Summary
In community-based healthcare across Southern Ontario, self-management is a philosophy of care that empowers the individual to take more control of their own health, and as a result this strengthens communities. Through structured workshops, peer support, condition-specific programs, and accessible delivery formats, we help people build the skills and confidence needed to live well with their chronic conditions. Self-management offers far-reaching benefits within the healthcare system, from reducing the frequency and duration of medical appointments and emergency room visits to improving health outcomes and building a more engaged, informed, and resilient population.
What is Self-Management?
Self-management refers to an individual’s ability to manage their symptoms, treatment, emotional impact, and lifestyle changes associated with living with a chronic condition or health challenge. Rather than placing responsibility solely on healthcare providers, self-management views the individual as a central aspect of their own care, focused on prevention, chronic disease support, and real-life practices that work. Participants are taught skills such as goal-setting, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication with practitioners, and monitoring symptoms. They will also learn about their condition, symptoms, medication, and lifestyle factors that influence disease progression or recovery.
Structure and Overview
- Geographically dispersed
- Delivered outside traditional clinical environments
- Bridges the gap between medical advice and daily life
- Evidence-based approach; all programs are thoroughly researched
- Peer-led programs bridge gaps in care when formal resources are limited
- Adaptable to various age groups and health conditions
KCHC’s Role
In addition to Ontario Health atHome, Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC) is the largest provider of community-led health in Southeast Ontario. Each region (former LHIN) across Ontario has their own SMP, with the Southeast one based at KCHC. We offer support that reflects local needs, including culturally diverse populations, seniors,
Indigenous communities, individuals with low incomes, newcomers, and people living with mobility or transportation limitations.
We partner with regional health teams, clinics, public health, hospitals, specialists, and community service organizations. This collaborative approach ensures continuity of care and increases the reach of programs into underserved rural areas.
Types of Community Programs
Based on established models such as the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, our sessions focus on general skills to improve those living with ongoing health condition(s), such as healthy eating and physical activity, managing pain and energy, medication adherence, emotional regulation, and communicating with doctors. Our workshops touch on some of the following:
- Chronic Conditions
- Diabetes
- Chronic Pain
- Cancer
- Sleep issues
- Caregiving
- Neurodivergence
- Joint and back pain
- Resilience and emotional health
- Emotion management
Program Format and Delivery
- Length: Either stand-alone or multi-session (typically 4 to 6 weeks)
- Session Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Facilitators: 1-2 trained leaders, often peers with lived experience
- Format: Virtual via Zoom, or in-person
- Registration: Through KCHC website on the SMP page
- Cost: Services are no cost, through Ministry of Health funding
- Content Structure:
- Review of participant goals (“personal action plans”)
- Introduction of weekly topic
- Group discussion and problem-solving
- Skills practice
- Development of next week’s action plan
Types of Healthcare Practitioner Professional Development Programs
- Mental Health First Aid
- Informed Decision Making
- Brief Action Planning
- Health Literacy
Why is lived experience so important?
Self-Management workshops are facilitated by individuals who share a similar lived experience (e.g., a specific chronic condition) as the participants. Peer leaders have successfully learned to live with their own chronic conditions, and can better guide others in an authentic and relatable way. They act as role models to the rest of the group, showing how to make small changes that affect health in a positive way. This reduces isolation and fosters community. Because facilitators are peers and not in a position of authority like medical staff, they are able to create a more comfortable and less intimidating atmosphere. Many of the group participants go on to keep in touch after the program has ended, brought together with common health goals.
Benefits of Self-Management
- Improved Health Outcomes: Participants often experience reduced symptoms (e.g., pain, fatigue, stress), improved physical activity, healthier eating habits, consistently taking medications, and better emotional well-being.
- Increased Confidence and Independence: Individuals learn to take ownership of their health and be more informed about it, leading to increased self-efficacy and reduced dependence on emergency or acute care services.
- Reduced Healthcare Costs and System Burden: By helping people to manage symptoms earlier and more effectively, it means fewer hospital visits, reduced complications, and more efficient use of primary care resources.
- Enhanced Patient–Provider Communication: Participants learn how to ask questions, advocate for their needs, and collaborate more effectively with healthcare providers, improving overall care quality. This is especially addressed in the workshop “Getting the Most from Your Healthcare Appointment”.
- Stronger Community Connections: Group programs promote social support, reduce feelings of isolation (especially among seniors and people with chronic pain), and create networks of peers with shared experiences.
- Reduced Barriers to Accessing Healthcare: By providing programs in different formats, lengths, and facilitation styles, we ensure people receive support that reflects the reality of their health and lifestyles.