Self help groups: pathological or positive partnership?
Self help groups consist of people brought together by a common interest in finding their own solutions to improving well being. They have been slow to gain acceptance as a valid means of allowing individuals to take responsibility for their own health issues, although there is considerable evidence that self help groups can have a positive impact on members. Documented benefits include reduced depression, increased self esteem, skills and personal contact, and a more selective use of the formal health care system. Since its foundation in 1983, Self Help Queensland (SHQ) has been providing support for people finding their own solutions to individual, group and community well being challenges. SHQ undertakes activities which assist in developing, promoting and sustaining the self help sector. Our "Directory of Self Help and Support Groups" for Queensland contains over 550 groups, most of which deal with conditions with some genetic component. The experience of these groups shows that professionals can play a positive role in the activities of the group, developing skills and encouraging partnership in decision making. For example, for genetic conditions, genetic counsellors and clinical geneticists can provide information and guide understanding of the complexities of inheritance patterns, risks to family members and possible testing procedures, to ensure that the group conveys accurate and current details to its members. The strength of the Self Help Sector lies in the power that comes from people involved in their own health issues. By reviewing the research and the experience we can establish the outstanding questions which need to be addressed so that self help can become a mainstream and recognized partner in health management.