Cognitive-behavioural chronic disease management program (CB-CDMP) reduces hospital admissions and bed-occupancy in patients with frequent admissions with chest pain

This is a study that was published in 2007. [1] 271 patients with chronic refractory angina patients were enrolled in CB-CDMP. Total hospital admissions were reduced from 2.40 admissions per patient per year to 1.78 admissions per patient per year (P<0.001). The rising trend of total hospital bed day occupancy prior to enrollment fell from…

CBT based intervention in elderly COPD patients is cost-effective, reduces depressive symptoms and ED attendances

This is a study that was published in 2010. [1] This study measured the effectiveness of a non-exercise-based four-week cognitive-behavioural intervention, delivered in a group setting for elderly patients with severe COPD. The intervention used a cognitive-behavioural format to address understanding of COPD and medication, anxiety, panic and depression, activity pacing, relaxation, breathing retraining and…

CBT based counselling significantly reduces their uptake of primary and secondary care services in patients with chronic medical conditions

A study that was published in 2005. [1] Frequent attenders and patients with diabetes, hypertension and asthma were invited to take part in the study and received eight 90-minute small-group counselling sessions, conducted by trained counsellors. The counselling followed a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach, with the aim of developing personal responsibility. Psychological outcomes were…

Psychoeducational interventions are effective in reducing angina frequency and medication use

This is a meta-analysis by the McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences that was published in 2008. [1] The authors investigated the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions for improving symptoms, HRQL and psychological well-being in stable angina patients. Seven trials with a total of 949 participants. Those who received psychoeducation experienced nearly 3 angina episodes less…

Teaching patients to better self-manage their bipolar disorder slows the decline in physical health-related quality of life

A randomized controlled trial that was published in 2008. [1] Persons with bipolar disorder cardiovascular disease were recruited from a large Department of Veterans Affairs mental health facility and randomly assigned to be managed according to the bipolar disorder medical care model (BCM) or usual care. BCM care consisted of four self-management sessions on bipolar…