Using the 5 A’s is one method providers can use to provide self-management support. The approach is consistent with the core elements of the Chronic Care Model in that it is collaborative, patient-centered, and builds self-management support particularly through actions of the last two A’s: assisting to anticipate barriers, problem-solve solutions, and complete action plans, and by arranging follow-up contacts and resources.

And, as you can see by the definitions being displayed, the 5 As are:

a.NOT the same as old-fashioned didactic lecturing

b.NOT abdicating professional responsibility; they help health care providers be responsible to patients (but patients are still responsible for their own decisions)

c.NOT a rigid set of mandates

In essence, the 5A’s are a sequential series of steps that serve as ‘how-to’ guidelines for facilitating self-management. They have been extensively used in smoking cessation, but have also been found useful for helping patients self-manage chronic diseases.

Reference:

World Health Organization (2004). Self-management support for chronic conditions using 5A’s. Available at:

http://www.who.int/diabetesactiononline/about/WHO 5A ppt.pdf