Chronic diseases are characterized by long-term care, primarily provided by the patients themselves, and as such, patients must be trained in managing their chronic condition. Chronic patient education and self-management support programmes must consider the patients specific educational needs, set learning targets and use adapted methods to deliver a therapeutic education. A patient centred, psychosocial and culturally sensitive approach combined with interdisciplinary teamwork and a motivational environment are key elements of such programmes. This article presents the innovative programme and methodology Geneva University Hospitals' Service of Therapeutic Education for Chronic Diseases is applying to organize patient education and provide self-management support.