Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)

The CDSMP is a six-week, interactive, peer-support program designed by Stanford University. Workshops meet once a week for 2½ hours in convenient community settings, such as libraries, senior centers, churches, and hospitals. The small-groups are facilitated by a pair of leaders - one or both who are non-health professionals living with a chronic disease. The program is designed to help people learn techniques and strategies for the day-to-day management of ongoing health conditions. People with different chronic conditions and/or disabilities attend together. The CDSMP focuses on issues common to people with a variety of health conditions. Participants develop skills through action planning and feedback, behavior modeling, problem solving techniques, and decision making. Caregivers are welcome to attend.

CDSMP topics include:

  • Appropriate use of medications.
  • Healthy eating and proper nutrition.
  • Managing sleep and fatigue.
  • Safe and effective stretching and strengthening exercise.
  • Effective communication with friends, family, and health care professionals.

Additional Recommended Programs

In addition to CDSMP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends these programs to help you manage your arthritis:

Physical Activity

Self-Management