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The Diabetes Self-Management Program

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

The Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) is a workshop led by two trained leaders, who have diabetes themselves, that educates individuals with diabetes on techniques to manage their symptoms, communicate with health care providers, and make informed decisions. The weekly two and a half hour workshop is held for six weeks in community locations such as churches, senior centers, and libraries. DSMP participants are active in group discussions and the support of the group is critical to the success of the workshop.

DSMP covers a number of topics, including but not limited to hyper/hypoglycemia, anger, fear, depression, exercise, communication with health care providers, appropriate use of medication, and healthy eating habits. Each week DSMP participants develop action plans and assist each other in completing their goals. The Stanford Patient Education Research Center provides web-based training for the DSMP leaders who have already completed training in the Stanford designed Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. The California Healthcare Foundation supported the development of DSMP.

Goal / Mission

The Diabetes Self-Management Program is a group workshop that educates individuals with diabetes on techniques to help them manage their disease and live more active lives.

Results / Accomplishments

In 2009, the Surgeon General of the United States endorsed the Diabetes Self-Management Program. The program is offered by licensed organizations in over thirty states as well as Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. DSMP was assessed by Stanford University using a randomized, controlled study. At both six months and one year following completion, participants showed a significant improvement in depression, symptoms of hypoglycemia, communication with healthcare professionals, and self efficacy compared to a control group (p<.01).

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Stanford School of Medicine
Primary Contact
Gloria Samuel
Stanford Patient Education Research Center
1000 Welch Road, Suite 204
Palo Alto, CA 94304
U.S.A.
650-723-7935
self-management@stanford.edu
http://patienteducation.stanford.edu/
Topics
Health / Diabetes
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Wellness & Lifestyle
Organization(s)
Stanford School of Medicine
Date of publication
2009
Date of implementation
2008
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Adults, Older Adults, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
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