabay
Treatment
Part of the job of the healthcare team is to help the patient understand the treatment options that are available to them. Once possible treatments are discussed, the patient and family (if applicable) will decide on which treatments to explore. It is important to remember that treatments are not cures; they are supported ways to manage the patientâs condition(s). Treatments can be classed as medical or integrative health. The treatment pursued will depend on a number of factors, including the cultural background and personal beliefs of the patient and their family.
Click each of the coloured tabs to view more information.
Medical treatment is also known as Western or Mainstream medicine. The treatment that is recommended will depend on the diagnosis. Some common treatments include:
Pharmaceuticals are the medicines that are taken for treatment and management of a condition. They can be over-the-counter and not need a prescription, or they can be by prescription from your doctor.
Surgery, or operations, treats disease or injury while the patient is under anesthesia, either with the body part numbed or the patient asleep. Surgery can be done to perform a biopsy or to repair or alter a body tissue or organ with the goal of increasing functioning and/or decreasing pain. Because all surgery carries risk, it is not recommended unless the doctor and surgeon see it as the best option for treatment.
Nutrition Counselling uses one-on-one teaching and group sessions. In nutrition counselling, a registered dietitian helps patients who need to follow a special diet or improve how they eat.
Physiotherapy helps to improve physical functioning and increase the patient's ability to move. Physiotherapists may employ a variety of treatments
including heat, cold, water therapy, stretching, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.
Occupational Therapy is a series of treatments used to help people live as fully and independently as possible. An occupational therapist will use a wide variety of games and work tasks to help develop and strengthen the muscle groupings needed to perform tasks. The occupational therapist may also suggest adaptations to the task or tools to help make tasks easier.
Occupational Therapy is a series of treatments used to help people live as fully and independently as possible. An occupational therapist will use a wide variety of games and work tasks to help develop and strengthen the muscle groupings needed to perform tasks. The occupational therapist may also suggest adaptations to the task or tools to help make tasks easier.
Pixabay
Pharmaceuticals are the medicines that are taken for treatment and management of a condition. They can be over-the-counter and not need a prescription, or they can be by prescription from your doctor.
Surgery, or operations, treats disease or injury while the patient is under anesthesia, either with the body part numbed or the patient asleep. Surgery can be done to perform a biopsy or to repair or alter a body tissue or organ with the goal of increasing functioning and/or decreasing pain. Because all surgery carries risk, it is not recommended unless the doctor and surgeon see it as the best option for treatment.
Nutrition Counselling uses one-on-one teaching and group sessions. In nutrition counselling, a registered dietitian helps patients who need to follow a special diet or improve how they eat.
It is not uncommon for people diagnosed with chronic conditions to turn to integrative health treatments in addition toâor instead ofâmainstream medical treatments. This is done for a number of reasons personal to the patient. Other terms for integrative
medicine include complementary medicine, alternative medicine, and natural medicine. A few of the more common integrative treatments include:
Oriental Medicine is the oldest continuously practiced type of medicine. It is recognized by the World Health Organization as being effective for over 43 conditions. It uses acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary therapy, bodywork, and tai chi and qi gong.
Chiropractic Medicine is spinal and joint manipulation with the purpose to relieve pain and improve function.
Naturopathic Medicine uses herbs and dietary supplements. Some naturopathic medicines have been studied and tested, but most have not. It is important for patients that use naturopathic medicine to inform their medical doctor, as some herbs and supplements can have negative interactions with prescribed medicine.
*It is important to note that while mainstream medicine is regulated in Alberta, not all integrative medicine is. This means that the training and methods used by practitioners will vary.
Oriental Medicine is the oldest continuously practiced type of medicine. It is recognized by the World Health Organization as being effective for over 43 conditions. It uses acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary therapy, bodywork, and tai chi and qi gong.
Chiropractic Medicine is spinal and joint manipulation with the purpose to relieve pain and improve function.
Massage Therapy works the soft tissues of the body, especially the muscles, to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and allow for a greater
range of motion. There are over 80 types of massage with a wide variety of techniques used.
Pixabay
Naturopathic Medicine uses herbs and dietary supplements. Some naturopathic medicines have been studied and tested, but most have not. It is important for patients that use naturopathic medicine to inform their medical doctor, as some herbs and supplements can have negative interactions with prescribed medicine.
