Self-Management in SCI: Individual and Systemic Factors

Self-management refers to the ability of individuals living with SCI and other disabilities and chronic health conditions to manage their health and its physical and psychosocial consequences. Self-management is not the same as compliance, adherence or education but implies an informed decision-making process and implementation of actions based on an individual’s priorities and values. This presentation will review the key theories and factors that inform or support the development of self-management by individuals with SCI, including the role of cognitive and executive functioning, and discuss evidence-based interventions including the role of mHealth in this process. The research of the presenter – including Health Mechanics, SCI Hard, and the SCI E-Learning Course – will be highlighted.