Use of the self- and family management framework and implications for further development

Background: The Self- and Family Management Framework (SFMF) was created in 2006 and revised in 2015 to guide research on self- and family management of chronic conditions. There has been no review of use of the SFMF. Purpose: We reviewed articles citing the SFMF to identify the frequency and nature of use. Method: We conducted a citation analysis, searching Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases and extracted key data from identified articles. Findings: Of 126 articles, 84(66%) cited the 2006 SFMF, 37(29%) cited the 2015 SFMF, and 6(5%) cited both. The SFMF was used most to inform study design. Users noted strengths (e.g., considers family context) and limitations (e.g., non-specification of patient- family caregiver synergies) of the framework. Discussion: The SFMF has been used broadly to guide research on self- and family management of chronic conditions. Findings will inform development of a third version of the SFMF.