http://ijahsp.nova.edu     Vol. 7 No. 2     ISSN 1540-580X

Guiding Principles for Chronic Disease Management for Vulnerable and Disadvantaged People: Pilot Study Findings 

Karen Grimmer-Somers, PhD1
Michelle Guerin, BAppSc (Hons)2
Julie Luker, MAppSc2
Di Jones, MPA3
Maria Zucco, BAppSc4

 

  1. Director Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia

  2. PhD Student, University of South Australia

  3. Manager, Central Northern Adelaide Health Service

  4. Physiotherapist, Central Northern Adelaide Health Service

Australia

CITATION:  Grimmer-Somers, K., Guerin, M., Luker, J.. Jones, D., Zucco, M. Guiding principles for chronic disease management for vulnerable and disadvantaged people: pilot study findings. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. April 2009, Volume 7 Number 2. Share/Save/Bookmark

ABSTRACT
Background: The need for chronic disease self-management (CDS-M) is increasing worldwide. CDS-M programs are variably effective for vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals. Objectives: The objects of this study were 1) To explore experiences of health workers leading CDS-M programs for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, and 2) To develop guiding principles for the delivery of more effective CDS-M programs for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. Methods: Two focus groups were undertaken, with all primary health workers, and allied health (AH) staff in a large community centre in an Australian city, who worked with vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals with chronic disease. Results: Consistent messages were identified, producing nine guiding principles. Self-management programs / messages should be tailored to cultural groups, learning styles and available supports, cultural sensitivities, group leadership requirements, language, literacy levels, belief systems and social circumstances and supports, past experiences, and individuals’ ability to motivate change. Implications: The draft guiding principles may assist others to deliver more effective CDS-M programs for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations. 

Keywords and terms: Self-management, chronic disease, vulnerable clients, disadvantaged populations, Stanford model

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