*It is important to note that while mainstream medicine is regulated in Alberta, not all integrative medicine is. This means that the training and methods used by practitioners will vary.
Medication
Many patients with chronic conditions will end up taking one or more medications to manage the condition or the symptoms of the condition. Therefore, it is important to understand the information that is found on the label of a prescription bottle. While the look of the label will vary by pharmacy, the information on the label will be the same.
ADLC
Pixabay adapted
Pixabay adapted
| A | â | Pharmacy Name |
| B | â | Prescription Number (unique identifier specific only to that prescription) |
| C | â | Directions on how to take the medication |
| D | â | Generic name of medication |
| E | â | Quantity of medication dispensed |
| F | â | Form of medication dispensed |
| G | â | Number of refills remaining |
| H | â | Name specific to manufacturer |
| I | â | Name of person who prescribed the medication |
| J | â | Abbreviation for manufacturer of medication |
| K | â | Drug Identification Number (DIN) |
Warnings and Instructions
It is important to keep the container that medication comes in. Not only does it prove who the medication is for, but it also has warnings and instructions on it.
The label on a prescription bottle gives instructions on how much of the medication to take at a time (dose), how often the medication should be taken, and, if applicable, how long the medication should be taken for.
There may also be extra stickers, called auxiliary labels, that give further instructions. These instructions could include precautions such as âTake with foodâ. For a list of the most common auxiliary labels, what they look like, and what they mean, visit Knowledge is the best medicine.
The label on a prescription bottle gives instructions on how much of the medication to take at a time (dose), how often the medication should be taken, and, if applicable, how long the medication should be taken for.
There may also be extra stickers, called auxiliary labels, that give further instructions. These instructions could include precautions such as âTake with foodâ. For a list of the most common auxiliary labels, what they look like, and what they mean, visit Knowledge is the best medicine.
Pixabay
Treatment vs. Management
When it comes to both acute and chronic conditions, treatments are the measures taken that are specific to the illness or condition. Antibiotics are the treatment for strep throat and insulin injections are the treatment for Type 1 diabetes.
Illness and disease management measures are actions that can be taken to help with symptoms that are common across a number of chronic conditions.
Illness and disease management measures are actions that can be taken to help with symptoms that are common across a number of chronic conditions.
Pixabay
Pain
Chronic pain is a condition in and of itself. It is also a symptom that accompanies many chronic conditions. The pain can be a result of the condition, and/or could cause other symptoms or the condition itself to worsen. It can also cause the development
or worsening of other conditions. For example, chronic pain can cause hypertension to develop or worsen.
It is hard to provide specific numbers for how frequently chronic condition patients experience chronic pain. Studies show that anywhere from 4â55% of Canadians in the general population experience regular chronic pain. However, these studies do not indicate how many of the participants also had a chronic condition that might be related to this pain.
It is hard to provide specific numbers for how frequently chronic condition patients experience chronic pain. Studies show that anywhere from 4â55% of Canadians in the general population experience regular chronic pain. However, these studies do not indicate how many of the participants also had a chronic condition that might be related to this pain.
Pixabay
Pain Clinics
For patients in Alberta experiencing chronic pain, being referred to one of the pain clinics in the province by their treating physician is recommended by Alberta Health Services (Alberta Health Services, 2019). At clinics with a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to pain, patients will learn self-management skills rather than just be treated with invasive injections or surgery.
Click each collapsible row to view information about the specialists on a pain clinic team:
Also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), physiatrists are medical doctors that treat conditions and pain that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. They are often the specialist that
coordinates the chronic pain treatment team.
Psychologists/Counselors teach cognitiveâbehavioural skills for managing pain as well as the anxiety and depression that often accompanies chronic pain.
Physiotherapists teach exercises that can be done at home for improving and maintaining strength, function, and mobility. Will also use a variety of techniques and hot packs or ice to improve mobility.
Other doctors might work as part of a team at a pain clinic. These doctors can prescribe pain medication and are trained in pain management devices and procedures. These doctors might be neurologists, anesthesiologists, physiatrists, internists, and/or
family medicine doctors.
