The effect of "Moving On", a self management program for people with a chronic illness, on participants' self management knowledge, self efficacy and lifestyle behaviours.

INTERVENTION: Moving On Program Participants The Program is based on the transtheoretical framework of the stages of change and principles of adult learning. Participants will receive one 3 hour session per week for seven weeks in total duration. The sessions will be delivered by two trained leaders, a health care professional and a lay leader. Topics covered include: (1) An introductory session reviewing the content of the program; (2)Managing fatigue and physical activity; (3)Healthy eating and fatigue; (4)Coping with a chronic illness; (5)Stress management and relaxation and getting a good nights sleep; (6)Getting the most out of your medicines and working with your health care team; (7) Putting it all together, personal action plans or self management review and evaluation. CONDITION: Coronary Heart Disease, Diabetes, Respiratory Illnesses, Asthma. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Change in self efficacy (Stanford Self Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6 Item Scale) Change in self management knowledge and behaviour (Scales developed & previously piloted for the specific purposes of the trial) Improvement in perceived health status (Stanford Self Rated Health Scale) SECONDARY OUTCOME: Greater knowledge concerning use of medicines (Scale developed & previously piloted for the specific purposes of the trial) Improvement in anxiety and depression scores (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) Improvement in work and social adjustment scores (Work and Social Adjustment Scale) INCLUSION CRITERIA: Consumers are eligible to join the study if (1) they are aged between 45‐75yrs; (2) were not recently diagnosed with a chronic illness (provider determined); (3) have a reasonable understanding of their chronic ilness (provider determined); (4)are able to speak, write and understand english (provider determined); (5)agree to attend group education sessions (provider determined).