An evaluation of a self-management program for patients with long-term conditions

Description:
The objetive is to evaluate a group-based self-management program (SMP) delivered as part of a quality improvement program, Co-Creating Health, for patients living with one of four long-term conditions (LTCs): chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, diabetes, and musculoskeletal pain.

How to cite:

Turner A, Anderson JA, Wallace LM, Bourne C. An evaluation of a self-management program for patients with long-term conditions. PEC. 2015; 98(2): 213-219. Available at: http://www.pec-journal.com/article/S0738-3991%2814%2900372-3/abstract

Methods

The 7 week SMP was co-delivered by lay and health professional tutors. Patients completed self-reported outcome measures at pre-course and 6 months follow-up.

Results

486 patients completed (attended ≥5 sessions) the SMP and returned pre-course and 6 months follow up data. Patients reported significant improvements in patient activation (ES 0.65, p <?0.001), with 53.9% of all patients reporting a meaningful ≥4 point improvement. Health-related quality of life (ES 0.06, p =?0.04), and health status (ES 0.33, p <?0.001) were also significantly improved. Patients’ anxiety (ES 0.37, p <?0.001) and depression (ES 0.31, p <?0.001) significantly improved. Patients also reported significant improvements in their self-management skills (p values from p <?0.001 to p =?0.028).

Conclusion

Attending the SMP led to improvements in a range of outcomes. Improvement in patient activation is important, as activated patients are more likely to perform self-care activities.

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