The concept of health is broadening to include wellness, prevention and the effects of the environment. The empowerment of patients and consumers of health; giving them greater choice, information, skills and responsibility is part of the present health care reform which must not be neglected.
Self-care
It is defined as non-formally organised health activities and health-related decision-making encompassing self-medication, self-treatment and first aid in the normal social context of peoples "everyday lives .
Self-medication
Self-medication is one domain of self-care. It means the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognisable illnesses and symptoms.
Goals of self-care
There are 3 basic goals that encourage independence in health care through self-care:
To improve the quality of life of individuals by enabling them to maintain health and maximise their potential in health
To enable individuals to cope with chronic diseases and deal with minor problems
To help individuals to seek help and optimise the use of health care facilities
Quality Use of Medicine