About Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

About Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Previous Page

In Virginia, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) developed by the Stanford Patient Education Research Center of the Stanford University School of Medicine is entitled You Can! Live Well, Virginia. CDSMP is an effective self-management education program for people with chronic health problems. The program helps people with chronic illnesses learn ways to self manage their condition and take charge of their life.

• Led by two (2) trained leaders, the CDSMP is a 2.5 hour workshop conducted once per week for six weeks in community settings such as senior centers, clinics, and hospitals.
• Workshop leaders focus on self-care behaviors, such as healthy eating, physical activity, and monitoring blood sugar levels - to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
• Workshop participants learn 1) techniques to deal with problems, 2) appropriate exercise for maintaining strength, 3) appropriate use of medications, 4) effective communication strategies, 5) nutrition, and 6) how to evaluate new treatments. Classes are highly participatory to foster mutual support and success.
• To offer the program, organizations must have a license from Stanford University. The Virginia Department of Health currently holds a license for local health departments who are offering the program. For more information about obtaining a license, please visit here.

Diabetes Self-Management Program

The Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) is also a 2.5 hour workshop conducted once per week for six weeks. This program is specifically designed for persons with diabetes. The workshops focuses on helping individuals improve their skills to manage diabetes symptoms, appropriately use medications, and make healthy eating choices.

For more information about these programs, visit here.

For a list of organizations that hold a license from Stanford University to implement the program, please click here.