Frequently Asked Questions

Self-management is a philosophy of health whereby it is believed that the individual has the knowledge, skills, judgment, ability and confidence to be an advocate and expert in the management of his/her own health and wellness (Lorig et al., 2006).

Self-management education is an important part of chronic disease care and is an important first step in providing patients with the information they need to manage their health. Self-management relates to the tasks that an individual must undertake to live well with one or more chronic conditions. These tasks include gaining confidence to deal with medical needs, everyday roles and responsibilities, and emotional issues.

The aim is to empower people through the highly interactive program based on the following:
• Belief that people strive for order and control in their lives
• Belief that order and control are usually sought within a social context
• Belief that given knowledge and structure, people usually make good choices for their own life situation (We can trust them to self-tailor)
• Belief that adult learners bring to any new experience all their past experiences and knowledge
• Belief that people are experts in their own lives and that no one else has this distinctly individual expertise
• Belief that self-management is complex and includes- medical management- role management- emotional management
• Belief that the precursor to behavior change is the confidence that one can make that change. Based on this belief, all Stanford Programs are based on Self-Efficacy theory and systematically use this theory throughout the programs to enhance confidence (self-efficacy)
• Belief that when assisting with behavior change it is better to make small if imperfect changes rather than to insist on ideal changes
• Belief that it is generally easier to add a new activity than to stop or cut down on an activity.

Self-Management is a tool that can help patients improve their quality of life while living with one or more chronic conditions. It is evidence-based and can be part of continuum of care.

Furthermore, about half of all Canadians live with one or more chronic conditions. While healthcare professionals take charge of acute conditions, on a daily basis it is patients who manage the symptoms, treatments, emotions, and impact of their chronic conditions. They make lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, or stress management, which are typical self-management health behaviours and can be strengthened in an evidence-based workshop delivered by trained facilitators.

Self-Management programs provide evidence based learning for people living with one or more chronic conditions. The program was developed by Stanford University’s Patient Education Research Group and has been actively implemented in over 35 countries.

A Self-Management program takes place in 2.5 hour long weekly sessions over 6 weeks and is widely considered a best practice in chronic disease self-management.

In Ontario Health - Toronto region, we offer two types of Self-Management programs:
• Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)
• Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP)

The Self-Management program is a peer-led model for promoting healthy behaviour change. Peer support among persons with the same chronic health problem may be especially effective, combining the benefits of both receiving and providing social support. As such, workshops are delivered by peers who can help engender healthy behaviour change in participants.

Self-Management program is a licensed program from Self-Management Resource Centre. This program follows a standardized process that has proven to help people learn to better manage the symptoms of living with chronic health conditions. The program does not conflict with existing programs or treatment. Treatment is not altered. For medical questions, participants are referred to their health care provider.

This program is part of the the expanded chronic care model in health and social services. The program is led by peers instead of health care providers and is always provided in a group setting. Program participants will engage in peer-led discussion on topics such as emotional changes, healthy eating and physical activity, working with their healthcare team, symptoms such as fatigue and pain, and will reflect on their role in their disease management.

To continue serving our clients and community members during this COVID-19 pandemic, we will be delivering all of our programs virtually on a web-based or teleconference platform.

This means participants can join our workshops directly from their homes. Depending on the workshop type, they can either join by phone only or through a web-based platform such as Zoom Meeting.

Workshops offered on a web-based platform will require participants to have access to an electronic device (computer, tablet or smartphone) and internet connection.

Yes. Prior to each virtual workshop, we will offer a “Session 0” for participants who require an orientation to use Zoom.

Upon registration for a workshop, a staff member will invite you to join this practice session, where you will receive guidance on how to join a workshop via Zoom.

Chronic diseases are long-term diseases that develop slowly over time, often progressing in severity, and can often be controlled, but rarely cured. They include conditions such as cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and stroke), cancer, diabetes, arthritis, back problems, asthma, and chronic depression.

Chronic diseases may significantly impair everyday physical and mental functions and reduce one’s ability to perform activities of daily living.