Participants sought for study of instructional materials on self-managing chronic disease

The Stanford Patient Education Research Center is seeking participants for a study that will assess the efficacy of a set of text and CD instructions on self-managing chronic diseases.

This trial aims to help researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine evaluate and refine instructional materials for people with chronic diseases — such as diabetes, arthritis, weight issues, heart disease and depression — who need or prefer to learn at home. In addition, this study will help researchers evaluate if this at-home instructional format is as effective as the classroom and online versions that are already in use.

Chronic diseases affect nearly half of all adult Americans and are becoming increasingly common, according to a study published by RAND Health in 2000. Because these diseases require long-term treatment, patients benefit if they can take an active role in their own care. To help patients learn how to manage and talk with health professionals about their chronic diseases, Kate Lorig, DrPH, professor emerita of immunology and rheumatology and the center’s director, and her colleagues designed the classroom, online, and now text- and CD-based chronic disease self-management programs.

In her nearly 35 years of research, Lorig’s studies have shown that self-management programs help patients cope with symptoms such as pain, fatigue and emotional distress, while improving their mobility and ability to communicate with medical professionals and others about their conditions. Programs such as these “help patients do the things they need and want to do better,” Lorig said.

The at-home program being studied is called “My Tool Kit for Active Living with Chronic Conditions,” and is an alternative to Stanford’s classroom-based Chronic Disease Self-Management Program and its online Better Choices, Better Health programs. “Different people learn in different ways,” Lorig said. “The benefit of this study is that it helps us reach people who like to learn at home, or are unable to get out of their house for various reasons.”

Every participant in this trial will receive a free tool kit. This includes the Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions book, an exercise and relaxation CD, a blood-testing kit (for diabetic participants), prepaid envelopes, two questionnaires and instructions on how to use the tool kit. Patients may keep all instructional materials.

People with chronic diseases are eligible to participate in this study if they are 18 or older, live in the United States and are fluent in English. Men and African Americans are strongly encouraged to apply. Adults are ineligible for his study if they are pregnant, have received cancer treatment within the last year, or if they have participated in either the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program or the Better Choices, Better Health programs.

Those interested in participating in the study should call (800) 366-2624, or email ActiveLivingToolKit@stanford.edu.
 
This study is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.