1. Self-management programs conducted within a practice setting: Who participates, who benefits and what can be learned?
- Author
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Packer TL, Boldy D, Ghahari S, Melling L, Parsons R, and Osborne RH
- Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of generic and diabetes-specific self-management programs offered in a real world context. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with 12-week follow-up compared Living with a Chronic Condition and Living with Diabetes. Self-report data collected included: Self-management Knowledge and Skills; Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL); Depression; Social Isolation; Loneliness; Self-efficacy; and Health Behaviours. RESULTS: Participants (N=458) in the two programs differed on almost all baseline measures. Both demonstrated statistically significant improvements in Self-management Knowledge and Skills, as well as reductions in depression. In addition to younger age, low HRQOL, high self-efficacy and Positive and Active Engagement in Life, were the clinical factors most likely to lead to improvements in HRQOL and self-efficacy. Changes in different characteristics predicted different outcomes. CONCLUSION: Both generic and disease-specific programs led to improved outcomes, despite the two programs attracting significantly different participants. Referral patterns also differed but GP referral rates were low for both. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Positive participant outcomes can be achieved in real life clinical settings. While younger people with a positive attitude may appear to gain more, it is important to encourage people from low socio-economic status to enter these programs so that social inequalities in health are not worsened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012