title: The Community Connection Model: implementation of best evidence into practice for self-management of chronic diseases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  With chronic diseases becoming an increasing burden for healthcare systems worldwide, self-management support has gained traction in many health regions and organizations. However, the real-world application of the findings from clinical trials into actual community programming is not self-evident. The aim of this study was to present a model of programme implementation, namely the Community Connection Model.
  
  
  METHODS
  The process of implementing a chronic disease self-management programme has been documented in detail from its initial inception through to a sustainable programme. This account includes a description of the strategic activities undertaken (e.g. alignment with local policy and the formation of community partnerships) and the specific steps taken on the path to programme implementation (e.g. a scoping literature review, an environmental scan and a pilot programme with an evaluation component).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reflection on this case example suggests that a cognizance of the interactions between policy, partnership, planning and programme could act as a useful tool to guide programme implementation, evaluation and sustainability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multiple types of self-management support have been implemented (as part of the Living Health Champlain programme), and are being evaluated and adapted in response to new evidence, shifting priorities and direction from more partners. The widespread access means that self-management support programmes are becoming part of the culture of care in the study region.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Establishing a connection around an important health problem, ensuring active partnerships, adequate planning and early implementation of a programme grounded on the principles of applying best-available evidence can lead to successful solutions. The Community Connection Model is proposed as a way of conceptualizing these processes.
authors.affiliation: C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. cliddy@bruyere.org
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liddy
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Irving
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nash
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012648:Self Care