Chronic Disease Self Management Support Network

'Encouraging active patient self-management of chronic disease' is an identified priority area of the Australian Better Health Initiative (ABHI). The ABHI self-management component aims to integrate the principles of chronic disease self management (CDSM) and self-managment support into the primary health care system, through the provision of education and resources to the existing and future workforce.

The Deparment of Health and Ageing has provided funding until June 2010 to AGPN and the State Based Organisations (SBOs) to form a CDSM Support Network. The Network aims to:

provide the Network with a stronger focus on CDSM and CDSM support (including prevention);
provide opportunities for discussion and promotion of CDSM and CDSM support; and
promote linkages to primary care programs, other Australian Better Health Initiatives (ABHI), State and Territory Governments and consumer groups

National Coordinator

Katherine Miller is the Principal Network Adviser for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management at AGPN. Katherine provides national leadership to the CDSM Support Network by promoting the importance of CDSM and CDSM support. Katherine can be contacted on kmiller@agpn.com.au or 02 6228 0840.

SBO Coordinators

Each State/Territory has developed a chronic disease team to support CDSM and Prevention activities. Click on the link below to find out what is happening in your state/territory.

Program Partners

The Department of Health and Ageing has also funded Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) and the Consumers Health Forum (CHF) to complete projects similar projects with particular focus on allied health professionals and consumers respectively.

AGPN is working closely with these organisations to ensure share learnings and expertise. Further information on these specific projects can be found by clicking on the below links: