The Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP) is a workshop geared towards empowering persons with chronic diseases and those who are caretakers of those with chronic diseases.
Acting Surgeon General, RADM Steven K. Galson, recognized that self-management programs, such as Stanford University School of Medicine’s Chronic Disease Program “encourage individuals to take charge of their health by monitoring their conditions, educating themselves about their specific conditions, knowing what management and treatment options are available to them, and partnering with their doctors in tracking the progression of their disease.” Read more information in the Surgeon General’s Perspectives1.
Workshop sessions cover topics such as: (1) techniques to address problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation; (2) appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance; (3) appropriate use of medications; (4) communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals; (5) nutrition; and (6) how to evaluate new treatments. A CDSMP workshop runs for two and a half hours, once a week, for six weeks, conducted in community settings such as senior centers, churches, libraries, hospitals and community health centers. CDSMP is designed to enhance regular treatment and disease-specific education.
CHCANYS is pleased to offer the facilitation of Stanford’s CDSMP community workshops and train-the trainer sessions at New York State’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). CHCANYS has invested in having the Quality Initiatives (QI) team trained as CDSMP Master Trainers. Thus, CHCANYS’ QI team can also train health center staff and motivated patients to facilitate CDSMP as peer leaders in the New York State area.