Psychiatrists are doctors that specialize in mental health conditions. They are able to prescribe medication for supporting mental health. However, a psychiatrist may not always be part of a patient's pain management team, as family medicine doctors can
also prescribe this type of medication.
Most pain clinics have at least one nurse or social worker as part of the team to help coordinate care.
Complementary medicine providers are available at some pain clinics and may provide services such as acupuncture, dietary supplements, traditional Chinese medicine, and/or homeopathy.
Fatigue
Imagine living with pain every day or struggling to get enough oxygen every time you lay down. What about daily living with any of the other conditions discussed in this course? Sound exhausting?
While there is no scale to measure the experience of fatigue, it is a common experience for patients with a wide variety of chronic conditions. It negatively affects up to 80% of patients with chronic conditions.
In the past, treatment of fatigue was not a priority for primary care physicians. This is changing, and research is showing that working with an occupational therapist can help patients experiencing fatigue as a part of a chronic condition. Occupational therapy is focused on three things:
While there is no scale to measure the experience of fatigue, it is a common experience for patients with a wide variety of chronic conditions. It negatively affects up to 80% of patients with chronic conditions.
Supported Fatigue Management
In the past, treatment of fatigue was not a priority for primary care physicians. This is changing, and research is showing that working with an occupational therapist can help patients experiencing fatigue as a part of a chronic condition. Occupational therapy is focused on three things:
- Increasing the patientâs understanding of their condition.
- Helping the patient identify what makes their condition worse.
- Helping the patient develop the skills needed to manage their condition.
Pexels
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, known medically as dyspnea, is a subjective symptom that accompanies a number of illnesses. Due to its subjective nature, it is frequently overlooked as a symptom. Studies have consistently shown that 27% of the
general population experiences shortness of breath as a symptom.
For patients that experience shortness of breath, a visit to an occupational therapist may help. The occupational therapist will help the patient learn breathing exercises when shortness of breath happens. A visit to a doctor can also help a patient know when they should go to an emergency room.
Supported Management
For patients that experience shortness of breath, a visit to an occupational therapist may help. The occupational therapist will help the patient learn breathing exercises when shortness of breath happens. A visit to a doctor can also help a patient know when they should go to an emergency room.
Pixabay
Physical Function
Physical function refers to the ability to independently function and live a full life. It is common for chronic conditions to affect your physical function. Physical dysfunction can come as a result of pain or other physical impairment.
Decisions about how physical dysfunction is managed will be made based on what the actual physical dysfunction is and what is causing it.
Management might take the form of self-advocacy and education on the part of the patient. This might be aided by exercises taught by a physiotherapist; education on how to adapt daily activities to be easier by an occupational therapist; or help communicating needs by a social worker. Since the difficulties of physical functioning will vary from patient to patient, the management approach taken by the patient and support team will also vary.
Supported Management
Decisions about how physical dysfunction is managed will be made based on what the actual physical dysfunction is and what is causing it.
Management might take the form of self-advocacy and education on the part of the patient. This might be aided by exercises taught by a physiotherapist; education on how to adapt daily activities to be easier by an occupational therapist; or help communicating needs by a social worker. Since the difficulties of physical functioning will vary from patient to patient, the management approach taken by the patient and support team will also vary.
Pixabay
Emotions
From the onset of symptoms, patients deal with difficult emotions; the longer the symptoms continue, the harder these emotions become to deal with. A few of the many emotions a patient might experience are fear, guilt, loneliness, anger, depression,
gratitude, etc.. Understandably, having a chronic condition is an emotionally confusing time.
Studies have shown that optimism and positive emotions can aid in recovery and improve the quality of life for the patient and their family. This is why Patch Adams âClown Doctoringâ is still growing throughout the healthcare field.
Social workers, psychologists, and counselors are all able to be part of the team and help the patient learn self-care techniques to develop and increase their positive emotions.
Supported Management
Studies have shown that optimism and positive emotions can aid in recovery and improve the quality of life for the patient and their family. This is why Patch Adams âClown Doctoringâ is still growing throughout the healthcare field.
Social workers, psychologists, and counselors are all able to be part of the team and help the patient learn self-care techniques to develop and increase their positive emotions.
