SCHFI V6.2 English

Definition of self-care:  Self-care is defined as a naturalistic decision making process involving the choice of behaviors that maintain physiologic stability (maintenance) and the response to symptoms when they occur (management). Those practicing self-care maintenance live a healthy lifestyle, adhere to the treatment regimen, and monitor symptoms. Symptom monitoring is essential if one is to make decisions in response to symptoms (management). Self-care management is an active, deliberate process that begins with recognizing a change in signs or symptoms (i.e., shortness of breath or edema), evaluating the change, deciding to take action, implementing a treatment strategy (e.g., take an extra diuretic dose), and evaluating the treatment implemented.