Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
A community-based workshop to help people manage their ongoing health conditions. This interactive workshop is designed to improve individual’s self-management skills. Different subject matter is taught each week with an overall goal of improved health and fewer sick days.
Below you will find more details about the program. Click the button to find a workshop near you.
What Topics Are Covered ?
- Nutrition
- Appropriate Exercise
- Communicating Effectively With Family, Friends And Health Care Providers
- Appropriate Use Of Medications
- Pain And Fatigue Management
- Relaxation Skills
- Dealing With Depression
- Decision Making
- Action Planning And Problem Solving
Who can attend ?
This interactive and participatory program is for adults who are living with a chronic disease. Examples of a chronic disease include (but are not limited to) hypertension, arthritis, chronic pain, COPD, congestive heart failure, diabetes, kidney disease and/ or any other condition that affects one’s quality of life. Caregivers are welcome at the workshops and are encouraged to participate as well.
Does the program replace existing programs and treatments ?
The program does not replace any existing programs or treatment. In fact, the classes enhance those provided through accredited programs often provided in hospital settings. Treatment is not altered. For medical questions, participants are referred to their physicians. If the content of the course conflicts with instructions they receive elsewhere, they are advised to follow their physicians’ orders and discuss discrepancies with the doctor.
What can I expect from the class ?
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program was written and researched by Stanford University and is now part of the Self Management Resource Center.
Outcomes of the Chronic Disease Self Management Program include improved health literacy, patient activation for self-management, increased physical activity, improvement in: depression, unhealthy physical days, medication compliance, better health outcomes: (reduced fatigue, pain, shortness of breath, stress, and sleep problems), fewer sick days, and reduced ED and hospitalization.
Details of the program
Different subject matters are taught over the course of 6 weekly, 2-1/2 hour sessions all focused to help each participant cope with their chronic disease. Physicians and other health professionals at Stanford University have reviewed all materials in the course. Workshops are led by 2 trained lay leaders and are held in community settings (libraries, community centers, churches, housing units etc) for 10-16 individuals or virtually for 10-12 individuals. Currently trainings are conducted virtually. Partnering agencies delivering the workshop provide a textbook for each participant to use as a resource throughout the workshop. Participants are encouraged to attend all 6 sessions. Participants enjoy sharing experiences and provide mutual support to each other.
What participants say...
