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Self-Manage your arthritis

On this page: Definition of Self-Management | Challenging Arthritis Program | History of Self-Management and Arthritis NSW | Moving On Program

Call us to join a self-management course If you are interested in enrolling in a self-management course for your arthritis or chronic illness, please phone 1800 011 041 for further information.

Definition of Self-Management

In September 2005 An International Conference on Patient Self-management was held in Canada and a conference definition of self-management was included in a paper written by Patrick McGowan. It said:

“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 management, role management and emotional management.”

In November 2006 The Chronic Illness Alliance of NSW conducted a round table to commence compiling a position paper on self-management on behalf of their consumers. They produced a draft definition of self management which says:

Self-Management is the term given to the way a person proactively plans and manages their life and lifestyle to optimise their health, well being and quality of life when living with one or more chronic health conditions.

Self-management is the ability to make informed choices about treatment and to change behaviour to improve your health outcomes and quality of life.

Self-management involves the individual with the chronic disease:

  • adopting a lifestyle that promotes and protects health,
  • understanding the disease(s) and treatment options,
  • being actively involved in decisions and planning the management of their disease in partnership with the health care team,
  • monitoring and managing the signs and symptoms of illness,
  • implementing and adhering to their treatment plan,
  • managing the physical, emotional and social impact of the disease(s) on their life.
    (Flinders Human Behaviour & Health Research Unit)

Around 1996 the “Lorig” Stanford University Course of Arthritis Self-Management became available in NSW through licenses given to the Arthritis State & Territory Offices. These offices had Master Trainers and Trainers skilled by Stanford University, who led leader training courses for many organisations, including the State Health departments and other non government agencies. Using the leaders trained these organisations then conducted courses for participants. The Arthritis “Lorig” course was followed by the introduction of the Chronic Disease “Lorig” Course which was introduced using the same system.

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Challenging Arthritis – Internet Self-Management program – available nationally

Challenging ArthritisIn 2004 a decision was made by Arthritis NSW to develop an internet based self-management program, primarily designd to assist people in rural and regional areas. A gap had been identified that many people were unable to access a six week course because of geographical considerations and that men were not attending the courses on a regular basis.

The program is available on www.challengingarthritis.org

It has four modules: Coping with Arthritis, Managing pain, Exercise, Stress management and Relaxation. There is a brochure with a summary of the program available.

You do not need a computer! For your printed copy of the Challenging Arthritis program,
phone 1800 332 131

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History of Self-Management and Arthritis NSW

Arthritis NSW has been involved in conducting Self-Management courses since the Arthritis Education Program was developed by the AFNSW Education Committee over 3 years from 1981-1983. A number of key health professionals from Royal North Shore Hospital were on this committee. A pharmaceutical company (Ciba-Geigy) became involved as a sponsor in 1985 and produced and printed the first Leaders Manual & Participants Handbook in 1986. They also arranged the first training workshop at a hotel at St Leonards (near RNSH). This program was evaluated.

There were minor revisions made to the course in 1987 and then in 1988 further major revisions were made. In 1992 another major revision was completed by Judy Stenmark, senior educator at that time.

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Moving On: A self-management program for people with a chronic illness

Moving On is a chronic disease self-management program developed by Arthritis NSW in partnership with the National Prescribing Service.  The program aims to help participants manage their chronic illness by challenging unhealthy behaviours and attitudes as well as providing the knowledge and skills they need to create positive changes in their lives.   Although it has been developed by us here at Arthritis NSW it is for anyone with any type of chronic condition.  Around half of all people with arthritis will also have another chronic condition, while a large percentage of people with other chronic conditions also have arthritis1.  This indicated to us that a program that was for all types of chronic conditions was needed. 

Moving On is a group-based program with a focus on the individuals within that group.  The program runs for around three hours once a week for seven weeks and includes 11 different modules that have either been written or reviewed by expert partners.  Some of the modules include:

  • Getting the Most Out of Your Medicines
  • Working with Your Health Care Team
  • Healthy Eating
  • Physical Activity.

The program is currently being evaluated by the University of New South Wales’ Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity.   This evaluation is being conducted in a small number of Local Government Areas in the Sydney Metropolitan Area and should be completed in late 2010.

If you would like more information or to learn how to become involved in the research study please call 1800 332 131 or email movingon@arthritisnsw.org.au

1.Caughey, G.E., Vitry, A.I., Gilbert, A.L., Roughead, E.E. Prevalence of comorbidity of chronic diseases in Australia. BMC Public Health 2008, 8:221

 

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