Xuxi Zhang

BACKGROUND Persons with a chronic condition are responsible for the management of their chronic condition everyday. 1 Successful self ‐ management of chronic conditions could help citizens handle their life with independence to some extent despite their medical condition and to feel healthy despite their limitations. 2 Moreover, within the context of the overloaded healthcare and welfare systems, the ability of citizens with a chronic condition to take care of themselves for as long as possible has become increasingly important. 1, 2 Several concepts have recently been explored as a basis to define the most effective and efficient model to deal with the chronic condition challenge. 3 One of these concepts concerns mindfulness. A review of 15 studies suggested that mindfulness ‐ based stress reduction interventions could help participants with chronic conditions to better cope with symptoms and better achieve overall well ‐ being, quality of life and health outcomes. 4 Some studies indicate that a mindfulness intervention is an effective tool for diabetes as well as chronic low back pain self ‐ management. 5, 6 A second concept concerns social engagement. Social engagement programmes provide practical support to help citizens achieve aspirations and makes them better connected to their community. One example of a social engagement programme is the Newquay Pathfinder Programme. 7 Important conceptual elements of this programme include shaping services around people and communities, motivating people to achieve their aspirations through a ‘guided conversation’ and the use of volunteers. 7, 8 Information and communication technology (ICT) (for instance, a telephone ‐ based interactive system or an application on smartphone) is the third concept which is considered as an important enabler of self ‐ management partnership. 1 This means that people with chronic conditions can self ‐ manage their health using ICT and health professionals are consulted to support them in this role. 1, 9, 10 Previous studies indicate that ICT support improves the self ‐ management of citizens with chronic conditions. 11, 12 Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of self ‐ management programmes. 13 ‐ 15 However, most studies have focused on a specific concept and/or a specific chronic condition. 16 Furthermore, cross country comparisons of the effectiveness of these programmes is recommended as well as cost ‐ efficiency data regarding these self ‐ management programme. 17 THE SEFAC PROJECT The Social Engagement Framework for Addressing the Chronic ‐ disease ‐ challenge (SEFAC) project was set up to respond to the call of the Third EU Health Programme (2014 ‐ 2020; PJ ‐ 04 ‐ 2016: Support to Member States and stakeholders to address the chronic disease challenge; http://sefacproject.eu) . The aim of the SEFAC project is to empower citizens ≥ 50 8 207 A mindfulness-based intervention among adults with chronic conditons