Abstract

In March 2002, The Northern Clinical Research Centre (NCRC), Epping, implemented the Stanford model Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). The NCRC is the first health facility to implement the CDSMP for all cause chronic conditions in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. This paper outlines the establishment, marketing, co-ordination and personnel for a successful program as identified by the NCRC. Barriers to participation in a program were identified by the NCRC and steps to minimise these were implemented. The evaluation of this program in a scientific manner enables the effect of this adjuvant therapy to be examined in the Australian population. Fifty-two participants have graduated from the CDSMP at The Northern Hospital since the program commenced. This paper reviews the unplanned re-admission rates for people who have participated in the CDSMP as part of an ongoing study.