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The Chronic
Disease Self-Management Program, a 17-hour course geared toward
managing chronic diseases, could help arthritis patients delay
– and possibly prevent – disabilities.
In a two-year
study conducted by researchers at the Stanford University
Patient Education Research Center, program participants, aged
40-to
90-years-old, learned to better manage symptoms of their diseases,
adhere to medication regimens and maintain daily function.
Six months
into the study, patients had more energy, and reduced fatigue
and health stress. The researchers also found improved communications
between patients and physicians, and improved self-rated health.
Additionally,
fewer trips to doctors and emergency rooms meant a two-year
savings of $390 to $520 per patient after the cost of the
program.
Source:
Arthritis Week
of June 16, 2002
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