Unlocking the Power of Self-Care: Why Health Professionals Need More Support to Help Patients Thrive

The study, conducted via an online survey of 70 professionals across England, found that loneliness (18.9%) and mobility issues (14.3%) were among the biggest barriers preventing patients from managing their conditions effectively. Social prescribing—connecting patients with non-medical support such as community groups—was cited as the most used method to promote self-care. Yet, the evidence of its long-term impact remains limited.

One striking finding was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of self-care for 92.9% of respondents. However, less than half (44.9%) felt the pandemic positively affected their ability to support self-care, suggesting that while the crisis raised awareness, structural barriers remain.

“This study is just the first step in unpacking the complex factors that shape self-care behaviours in patients with multimorbidity. Understanding these determinants is crucial if we want to move beyond rhetoric & truly empower people to take charge of their personal health & wellbeing journey. Our hope is that this work will spark deeper conversations about how self-care & effective self-management can be promoted as a cornerstone of sustainable healthcare"  - Dr Austen El-Osta.

The report calls for a fundamental shift in how healthcare professionals are trained and supported to embed self-care into routine care. "Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in empowering patients, but without the right training and resources, their ability to foster long-term behaviour change is limited," the authors note.

As the NHS moves towards more integrated, person-centred care, the study highlights an urgent need for investment in professional development, targeted training, and system-wide support to make self-care a sustainable reality for patients.