Pixabay
Learn More
Watch the 1998 Robin Williams movie Patch Adams and/or visit YouTube and search for one of the following terms: "clown doctoring", "humour in healthcare", or "Patch Adams".
Watch the 1998 Robin Williams movie Patch Adams and/or visit YouTube and search for one of the following terms: "clown doctoring", "humour in healthcare", or "Patch Adams".
Diet
Diet plays a preventative, treatment, and management role for chronic illness. A good diet with the proper number of calories can prevent necessary weight loss or unnecessary weight gain. In fact, current guidelines for the treatment protocols for
obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease all recommend a referral to a dietitian. A dietitian can work with the patient and their family to ensure that the proper nutrients are being included in the diet. This
will help with body functioning on all levels, starting at cellular by providing the building blocks that the cells need to function healthily.
Pixabay
Self-Management Skills
Patients who live with a chronic condition require a number of self-management skills. These include skills needed to manage the illness, skills needed to continue activities of daily living, and skills needed to manage changing emotions.
Click each collapsible row to view more information.
In order to self-manage an illness, the person needs to be able to:
- Understand the illness and what their role in treatment is.
- Advocate for themselves so they have an active part in the decision making.
- Monitor symptoms and report to the health care team how well something is working.
- Properly administer any medication or exercises needed at home.
A person living with a chronic condition does not suddenly become an island. There are still roles that they must play and activities they must participate in in order to fulfill these roles. To do this fully they need to be able to:
- Accept that there are limitations and sometimes they might need to rest in order to not aggravate their condition.
- Make changes as recommended by their healthcare team, such as eating better or exercising more.
- Problem solve to change the way they do difficult activities so they are easier to do
The stages of grief are often experienced by patients with a chronic condition. These emotions are not linear. Someone who has experienced anger about their situation will probably experience it again. In order to be able to manage the ever-changing emotions
that accompany living with a chronic condition, a person needs to be able to:
- Feel the emotion they are currently experiencing and accept that it is perfectly natural.
- Ask for help before the emotions get too overwhelming.
- Find and nurture a relationship with someone who they can talk to about their emotions.
- Actively decide that they are not going to stay in a negative emotion for long.
- Find things to laugh about.
Impacts
As alluded to earlier, the patient is not the only one who is impacted when they have a chronic illness. Their family, friends, peers, and community all feel some impact.
Click each of the coloured tabs to view more information.
When someone is experiencing the challenges and symptoms associated with having chronic conditions, there are going to be a number of social impacts. It can be hard to put the same energy into nurturing relationships as was invested before
the chronic condition. This puts much of the onus on others to put extra energy into supporting the patient and nurturing the relationship. As time progresses, this energy can be hard to maintain, leading to a decrease in social interactions.
This impact can be lessened when family and friends access in-person and online support groups, counselling, and connect with the societies that raise awareness for the particular condition. For those who donât know where to start looking for support, Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta exists with the sole purpose of connecting community members to needed support resources.
This impact can be lessened when family and friends access in-person and online support groups, counselling, and connect with the societies that raise awareness for the particular condition. For those who donât know where to start looking for support, Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta exists with the sole purpose of connecting community members to needed support resources.
Pixabay
Social impacts are affected by more than just extra energy needed to keep the relationship strong.There can be a feeling of awkwardness and fear of saying the wrong thing on the part of those surrounding the patient. This feeling can prevent the
meaningful community interaction and support that the family and patient need and cause a feeling of loneliness. This feeling of loneliness, when paired with other natural emotions, can contribute to greater emotional impacts.
Pixabay
While it is true that Canadaâs socialized medicine relieves the basic costs of seeking care, there are other costs and economic impacts that must be realized when discussing the impacts of a chronic condition. For example, the patient and/or their
caregiver may find themselves either unable to work or unable to work the hours they worked previous to the diagnosis, causing a decrease in income. Medication may be expensive and need to be factored into the budget and use monies that previously
were spent elsewhere. Some families may decide to seek treatment privately which could require costs to be paid out of pocket.
Pixabay
There may also be travel required to receive treatment. The list of ways that a chronic condition can impact the patient and those surrounding them is as long and varied as the number of conditions and situations of the patients that have them.