National study of chronic disease self-management: six-month outcome findings.

Objective: To investigate how the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) changes health outcomes, lifestyle behaviors, and health care service utilization over a 6 month period.

Method: The participants were 1,170 adults enrolled in the National Study of CDSMP in 2010-2012 (M age=65.4 years). Six-month assessments were available for 903 participants. Linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models were used to assess the changes between baseline and 6-month assessment for primary and secondary outcomes among CDSMP participants.

Results: Social/role activities limitations, depression, and communication with physicians improved significantly from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Study participants reported significant improvements in more physical activity and less emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalization during that period.

Discussion: Nationally, CDSMP not only improves health outcomes and lifestyle behaviors but also decreases costly ER visits and hospitalization. Geriatricians and other primary care providers should be encouraged to refer patients with chronic conditions to such self-management programs.