Cantabrians take control of their health: new workshops for heart health and diabetes

The Valdecilla Health Research Institute (IDIVAL) is leading and supporting an initiative in Cantabria focused on heart health and diabetes workshops, contributing its expertise in nursing research and community-based interventions to JACARDI.

As an institutional partner of JACARDI, IDIVAL is implementing a pilot scheme within JACARDI’s Work Package 10 focused on patients’ self-management. The pilot aims to support people living with chronic conditions in developing the practical skills and confidence needed to manage their health effectively.

The Nursing Research Group at IDIVAL is supporting the development, communication and implementation of the workshop series called ‘Taking Control of Your Health’ (‘Tomando el control de su salud’).  These workshops are an adaptation of an evidence-based intervention created at Stanford University by Kate Lorig. The concept of these workshops is rooted in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Programmes (CDSMP), based on Albert Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy and the Chronic Care Model. The Spanish adaptation ensures that the approach is accessible and relevant to the local context. 

Initially implemented in the Cantabria region by the Escuela Cántabra de Salud, it is now responsible for the delivery, development, management of the workshops, and other related initiatives. The local health education center provides logistical support, conducts a multidimensional evaluation of the program, and explores opportunities for further improvement.

Participants learn from each other and strengthen their self-efficacy, as well as their confidence in their ability to act. Seeing peers address similar challenges and achieving small, realistic goals, fosters a strong sense of shared progress. “It helped me to be responsible and not fall into bad health habits, like leading a too sedentary lifestyle”, noted one participant. 

Conscious self-care supported

A central element of the sessions is the use of ‘action plans’, which helps participants turn intentions into concrete, achievable commitments.

“In Cantabria, we are observing that when people feel supported and truly heard, change becomes possible”, concludes Gina Lladó, Coordinator of the pilot in Cantabria. “We want these workshops to be more than a standalone initiative. Our aim is for them to become a sustainable tool that can be firmly integrated into the community and reach more and more people over time. What we are seeing during the ongoing implementation encourages us to continue refining and strengthening this initiative”

By equipping people with the skills to manage cardiovascular disease and diabetes, the pilot supports JACARDI’s objectives of promoting health equity, prevention, and sustainable, person-centered care. Ongoing evaluation and collaboration with community partners will inform the program’s future expansion and integration into routine practice.