Self-Management Education

Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program (AFSHP)

AFSHP is an effective self-management education intervention for people with arthritis. Developed by Dr. Kate Lorig of Stanford University, the course helps people learn and practice the different techniques needed to build an individualized self-management program and gain the confidence to carry it out. The 6-week course consists of weekly 2-hour sessions guided by two trained instructors who follow a detailed protocol. There is a robust science base that demonstrates the positive impacts of participation in the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program: participants report a 20% decrease in pain, and a 40% decrease in physician visits, even 4 years after course participation. To find out about availability in your area you can check with the Arthritis Foundation or view this map to locate your state arthritis program.

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Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)

CDSMP is an effective self-management education program for people with chronic health problems. The program specifically addresses arthritis, diabetes, lung and heart disease, but teaches skills useful for managing a variety of chronic diseases. This program was developed at Stanford University. CDSMP workshops are held in community settings and meet 2 1/2 hours per week for 6 weeks. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professionals with a chronic diseases themselves. This program covers topic such as: techniques to deal with problems associated with chronic disease, appropriate exercise, appropriate use of medications, communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, nutrition, and, how to evaluate new treatments. Participants who took CDSMP demonstrated significant improvements in exercise, communication with physicians, self-reported general health, health distress, fatigue, disability, and social/role activities limitations. To find out about availability in your state, you can check with your state arthritis program. Use this map to locate your state arthritis program. More information about the program is available.

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Tomando Control de su Salud
(Spanish Chronic Disease Self-Management Program)

Tomando Control de su Salud is a self-management education program developed for Spanish-speaking people with a variety of chronic health problems. Workshops for this program are given two and a half hours, once a week, for six weeks, in a community setting. Workshops are facilitated by two trained leaders, one or both of whom are non-health professionals with a chronic diseases themselves. All workshops are given in Spanish without translators. This program is similar in content and process to the English language version of CDSMP, but Tomando Control de su Salud was developed in Spanish to address the health topics in culturally appropriate manner. Topics covered in the program include: appropriate use of the health care system, how to evaluate new treatments, communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, healthy eating, appropriate use of medications, techniques to deal with problems, and appropriate exercises for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance. Use this map to locate your state arthritis program. More information about the program is available.

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