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Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a workshop for people with chronic health problems. The program is presented by trained non-health professionals with chronic diseases in community settings over the course of six weeks. Individuals with heart disease, lung disease, stroke, or arthritis attend group sessions where interactive programming and support help them gain confidence in their ability to manage their health. Workshop programming includes the following subjects: 1) techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation, 2) appropriate exercises, 3) use of medications, 4) communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, 5) nutrition, and 6) how to evaluate new treatments. Participants also receive a companion book and an audio relaxation tape.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the CDSMP is to improve personal management of chronic disease.

Results / Accomplishments

Individuals with chronic disease who participated in the program had improvements in exercise, cognitive symptom management, communication with physicians, and self-reported general health when compared to a control group. Participants also had decreased health distress, fatigue, disability, and social activity limitations when compared to a control group. Workshop attendees spent fewer days in the hospital, and had a trend toward fewer hospitalizations and outpatient visits. At two years following the intervention, participants had significantly reduced ER visits (p < 0.05), and improved self efficacy (p < 0.05) when compared to baseline.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Stanford Patient Education Research Center
Primary Contact
Topics
Health / Heart Disease & Stroke
Health / Other Conditions
Organization(s)
Stanford Patient Education Research Center
Date of publication
2001
Date of implementation
1996
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Adults, Older Adults

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