A self-management toolkit that teaches patients how to:

• Recognize when a treatment is needed, including any over-the-counter medications.
• Administer the treatment.
• Assess their response to the treatment.
• Make appropriate adjustments without involving the provider.
  

The patient understands how to administer simple diagnostic tests that are currently administered by health professionals (e.g., checking blood sugar levels in the case of diabetes).

The physician has prescribed, in advance, the necessary medications—including dosage adjustments—and has provided specific, preferably written, instructions for making adjustments.