Over the past 20 years in theUSA, increased insurance control of healthcare
decisions, litigation and regulations, have contributed to a dramatic shift in the
doctor‐patient relationship and respective responsibilities. This paper presents an
autoethnographic study of the self‐directed learning (SDL) strategies and patterns
used by an individual navigating the complexities of not only chronic pain, but also
healthcare decision making over ten years. The study and discussion examine the
experience within the lens ofSDL(Self Directed Learning) and demonstrate its power to
transform passive patient behavior to proactive responsibility. This study
specifically revealsSDLstrategies used in a chronic pain healthcare journey
including, self‐planned learning, inquiry methods, self‐education, self‐instruction,
self‐teaching, and self‐study. My travels through urgent and confounding situations
were propelled by healthcare processes that failed. The paradigm of self‐directed
learning holds promise for mainstream recognition in personal healthcare.
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