Rehabilitation for patients with rheumatic diseases: Patient experiences of a structured goal planning and tailored follow-up programme

• Published in: SAGE open medicine 2017-01, Vol.5, p.2050312117739786-2050312117739786
• Main Authors: Dager, Turid Nygaard, Kjeken, Ingvild, Berdal, Gunnhild, Sand-Svartrud, Anne-Lene, Bø, Ingvild, Dingsør, Anne, Eppeland, Siv Grødal, Hagfors, Jon, Hamnes, Bente, Nielsen, Merete, Slungaard, Bente, Wigers, Sigrid Hørven, Hauge, Mona-Iren
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 2050-3121; 2050-3121
• DOI: 10.1177/2050312117739786

Objective: To explore the significance of the content of rehabilitation in terms of achieving a personal outcome, and to understand the significance of tailored follow-up interventions for individual efforts to prolong health behaviour change after rehabilitation. Design: Semi-structured interviews with patients who had received an extended rehabilitation programme. All interviews were transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was applied. Subjects: A purposeful sample of 18 patients with rheumatic diseases who had attended specialized multidisciplinary rehabilitation with an extended programme consisting of a self-help booklet, structured goal-setting talks and tailored follow-up calls based on motivational interviewing. Results: Four overarching and interrelated themes were identified. Experienced Person-centred interventions represented a basis for the patients’ motivation and personal outcomes. Confident self-management describes a new confident approach to exercise and illness management after rehabilitation with person-centred interventions. For many, this included reaching a different mindset, a change of illness perception. Continuity of the personal outcomes describes the importance of follow-up telephone calls to maintain the focus on goals and continued efforts. Building on established relationships and practising person-centred communication were essential. Conclusion: Tailoring of communication and rehabilitation interventions may be a premise for enhancing health behaviour, including a beneficial illness perception. Structured goal setting and follow-up telephone calls using motivational interviewing enhance motivation and may contribute to prolonged goal attainment.