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PSMP - Positive Self-Management Programme
The Positive Self-Management Programme (PSMP) is a peer-led
self-management programme aimed at people living with HIV. The
Programme consists of seven weekly sessions of two and a half
hours each, followed by an optional residential weekend. The
Programme is designed to provide participants with skills and techniques
that will allow them to improve and maintain their physical and
mental health. Working within a supportive group
environment, participants work with trained facilitators, most
of whom are also living with HIV, to develop a range of skills. Several important assumptions underlie the
PSMP:
- People with long-term (chronic) conditions, such as HIV/AIDS
have similar concerns and problems.
- People with HIV/AIDS must deal not only with their disease but
also with the impact it has on their lives and emotions.
- Peers with HIV/AIDS, when given training and a detailed
Facilitator's Mannual, can teach the PSMP as effectively as healthcare
professionals.
- The process or way the PSMP is taught is as important, if not
more important, than the subject matter that is taught.
How does it work?
The PSMP consists of seven sessions each of which is 2 ½ hours
in duration. They are generally completed over seven successive
weeks. Groups of 8–16 participants work together with two
facilitators in a highly participative process.
Throughout the emphasis is on the group identifying problems and
finding solutions for themselves.
At least one of the facilitators is a person living with HIV. The
other facilitator(s) may be a healthcare professional or a person living
with another long-term condition but the PSMP is specifically
designed to be delivered by lay volunteers with real experience
of living with conditions. The “role-modelling” aspect of having
a facilitator living with the condition is fundamental to the success
of the approach. Many people involved with self-management
believe that the best results can be achieved where both leaders
live with a condition themselves
All Living Well PSMP
facilitators have attended a standard training
programme and will have passed a process of accreditation. They
are monitored regularly by trained assessors in order to ensure
that quality standards are maintained.
What areas does
the PSMP cover?
Subjects covered
in the PSMP include:
- Techniques to deal with
problems such as frustration, fear, fatigue, pain and
isolation.
- Appropriate exercise for
maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and
endurance.
- Communicating effectively
with family, friends, and health professionals.
Nutrition.
- Evaluating symptoms.
- Advanced directives.
- How to evaluate new or
alternative treatments.
- How to best integrate
medication regimens into daily life so they can be taken
consistently.
Living Well's PSMPs are delivered in a supportive group environment. Through
discussion and sharing of information participants are
encouraged to attain new skills and direction to help them make
better informed decisions about managing their condition. Our PSMPs
also allow participants to meet other people
facing similar concerns and challenges, helping them to
overcome isolation and build a supportive social network.
How can you join a PSMP?
The PSMP is currently open to anyone with HIV who lives or works
within one of the following London boroughs:
- Brent
- Camden
- Ealing
- Enflied
- Hammersmith & Fulham
- Haringey
- Harrow
- Hounslow
- Islington
- Kensington & Chelsea
- Redbridge
- Wandsworth
- Westminster
Referrals to the PSMP can be made through NHS organisations and healthcare professionals
in participating London boroughs and primary care trusts, or you can refer
yourself. If you have any questions or would like to refer
yourself to join a PSMP or to find out more about any of the
services we offer please
contact us now.
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