Table 1 Description of the intervention and control study groups

Intervention program: Moving On

The aim of Moving On is to build participants’ confidence and skills to self-manage their chronic condition/s, using group education and individual self-management plans. The program is based on the theory of self-efficacy [12] and the Trans-theoretical Behaviour Change Model [13]. It addresses behaviour change across a continuum from a pre-contemplation state to behaviour maintenance and recognises that the behaviour changes are often bi-directional and need to be made incrementally, reviewed regularly and supported.

Moving On consists of seven modules (one 3-hour session per week for seven consecutive weeks) delivered by two trained facilitators, a health professional and a lay leader. An introductory session is followed by six sessions covering: managing fatigue, physical activity, healthy eating, leisure, coping with a chronic illness, stress management, relaxation, getting a good night’s sleep, getting the most out of your medicines, working with your health care team and putting it all together -developing personal action plans or self-management review and evaluation. Participants receive a workbook and reading material for each module and are encouraged to develop goals relating to the different modules. Weekly reviews are built in to each session. During the final session participants are encouraged to develop a plan to continue self-management after the end of the program. A copy of the final self-management plan is sent to their referring primary health care provider and/or general practitioner, with the participant’s consent. Group discussions and sharing of experiences and management techniques are used rather than more didactic methods.

Moving On differs from the Stanford Program and the Expert Patient Program in that it is based on the theories of self-efficacy and the Trans-theoretical Behaviour Change Model. In addition, Moving On uses a trained health care professional in addition to a lay leader to run the programs. Through sharing the self-management plan developed in the final session of the program, Moving On also promotes a link between the self-management program and the patients’ ongoing primary health care provider(s), thus supporting continuity of care.

Control program: light physical activity

The control program was a previously evaluated light physical activity program delivered by a trained fitness leader for one 1-hour session per week for 7 weeks [9]. This was designed for people with long-term health conditions and incorporates gentle aerobic activity, stretching and muscle strengthening. Exercises undertaken during the sessions are individualised for participants so as to take into account their health and extent of physical activity that is appropriate for them. The light physical activity program is appropriate for persons who may not have previously engaged in exercise.