Implementing the chronic disease self-management program for older adults: State delivery models and best practices

This session describes findings and best practices from a national process evaluation of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) funded through the Communities Putting Prevention to Work: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, an initiative of the Administration for Community Living (ACL)—in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)—that awarded two-year grants totaling $27 million to 45 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to provide the program to older adults in 2010. CDSMP provides participants with the education and tools they need to help them manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. This evaluation used multiple quantitative and qualitative data sources including site visits, phone surveys, grantee reports, and analysis of program data. CDSMP, an evidence-based community-based program that helps participants self manage their chronic conditions, was implemented successfully by aging services and public health networks with a range of public and private partners. State grantees used centralized, decentralized and shared models for program administration and oversight; and decentralized and centralized approaches for delivery infrastructure such as communications, licensing and referral. The evaluation team examined these models and their approaches to marketing and recruitment, retaining participants, reaching cultural and ethnic minorities, ensuring program fidelity, and sustaining CDSMP after funding ended. Key findings and successful practices in these areas will be highlighted.