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An evaluation of a free UVic course that teaches people how to live with chronic conditions—such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, fibromyalgia and even mild depression—shows that the program is an overwhelming success.
Through the centre on aging, the chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP) provides free training to leaders, most of whom have a chronic condition themselves. Once trained, the volunteer leaders pair up to deliver the course for 2.5 hours per week for six consecutive weeks to groups of 10 to 15 people. This technique has many positive outcomes.
Since the start-up of the program in April 2000 the CDSMP has trained 1,155 leaders throughout B.C. This has resulted in 530 courses being held in more than 80 communities across the province. Between April 2003 and March 2006, an analysis of 638 participants revealed statistically significant changes in 14 of 16 health outcome measures.
Participants reported that they were better able to self-manage their symptoms; believed they had better health; were less limited in their daily activities; were less depressed; had more energy; were less distressed with their health condition; were experiencing less pain; and felt the disease had less impact on their lives.
“By giving people the tools to cope with their chronic conditions, not only are we giving them a healthier life and greater self-confidence, but we’re also decreasing their dependence on the medical system and therefore saving the taxpayers money,” says Dr. Patrick McGowan, director of the centre’s Ladner office and author of the evaluation.
McGowan has assisted other jurisdictions—Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the Yukon—in starting their own programs. CDSMP is funded by the BC Ministry of Health. For more information visit www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp/cdsmp_research.htm or call 1-866-902-3767.
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