Table 8 Examples of comments on self-management support

"At the moment there is no health promotion so education around chronic disease is limited to within the health centre and understaffing is a problem. The situation would be improved if a nurse and a health worker could go out and educate in the community each week. People don't like coming to the clinic – it is necessary for the staff to get out and see people on the beach".

"A weight scale is provided at the clinic, and people come in and weigh themselves".

"There was an attempt to start up an exercise group in one of the rooms of the health centre, however, indemnity insurance rates make the idea impossible to implement".

"Sit down together and talk about the fact that a care plan would help. Set achievable goals with clients, eg their weights and blood pressure, then both sign agreement and agree on next visit. Give praise about what is going right. Keep messages positive. Review pathology and see the numbers dropping to reinforce behaviours which improve the condition".

"People with hypertension and diabetes don't feel sick. So, it is necessary to talk with them and discuss illness. The staff encourage them to come in with their family so that other family members also understand the importance of taking medications etc".