Methods
Literature Search. The set of practices or processes identified by
the researchers was used to guide a literature search undertaken
in October 2008–January 2009 to identify evidence from
structured reviews and meta-analyses and summarized under
key principles for implementing SMS in primary care. We
focused the search strategy on evidence regarding a wide range
of chronic conditions and behavioral risk factors. The Englishlanguage
medical literature published between January 1980
and October 2008 was searched using the MEDLINE database
of the National Library of Medicine and the Nursing and Allied
Health database (from 1982). The Medical subject headings
(MeSH) searched were Asthma, Diabetes, Coronary Arterio -
sclerosis, Heart Failure, Congestive, Depression, Pulmonary
Disease, Chronic Obstructive, HIV/AIDS, Smoking Cessation,
Alcohol-related Disorders, and Exercise, Self Care, and Primary
Care. We also used a text word search of both databases using
the term self-management. We limited the publication types to
meta-analyses and systematic reviews. We also hand-searched
all the systematic reviews of the Cochrane Effective Practice
and Organization of Care (EPOC) group for those having
relevance to SMS by affecting practice patterns.