Senior Housing Connection

Chronic Disease Self Management

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

What is a Chronic Disease Self Management Program Workshop?

The CDSMP workshop is a six-session, lay-led health education program for patients with one or more chronic conditions. The purpose of CDSMP is two-fold: (1) to help patients take day-to-day responsibility for their care and (2) to increase the skills necessary to manage their diseases and work effectively with their health care professionals. In addition they learn problem-solving and decision-making skills which enable them to confront the ever-changing challenges of living with a chronic illness. The workshops are facilitated by two leaders, one or both of whom are trained lay people who themselves have a chronic condition. Participants are invited to bring a family member or friend.

Who developed CDSMP?

CDSMP was developed and tested in a randomized, controlled trial by the Patient Education Research Center at the Stanford University School of Medicine. All components of the workshop have been medically approved.

What does the CDSMP Workshop cover?

The program content includes:

  • Developing and maintaining a long-term exercise program
  • Fatigue management
  • Dealing with anger, depression and other negative emotions
  • Cognitive management of pain and stress
  • Communication with family/friends/physicians
  • Using prescribed medication appropriately
  • Healthy eating
  • Making informed treatment decisions
  • Advance directives
  • Developing decision-making and problem-solving skills

How effective is CDSMP?

A randomized study of 1,000 people demonstrated significant changes in:

  • Health status
  • Less fatigue
  • Less disability
  • Improved role function
  • 0.8 fewer days in the hospital
  • Self management
  • Increased minutes of exercise
  • Increased use of cognitive pain and stress management techniques
  • Improved communication with their physicians
  • More confidence in their ability to manage their condition

For more information about Chronic Disease Self Management or to sign-up for a Living Healthy Workshop, please contact us.