Chronic Conditions Self-Management Workshops

The Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP) was developed by a team of researchers at Stanford University. It’s a self-management education workshop attended by people with a variety of chronic health conditions. It aims to build participants’ confidence in managing their health and keep them active and engaged in their lives. 

• Participants attend a 2½-hour interactive workshop once a week for 6 weeks to learn problem-solving, decision-making, and other techniques for managing problems common to people with chronic diseases. In a typical workshop, participants set a realistic goal for the upcoming week and develop an action plan for meeting that goal. They report on their progress at the following workshop, and solicit feedback from the group to help address any challenges.
• Participants apply the techniques to concerns such as:
  • Addressing the physical and psychological effects of chronic disease (including fatigue, pain, depression, and frustration)
  • Exercising, getting proper nutrition, and using medications appropriately
  • Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
• Workshops meet in community settings such as senior centers, churches, and hospitals. They are facilitated by two trained leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professionals with a chronic disease or caring for someone who has a chronic disease. Organizations offering workshops must meet Stanford University licensing requirements.

For more information please read this fact sheet or contact Tiffany Burks.