The project’s aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Flinders self-management care planning approach in improving patient competencies in the management of their chronic conditions in people attending community based health services in Southern Adelaide.

While observational and comparative studies completed to date show the Flinders approach to be effective, high-quality evidence from rigorous randomised controlled trial methods in a variety of chronic conditions is still needed. The new study led by Professor Malcolm Battersby, "Are patient competencies improved using the Flinders self-management approach?" will provide this high quality evidence by using a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the Flinders Program in improving patient competencies in the management of their chronic conditions.

The study will look at whether particular organisational, health professional and patient characteristics are associated with improved patient competencies in self-management. Findings will enable health care organisations to better target patients who would benefit, and to develop organisational strategies and training programs for staff to improve patient self-management support.