Self-Management Education

Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP)

ASMP, previously called the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program, 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 ASMP. One year after participation in the program, people continue to report greater confidence in their ability to manage their arthritis, less fatigue, and less depressed mood, anxiety, and frustration or worry about their health. 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, ability to do social and household activities, less depression, fear and frustration or worry about their health, reduction in symptoms like pain, and increased confidence in their ability to manage their condition. 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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Programa de Manejo Personal de la Artritis  
(Spanish Arthritis Self-Management Program — SASMP)

Programa de Manejo Personal de la Artritis is an interactive workshop designed specifically for Spanish-speaking people with arthritis. SASMP is delivered in a community setting and is led by two trained Spanish-speaking facilitators following structured protocol. The course was developed to be culturally appropriate and is delivered in Spanish without translators. This program addresses both health behaviors and disease-management skills such as; techniques to deal with pain, fatigue; appropriate exercises; use of medication; communicating with friends, family and health care providers; use of the health care system and evaluation of new and alternative treatments. More information is available about this program.