3. Digital tools for self management

So self management refers to those actions that you take to make yourself better. Whether it’s being careful about what you eat, being more active, taking your medicine regularly or even ensuring you spend enough quality time with family and friends. It can be about knowing your symptoms and your triggers, as well as what helps. Whatever helps you cope, or even thrive, can fall under self management.

Self management doesn’t mean managing by yourself. Self management is most effective when it’s done with the support of health professionals and others that can help. You could be working with a health coach to achieve better wellbeing. Attending support groups or going for organised walks to manage your health better. You could also be accessing more specific support, from peers or professionals, that is related to your condition.

So self management is a partnership, but it equips YOU with the skills and knowledge to be in the driving seat. On average, people who have one or more long term conditions spend less than 3 hours a year with their healthcare provider. The rest are spent self managing.

Self management can mean people being:

• better informed about their condition(s)
• better prepared for everyday challenges
• better supported when they need it

How is self management using digital tools different from everyday, non-digital self management?

As we’ve explored in the previous section, self management can take various forms. There are different technologies that can potentially help too, but the concept is not that different.

You might use a paper calendar to keep track of your symptoms or triggers. Or you might go to a community notice board to find out about support groups in your area. You might also write in a diary to keep track of your sleep and activity patterns. Digital self management means taking the same type of actions, but with the help of technology. You might use an app to track symptoms, an online search engine to find out what is available around you or an activity tracker to track your sleep.

These technologies, devices and digital services do some of the hard work for you, so you can focus on what matters to you.

How can I choose the right tool for my needs?

There are various places online where you can go to find some recommendations as to what digital tool might be of benefit to you.

ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland) is a web-based information platform. It can help you find information on local and national services that might help you to live well. Using ALISS, you can search for the services, groups, activities, and resources available in your area by using your postcode. You will be offered a list of suggestions, both local and national. Some of the national services might include digital tools. 

NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service. Its aim is to provide the people in Scotland with accurate and relevant information. That can help them make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for. It provides a list of self-management tools and apps that have been developed or approved by NHS Scotland. NHS Inform also provides self-help guides for mental health and other conditions. 

ADAM (About Digital and Me) is a platform provided by Alzheimer Scotland. It can help you to find the right pieces of technology at the right time. It is intended for families and carers who would like to try using digital products and services to look after their health and wellbeing. 

ORCHA is an organisation that reviews commercial health, care and wellbeing apps to see whether they are safe and effective. There are ways to access ORCHA for free. There is an app library which focusses on young people and mental health. 

Aye Mind is a group of organisations in Glasgow. It promotes positive mental health in children and young people. The website includes a list of useful digital tools.

Find out more:

You have just completed the third section of this guide:

1. About / How to use this guide
2. The big picture
3. Digital tools for self management
4. Digital NHS services
5. Technology enabled care
6. Safeguarding and self-evaluation
7. Glossary and references

Occupational therapists are interested in occupations (activities and tasks). They focus on tasks that are important to you and how you manage these every day. For example, for one person the task of online shopping on a computer might feel like a chore. To another, it might be enjoyable and for another it might be second nature.

An occupational therapist works with an individual. They help identify what really matters to this individual. They also help them to carry out everyday tasks. An occupational therapist may suggest trying digital devices to assist with these tasks. For example, to enable control of a TV, access a computer or to connect with friends and family. Digital devices can also help a person navigate safely and independently around an area. They may also support an individual in their workplace by using specialist equipment.

An occupational therapist will help assess a person’s abilities and disabilities. This can include mental ability, hand dexterity, vision and hearing ability and posture. The person's home is also assessed. This is to help find support and adaptations to live better. The day to day activities are also assessed to ensure that they can manage independently. For example, charging a device, updating software and connecting to Wi-Fi. These can be new skills that need training and practice.

Occupational therapists are also able to teach new and individualised skills. They will review a person’s progress to ensure that the best outcomes are achieved for that person. This may take a few sessions or quite a long period of time to acquire.

To find an occupational therapist go to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.