Background
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) was developed by scholars and physicians at Stanford University’s Patient Education Research Center and Kaiser Permanente in 1996. The program is currently offered in all 50 United States, 19 foreign counties, and is available in 17 languages.
Description
In the CDSMP class, patients with various types of chronic disease learn day-to-day management skills with a focus on continuing full and active lives. The classes help patients to adjust to the changes in life roles and emotions that are part of living with a chronic illness. Emphasis is placed on strengthening the patient’s active involvement in self-management by giving them the opportunity to practice condition-related decision-making and problem-solving skills. They are helped to handle daily problems such as fatigue, disability, pain, anger, and mild depression.
Outcomes
Individuals who took CDSMP, when compared to those who did not, demonstrated significant improvements in exercise, cognitive symptom management, communication with physicians, self-reported general health, health distress, fatigue, disability, and social/role activity limitations. They also spent fewer days in the hospital, and there was also a trend toward fewer outpatient visits and hospitalizations. This data yields a cost-to-savings ratio of approximately 1:4. In addition, many of these results persist for as long as three years beyond completion of the workshop.
Living a Healthy Life Workshop
The CDSMP in Indiana is called Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions. The program is coordinated by the Indiana State Department of Health Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, Indianapolis University’s Center on Aging and Community, Indiana Minority Health Coalition, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, and the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
Living a Healthy Life is offered as a resource for all older adults living with any chronic condition. The program is free, but the workbook is $5 to rent and $20 to buy. Caregivers of older adults with a chronic condition are also encouraged to participate.
In the Greater Lafayette area, Living a Healthy Life is coordinated by Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs, and is facilitated by CDSMP Master Trainers at Area IV Agency and the Hanna Community Center.
For more information, please call:
Wellness and Prevention Coordinator
Area IV Agency on Aging
(765)447-7683 or (800) 382-7556