Home > Programs > CDSM

Print this pageChange Text SizeEnlarge the text of this pageReduce the text of this page
CDSM

Chronic Disease Self Management

The Chronic Disease Self Management program at General Practice NSW aims to address the Australian Better Health Initiative priority of “Encouraging active patient self-management of chronic disease”.  The program seeks to integrate the principles of chronic disease self-management and self-management support into the primary health care system, through the provision of education and resources to the existing and future workforce.

 

Aims of Chronic Disease Self Management Program:

  • Provide the Divisions Network with a stronger focus on chronic disease self-management and support including prevention
  • Provide opportunities for discussion and promotion of CDSM and support
  • Promote linkages to primary care programs and other ABHI initiatives, state and territory governments and consumer groups.

 

What is Chronic Disease Self Management?

Self-management refers to what a person with a chronic disease does to actively manage their own health and well-being.  It has been broadly defined as involving the individual with the chronic condition working in partnership with their family / carers and health professionals so that they can:

  • Know their condition and various treatment options
  • Negotiate a plan of care eg GPMP and reviews
  • Engage in activities that protect and promote health
  • Monitor and manage the symptoms and signs of the condition 
  • Manage the impact of the condition on physical functioning, emotions and interpersonal relationships
  • Have confidence in their ability to utilise support services.

The overall aim is for people to be informed, active participants in their health care to maintain health, and prevent or slow the progression of their disease.

 

Why is Self Management important?

Self-management support is one of a number of elements essential for improvements in the care of people with a chronic disease.  It has been identified as one of four key action areas in the Australian National Chronic Disease Strategy (NCDS).  The NCDS, endorsed by Health Ministers’ in November 2005, identified key areas of focus to improve support for self-management. These include:

  • Reorienting the health system to support self-management
  • Prioritising patient participation in care planning
  • Improving the capacity of the peer, disability, and carer support sectors
  • Tailoring self-management approaches to individual and community needs.

 

What are Self Management Programs?

Self-management programs and interventions include a range of activities, supported by professionals or peer leaders, which aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes:

  • Improvement in healthy lifestyle behaviours 
  • Improvements in health status
  • Reductions in unplanned health service utilisation.

Additional benefits of self-management programs include improved life control and activity, improved resourcefulness and life satisfaction, improved communication with physicians and other health care providers; and enhanced quality in the doctor-patient relationship.

 

What is GP NSW doing to promote Chronic Disease Self Management?

General Practice NSW is funded by the Department of Health and Ageing as part of a National CDSM Network with AGPN and other State Based Organisations to:

  • Provide definition of CDSM and the potential scope within general practice
  • Provide targeted support to NSW Divisions in CDSM, prevention and management.
  • Map self-management activities within NSW Divisions
    Promote CDSM  best practice models
  • Integrate CDSM with other Division programs
  • Provide CDSM training opportunities for Divisions, GPs, practice nurses, and allied health

 

For further help and support on Chronic Disease, please contact the Chronic Disease Team: