Evaluation of the chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP) among chronically ill older people in the Netherlands

Factors associated with self-management in older adults with multiple chronic conditions: a qualitative study

Background and purpose

Recognizing the importance of self-management in older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) is crucial for their quality of life. This qualitative study explored the factors linked to self-management among older adults with MCCs.

Materials and methods

The present study was conducted in three stages: an integrated review, qualitative interviews, and Delphi. The search used electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Magiran, SID, and Iranmedex. The results of 33 studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed using conventional content analysis. A data matrix was formed; and purposeful sampling was conducted among older adults with MCCs, family caregivers, and specialists. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis of 29 interviews was conducted simultaneously with data collection using oriented qualitative content analysis and the Elo and Kyngäs approach. Three rounds of Delphi were conducted via email correspondence with a group of 30 experts to develop and validate the proposed variables.

Results

The factors that influence self-management can be categorized into various categories. Biological factors, cognitive factors, co-morbidities, socio-economic factors, health-related behaviors, mental health, interactions with healthcare teams, Family relationships, medical facility resources, employee empowerment, health policy development, and cultural influences.

Conclusion

Self-management in older Iranian adults with MCCs is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. By identifying the relevant factors, it is possible to design operational plans that promote self-management among the older adult population and are tailored to fit the specific needs of Iranian society.

Understanding barriers to participation in group chronic disease self-management (CDSM) programs: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors that influence enrollment in and attendance of chronic disease self-management (CDSM) group programs.

METHODS

A scoping review of peer-reviewed publications that reported on factors of enrollment or attendance in group CDSM programs for adults with any type of chronic condition. Screening was completed by two reviewers and data extraction was checked for accuracy. Data were summarized and key themes were identified in collaboration with the study team.

RESULTS

Following screening, 52 of 2774 articles were included. Attendance rates that varied from 10.4-98.5% (mean =72.5%). There is considerable overlap between enrollment and attendance factors. These included Competing Commitments, Logistics, Personal characteristics, Perception of illness/health status, Health service provision, and Group dynamics.

CONCLUSIONS

Varied and individualized factors can facilitate or impede enrollment or attendance in group CDSM programs. Consideration of these factors and tailoring of programs is needed to facilitate patient ability to take part. Participatory co-design is a growing approach to ensure programs meet individual and community needs. More research is needed to identify the specific impact of using codesign on enrollment and attendance in group CDSM programs.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Including community members and service users in design and implementation may enhance CDSM program access.

Community Wise-effects and participant perceptions of a community- based -positive health intervention for older inhabitants of low SES neighbourhoods: a mixed-methods approach

BACKGROUND

The Community Wise (CW) intervention applies a community-based approach to improve the physical fitness, self-management ability, loneliness, social cohesion, and well-being of older adults living in neighbourhoods characterized by lower socioeconomic status (SES).

METHODS

Participants (N = 108) were recruited using several strategies, including door-to-door visits and community key peers. The study was based on a pre-test/post-test design. Outcomes were assessed through mixed methods using questionnaires, performance tests, semi-structured interviews, and focus-group sessions.

RESULTS

Results showed significant improvements on aerobic endurance and shoulder flexibility, but no significant improvements on self-management ability, social cohesion, loneliness, or well-being. Qualitative data analysis did indicate that participants experienced improvements on social connectedness with members of the group, as well as on self-management ability.

CONCLUSION

The results of the intervention seem to depend on programme fidelity and method of assessment. Adapting the intervention and including more older adults with poor health status could lead to better outcomes in the future. This results of this study should be interpreted in light of the complexity and methodological challenges of conducting a community-based health-promotion intervention for this target group.

TRAIL REGISTRATION

Retrospective registration.

Evaluation of an Electronic Care and Rehabilitation Planning Tool With Stroke Survivors With Aphasia: Usability Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic illnesses with physical and cognitive disabilities, particularly stroke survivors with aphasia, are often not involved in design and evaluation processes. As a consequence, existing eHealth services often do not meet the needs of this group of patients, which has resulted in a digital divide.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness and user satisfaction of an electronic care and rehabilitation planning tool from the perspective of stroke survivors with aphasia. This would help us gain knowledge on how such a tool would need to be adapted for these patients for further development.

METHODS

Usability tests were conducted with 9 postdischarge stroke survivors with aphasia. Effectiveness was measured using task-based tests, and user satisfaction was studied through qualitative interviews at the end of each test. All tests were audio recorded, and each test lasted approximately 1 hour. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. As the tool can be used by stroke survivors either independently or with some support from their next of kin or care professionals, the research group decided to divide the participants into 2 groups. Group 1 did not receive any support during the tests, and group 2 received some minor support from the moderator.

RESULTS

The results showed that the care and rehabilitation planning tool was not effective for stroke survivors with aphasia, as many participants in group 1 did not accomplish the tasks successfully. Despite several usability problems and challenges in using the tool because of patients' disabilities, the participants were positive toward using the tool and found it useful for their care and rehabilitation journey.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need to involve patients with chronic illnesses more in the design and evaluation processes of health information systems and eHealth services. eHealth services and health information systems designed for this group of patients should be more adaptable and flexible to provide them with appropriate functionalities and features, meet their needs, and be useful and easy to use. In addition, the design and evaluation processes should be adapted, considering the challenges of this patient group.

Well-being in long-term care: an ode to vulnerability

In health care, well-being is considered to be composed of multiple interacting dimensions and to regard the subjective (affective and cognitive) evaluation of these dimensions. These dimensions are often referred to as physical, psychological, and social domains of life. Although there are various disease-specific and group-specific conceptual approaches, starting from a universal perspective provides a more inclusive approach to well-being. Indeed, universal approaches to well-being have striking overlaps with dementia-specific approaches. Although many initiatives have been launched to promote person-centered care and attention for well-being in recent decades, the current COVID pandemic showed that the primary focus in (Dutch) long-term care was still on physical health. However, a well-being perspective can be a central base of care: it is a means to include positive aspects, and it can be applied when addressing problems such as challenging behavior in the sense that both are about needs. Furthermore, providing care from this perspective is not only about the well-being of frail people and their loved ones but also about the well-being and needs of the involved professionals. Increasingly, research shows the importance of the quality of the resident-carer relationship, the carer's behavior, and their well-being for improving the well-being of residents. Applying the care approaches 'attentiveness in care' and relationship-centered care can contribute to the well-being of all involved stakeholders as these uphold the reciprocity of care relationships and take the values and attitudes, but also the vulnerability of those involved, into account.

Attachment insecurity predicts outcomes in an ACT-CBT group therapy for adults in a physical rehabilitation centre

Adapting to chronic illness or disability is accompanied by acute and ongoing illness stressors. Psychological factors such as emotional distress and low self-efficacy are common experiences in chronic illness and disability and interfere with adaptation and psychosocial outcomes such as health-related quality of life. Transdiagnostic group psychotherapy may provide a parsimonious approach to psychological treatment in rehabilitation care by targeting shared illness stressors across mixed chronic illnesses and disabilities, and shared processes that maintain psychological symptoms. Attachment theory may explain individual differences in outcomes and help identify individuals at risk of poor health-related quality of life trajectories. Adults (N=109) participated in an 8-week process-based ACT-CBT psychotherapy group at a tertiary care physical rehabilitation centre between 2016 and 2020. Participants completed measures of emotional distress, self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, and attachment at pre- and post-treatment. Multilevel analyses indicated that patients improved on most outcomes at post-treatment. Attachment anxiety at pre-treatment was associated with more positive outcomes. Reliable change indices suggest clinically meaningful change for the majority of participants, but most were not recovered. Results provide proof-of-concept for the transdiagnostic group intervention and suggest that a longer course of treatment may be clinically indicated. Results warrant replication with larger and more diverse samples, and more robust designs.

Psychosocial modification of general self-efficacy in older adults: A restricted review

OBJECTIVES

In recent years, the concept of general self-efficacy has increased in popularity. General self-efficacy is positively associated with quality of life and has the potential to act as a psychological buffer against adverse events and circumstances. However, due to the long-term influences that are said to shape general self-efficacy beliefs, they may be resistant to intervention, particularly within the older population. This restricted review aimed to explore whether psychosocial interventions could improve the general self-efficacy of older adults. Aspects of intervention design associated with improvements were also investigated.

METHODS

A restricted review was undertaken. This included a keyword search of four major health databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and AgeLine). Search terms focused on general self-efficacy and the commonly used measures of this concept and were limited to the older adult population.

