Background: Supporting self-management is a core response of health care systems globally to the increasing prevalence of long-term conditions. Lack of a comprehensive taxonomy (or classification) of self-management support components hinders characterization and, ultimately, understanding of these frequently complex, multi-component interventions.
Objective: To develop a comprehensive, descriptive taxonomy of self-management support components.
Methods: Components were derived from the 969 unique randomized controlled trials described in the 102 systematic reviews and 61 implementation trials, examining 14 diverse long-term conditions included in the Practical Reviews in Self-Management Support (PRISMS) project followed by discussion at an expert stakeholder workshop. The utility of the taxonomy was then tested using a self-management support intervention for cancer survivors.
Results: The PRISMS taxonomy comprises 14 components that might be used to support self-management (e.g. information about condition/management, provision of equipment, social support), when delivered to someone with a long-term condition or their carer. Overarching dimensions are delivery mode; personnel delivering the support; intervention targeting; and intensity, frequency and duration of the intervention. The taxonomy does not consider the effectiveness or otherwise of the different components or the overarching dimensions.
Conclusions: The PRISMS taxonomy offers a framework to researchers describing self-management support interventions, to reviewers synthesizing evidence and to developers of health services for people with long-term conditions.
Keywords: complex intervention; dissemination; implementation; long-term condition and chronic illness; self-management and self-care; taxonomy.
© The Author(s) 2015.