What is the Virtual Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)?
The Virtual Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a six-week workshop that helps people with chronic conditions to better manage their symptoms and their daily lives. The workshop provides information and teaches practical skills. It gives people the confidence and motivation they need to manage the challenges of living with chronic health conditions.

Why are you offering this workshop virtually? 
Due to COVID-19, our in-person CDSMP workshop has been cancelled until further notice. We are offering the workshop in a virtual format, where participants can attend the workshop from their homes and practice self-management skills.

Who can attend?
Adults experiencing any type of chronic health conditions, as well as their family, friends and/or caregivers. The program is available in communities throughout Ontario. Participants must be able to function in a group setting.

What technology/equipment do I need to attend this workshop? 
The workshop will be offered on the GoTo Meeting platform. You can join the workshop by two ways:

• Using internet connection on a computer, tablet or smartphone: This will allow you to view the facilitators and share your own video if you wish.
• Via teleconference call: You will be able to hear and participate in the workshop, but will not have access to video.

Instructions to join the workshop will be provided upon registration.

What does it cost to attend?
It is FREE to participants. Participants must pre-register for the program and are encouraged to attend all six sessions.

What happens in the workshop?
Workshop groups meet virtually once a week for 1 hour, over six weeks. There are four participants in each workshop. In the workshop, participants will learn about:
• healthy eating
• starting and maintaining exercise
• pain and fatigue management
• stress management
• communicating with your healthcare professional
• managing medications
• planning and problem solving
• goal setting
Participants take an active role in the workshop by setting weekly goals and providing feedback on how they managed.

Who leads the workshops?
The workshop is led by two individuals who have taken special training. The leaders are volunteers, many of whom have chronic health conditions themselves.

Who developed the program?
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a licensed program developed and researched at Stanford University. It follows a standardized format that is proven to help people learn to better manage symptoms. It is considered a best practice program in self-management.

How do I get involved?
Please review the list of ongoing workshops on our home page or contact us.