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- Page navigation anchor for Patient as master of their chronic illnessPatient as master of their chronic illnessThis interesting article highlights patients’ ability to self-diagnose when they develop cellulitis associated with their lymphoedema. It also shows importance of patient education and enablement.The above conclusion can be applied to most chronic illnesses where there may be flares such as with COPD or IBD. As health professionals, we should accept that patients can be experts of their own illness and better placed to identify changes to their health. This is part of patient-centred consultation and management.During this COVID-19 pandemic, when most patients with chronic disease are being shielded, it is paramount that health professionals utilise patients as experts in their disease and explore their ability to self-diagnose. Given the current challenges, it is vital that patients are educated and given appropriate safety netting. Building longstanding relationship of trust and respect is core pillar of general practice medicine.Competing Interests: None declared.