Living Your Best Life - University of Southern Indiana

Description of Program

Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions is a chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP). CDSMP is an evidence-based program developed by the researchers at Stanford University.

It is proven to improve: a) patient’s confidence in managing symptoms, b) patient-provider communication, c) treatment adherence, and d) better quality of life (Hevey et al., 2020). This program is endorsed by the National Council on Aging, Healthy People 2030, and the CDC.

Six-week classes are offered in-person as well as in a virtual format via Zoom. Each class includes at least 12 hours of education split into 2 hours per week for 6 weeks with small groups of 10-16 participants. Each class is titled “Living Your Best Life”.

Click here for program flyer.

Who Should Enroll in this Program?

This program is designed for English-speaking health care providers who will be working with patients who have a chronic disease in addition to individuals with chronic disease and their caregivers. Other members of the healthcare team who have or want to prepare for the responsibility working with people who have a chronic disease may be interested in the content as well.

Program Content

The classes increase the effectiveness of chronic disease treatments by covering the following content from a patient’s perspective: a) techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation, b) exercise for strength, flexibility and endurance, c) medication management, d) effective communication between patients, health professionals, and family members, e) nutrition, and f) Informed decision-making and goal-setting.

Based on experimental research, the program is known to improve physical and psychosocial outcomes for adults with chronic conditions. Specific benefits for patients may include increased energy and less fatigue, decreased pain and health distress, improved physical activity and nutrition, decreased depression, better communication with providers, decreased social role limitations, and increased confidence in managing chronic disease. Benefits for providers and other caregivers include an understanding of the patient’s perspective in managing chronic conditions, improved communication with patients, medication compliance increasing treatment effectiveness, and more confident and co-operative patients to work with.

The program consists of six (6) two-hour events that will be conducted via an online meeting platform. Each two-hour program must be attended for a total of 12 hours.

A textbook is not required for this program however a computer system with a camera and a microphone may be required for the virtual format.

Program Schedule

The dates for this program are Mondays from 12 p.m.- 2 p.m. CST (1 p.m.-3 p.m. EST) on:

April 15, 22 and 29, 2024

May 6, 15* and 20, 2024 (May 15 is a Wednesday)

Learning Outcome

The learning outcome of this learning activity is to enable the learner to successfully develop strategies for chronic disease self-management.

Program Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, the patient will be able to:

Verbalize strategies that help you feel more in control of your health.
Describe actions to manage difficult symptoms (e.g., fatigue, pain, shortness of breath).
Identify methods to assist in carrying out daily activities (e.g., going to work, spending time with loved ones).
Explain methods to reduce stress.
Perform actions to improve your mood.
Articulate strategies to communicate better with your healthcare team about your care.

At the conclusion of this program, the provider will be able to:

Verbalize strategies that assist the patient in feeling in control of their health.
Articulate the actions needed by the patient/family to identify and manage difficult symptoms.
Explore methods with patient/family to facilitate daily activities.
Reiterate actions known to reduce stress for the patient/family.
Refresh patient/family suggestions for mood improvement.
Form a collaborative plan with the patient/family/healthcare team to communicate care progress/needs.

Delivery of Content

The learner will log into the program via the internet and participate in each session. This format provides an opportunity to learn while in the comfort of your own home and office.

Note: Many businesses, especially government agencies or health institutions, utilize security firewalls. Access to web links within program and communication from the instructor, or other students may be blocked. We recommend not using your work email address for this course.

Contact Hours

12 contact hours

The University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning designates this activity for 12 contact hours.

Successful completion of this program does not guarantee expertise in the content. Clinical experience and judgment coupled with an understanding of the content are necessary to attain competency. Achieving certification via a designated professional organization is an additional step to demonstrate competency.

Criteria for Successful Completion

Register for program.
Participate in six (6) sessions for 12 total hours.
A certificate for contact hours will be awarded following successful participation in each session and submission of program evaluation.

Faculty Name and Credentials

We strive to provide interprofessional education by utilizing a variety of content experts, instructors, contributors, and reviewers.

Swateja Nimkar, EdD, MPH, BPharm
Anita Hagan, DNP, RN, CNS
Jennifer Palmer, MSN, RN, CMSRN
Catherine Jones, presenter
Alma Kramer, presenter

Conflict of Interest Statement

No individual in a position to control content has any relevant financial relationships.

Accreditation Statements

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 12 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning (CHPLL). The CHPLL is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

State of Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana is an approved provider of continuing education for several professionals licensed in the state of Indiana, including social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and dental professionals.

State of California

The University of Southern Indiana is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider #13378.

To Register: Contact Cathy Jones at 812-888-5159 or Catherine.Jones@vinu.edu

Enrollment Cost

These classes are supported by the University of Southern Indiana’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP), funded by the HHS-Health Resources and Services Administration, and offered by GWEP partner – Generations, an Area 13 Agency on Aging and Disability (GAAA), Deaconess Clinic, and SWIRCA so there is no fee.

Questions? Call toll-free 1-877-USI-HLTH (874-4584) or 812-461-5217 or email usi1nhpcert@usi.edu

Sponsors:

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3,691,706 million with zero percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government