Efficacy of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program and Tomando Control de su Salud among Participants in the Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative of South Florida

Background

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) and Tomando Control de su Salud (TCDS), were developed by Kate Lorig at Stanford University in the late 1990's. Both programs are considered evidence based and focus on increasing self-efficacy regarding managing chronic disease daily. The workshops for each program are delivered 2 ½ hours each week, for six weeks. The Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative (HARC) is a 5-year initiative that includes other evidence-based programs such as A Matter of Balance (Asunto de Equilibrio), EnhanceFitness, and Healthy IDEAS. Florida International University was contracted by the funding agency to evaluate HARC data.

Methods

Participants were recruited by community agencies to attend the 6-week course of CDSMP or TCDS. Participants were asked to complete surveys prior to the course and after the last session. Their responses were entered into an online database. Data was extracted and analyzed using linear regression and descriptive statistics with SPSS v.17.

Results

Current data analysis is preliminary: When considering both programs, a total of 1,488 participants enrolled and 1,166 completed the courses, resulting in a completion rate of 78.4%. Across all variables, measured pre- and post-, participant scores increased significantly. Future analysis will take into account covariates and moderator variables regarding outcomes and predictive factors of completion.

Conclusion

The CDSMP and TCDS programs offered to the aging residents of South Florida have accomplished the goal of increasing self-efficacy regarding daily management of chronic disease.