Disssemination of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program in Appalachia

Objective: to describe the dissemination of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) through diabetes coalitions and to analyze the factors that contribute to successful dissemination. 

Methods:The Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation project (ADCTP) facilitates the development of diabetes coalitions in rural, low-income counties in Appalachia, with support from the CDC and the Appalachian Regional Commission.  Of the 100 poorest counties in the region, 57 have diabetes coalitions.  One of the supports given to the coalitions is training leaders in CDSMP.  Since 2005, Master Trainers from Marshall University School of Medicine have trained 142 leaders in eight Appalachian states.  While a large number of leaders have been trained, a problem exists in that many do not go on to leading CDSMP sessions.  The author will describe how CDSMP has been disseminated throughout the region and analyze the lessons learned in helping leaders to have success in leading the program.  These lessons learned can be useful to state health departments that have invested in CDSMP for their state.

Results:The kinds of support that have been helpful are identification of a co-facilitator to assist in planning, course planning materials, marketing materials, and access to someone who can answer questions and follow up with encouragement.   Implementing CDSMP has been difficult when leaders do not have organizational support, and are trying to organize courses by themselves.

Conclusion:Disseminating CDSMP can be successful, but course leaders need a system of support in order to follow through and lead courses.