<p>The Kaiser Permanente triangle suggests that up to 80% of all people with long-term conditions can control their disease using supported self care. The main aim of this investigation was to clarify the core components required for learning effective self care for patients with lymphoedema. A retrospective analysis of patient surveys and interviews over a 10-year period were analysed in order to answer key questions and ascertain how to provide patients with a solid knowledge base for self-management. The results show that the ability to monitor and act on an increasing change in limb volume is critical, and that teamwork between the patient and healthcare professional is essential until the patient has developed the skills needed to become an effective care manager.</p>
