Reports From the Field: Disease self-management can delay disability
People who self-manage their chronic diseases can prevent or delay disability, according to new research from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The research shows that The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), a tool to help patients self-manage their chronic diseases, could help prevent or delay disability even in patients with heart disease, hypertension, or arthritis. Further research indicates that education and lifestyle changes can reduce disability, control costs, and have a positive influence on quality of life in the elderly.
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), developed at the Stanford University Patient Education Research Center with AHRQ funding, focuses on problems common to patients suffering from chronic diseases and teaches them to control symptoms by using medication correctly, exercising, managing sleep and fatigue, using relaxation techniques, making dietary changes, and communicating better with health care providers. The 17-hour course is held in community settings such as senior centers, churches, libraries, and hospitals.
During a two-year period, participants showed improvement in a variety of health-related conditions, including fewer visits to physicians and emergency rooms. The improvements translated to a two-year savings of $390 to $520 per patient, after the cost of the CDSMP was subtracted.
The report, Research in Action: Preventing Disability in Elderly with Chronic Disease, is available at www.ahrq.gov/research/elderdis.htm.
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