SCIENCE HUMANISED: UNLOCKING THE POWER OF SELF-CARE WITH DR AUSTEN EL-OSTA (PART 1).

A Career Built on Curiosity  

Austen’s journey began in molecular biology, but after finding the lab a little too abstract and solitary, he switched gears—first to pathology, then cell biology, and eventually public administration. His path has blended hands-on science with health policy and management, bringing a unique perspective to the self-care movement.
 

What Exactly Is Self-Care? 

There are various different definitions in the academic literature, “self-care” can mean many things. Austen keeps it simple: self-care is what we do to prevent, delay, or alter the course of disease, especially lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes and obesity. In a nutshell, it’s about empowering individuals to take informed steps for their own health, day in, day out.

Why the UK Leads in Self-Care 

Since founding SCARU in 2017, Austen and his team have positioned the UK at the forefront of self-care research and policy. Collaborations with the Self-Care Forum UK and the International Self-Care Foundation have helped create practical models for self-care—moving beyond endless definitions to frameworks and infographics that people can actually use.
 

Measuring What Matters 

One standout theme from our conversation is measurement. If you can’t measure self-care, how do you improve it? Austen discusses innovative tools like the Self-Care Readiness Index, The Self-Care Inclusivity Index, and SCARU’s own Self-Care Capability Index, developed to assess people’s abilities across seven key pillars—from health literacy and mental wellbeing to digital skills and responsible use of healthcare products. Their CAPITAN toolkit aims to give individuals and policymakers a practical way to spot strengths and growth areas in self-care.

Self-Care, Behaviour Change, and the Big Role for Pharmacies 

Self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s all about behaviour change. And nowhere is this more visible than in the UK’s Pharmacy First initiative. Austen highlights how this approach is streamlining timely access to care for minor conditions, easing pressure on GPs, and encouraging people to take charge of their own wellbeing in partnership with pharmacy professionals.
 

Technology, AI, and the Future of Self-Care 

It’s impossible to talk about modern health without mentioning technology and AI. Austen questions who will benefit most from these advances—and raises the vital issue of leaving no one behind, especially older adults or those less digitally savvy. He points to “self-driven healthcare” as the next leap: where we can leverage technology, wearables, health records, and even AI-powered apps to give tailored lifestyle advice to promote  healthier living.

The Workplace and Wellbeing 

Given that we spend so much of our lives at work, employers have a huge opportunity (and responsibility) to support self-care. Whether it’s small nudges like healthier food options, cycle-to-work schemes, or access to wellbeing programmes, workplaces can make a tangible difference in employee health—a win-win for productivity and personal wellbeing.
 

What’s Next? Keep the Conversation Going 

From trying to define self-care to measuring its impact and integrating it into daily life, Austen’s work shows this is a living, evolving field. New national surveys and research are on the way, and technology is opening fresh possibilities—provided we approach with care, inclusion, and robust regulation. 

Watch out for Part Two of this inspiring and interesting interview, coming soon.

Enjoy the read? Well, we thought we’d introduce you to who’s behind it all.  

At the end of the day, science isn’t just about research and results – it’s about people. It’s about how discoveries impact lives, how knowledge empowers action, and how communication builds trust. At Verve, a health communications agency, we believe that science should be told in a way that feels engaging, accessible, and deeply human. 

That’s why we focus on Science, humanised – an approach that goes beyond simplifying complex information. We bring clarity and emotion together, ensuring that scientific communication doesn’t just educate but resonates. Because when science speaks to people, it doesn’t just inform…it inspires. 

 Every discovery has a story. Whether it’s the latest healthcare breakthrough, a transformative piece of research, or an innovative new treatment, our mission is to ensure that science is heard, understood, and remembered. We take the precision of data and the power of storytelling and bring them together to create impact. 

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