RESULTS

In total, 848 articles were screened, with 20 studies proceeding to data extraction. The modification of general self-efficacy in older adults appears possible, with 7 out of the 20 included studies reporting improvements postintervention. Despite issues relating to the quality of included studies and the generalisability of their results, several aspects of intervention design coincided with intervention success, including intervention duration, and employing sufficiently-qualified staff.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research must address the generalisability issues identified in this review. Studies comparing the effectiveness of individual- and group-based interventions, the efficacy of remote delivery platforms and the possibility for long-term transfer of any improvements are needed to contribute the high-quality data required for policy and practice decisions in this area.

Technology implementation in care practices for community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive decline: Perspectives of professional caregivers in Quebec and Brussels

OBJECTIVE

As worldwide population aging is accelerating, innovative technologies are being developed to support independent living among community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive decline. However, the successful implementation of these interventions is often challenging. Until now, literature on implementation issues related to the specific context of older adults with mild cognitive decline is lacking and the few studies available do not focus specifically on the perspective of professional caregivers. Yet the perspective of these caregivers is important as they can be considered a key facilitator for technology implementation among this population. Therefore, this study was the first to examine technology implementation among community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive decline from the broader perspective of professional caregivers.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, two focus groups consisting of a heterogeneous pool of professional caregivers were conducted: one in Quebec (Canada, n = 6) and one in Brussels (Belgium, n = 8). Braun and Clarke' method for thematic analysis, guided by a qualitative descriptive approach was applied to inductively identify themes from the data.

RESULTS

We identified factors influencing technology implementation in older adults with mild cognitive decline on three levels: an individual level (e.g., characteristics of older adults with mild cognitive decline and professional caregivers' attitude), an organizational level (e.g., lack of training among professional caregivers) and a level referring to the broader context (e.g., ethical considerations).

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes to the research gap in knowledge on the needs of professional caregivers to facilitate technology implementation among the population of older adults with cognitive decline. Future directions for research, practice, and policy are given, more specifically to improve knowledge among caregivers and on the development of decision support to retrieve safe and effective technologies that suit patient-centered care.

Impact of the chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP) on self-perceived frailty condition: the EU-EFFICHRONIC project

Introduction:

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) improves self-efficacy and health outcomes in people with chronic diseases. In the context of the EFFICHRONIC project, we evaluated the efficacy of CDSMP in relieving frailty, as assessed by the self-administered version of Multidimensional Prognostic Index (SELFY-MPI), identifying also potential predictors of better response over 6-month follow-up.

Methods:

The SELFY-MPI explores mobility, basal and instrumental activities of daily living (Barthel mobility, ADL, IADL), cognition (Test Your Memory-TYM Test), nutrition (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form-MNA-SF), comorbidities, medications, and socio-economic conditions (social-familiar evaluation scale-SFES). Participants were stratified in three groups according to the 6-month change of SELFY-MPI: those who improved after CDSMP (Δ SELFY-MPI < 0), those who remained unchanged (Δ SELFY-MPI = 0), and those who worsened (Δ SELFY-MPI > 0). Multivariable logistic regression was modeled to identify predictors of SELFY-MPI improvement.

Results:

Among 270 participants (mean age = 61.45 years, range = 26–93 years; females = 78.1%) a benefit from CDSMP intervention, in terms of decrease in the SELFY-MPI score, was observed in 32.6% of subjects. SELFY-MPI improvement was found in participants with higher number of comorbidities (1–2 chronic diseases: adjusted odd ratio (aOR)=2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.01, 5.58; ⩾ 3 chronic diseases: aOR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.25, 8.90 vs no chronic disease), poorer cognitive performance (TYM ⩽ 42: aOR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.12, 5.19 vs TYM > 42) or higher risk of malnutrition (MNA-SF ⩽ 11: aOR = 6.11, 95% CI = 3.15, 11.83 vs MNA-SF > 11).

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that the CDSMP intervention contributes to decreasing the self-perceived severity of frailty (SELFY-MPI score) in more vulnerable participants with several chronic diseases and lower cognitive performance and nutritional status.

(In)Visible illness: A photovoice study of the lived experience of self-managing rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Chronic illnesses, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), are a growing burden on health care systems worldwide. Self-management emphasises the patient's central role in managing their illness. This is pertinent given the majority of care is provided by the individual themselves; yet how individuals make sense of self-management in everyday life is largely unseen.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to capture the strengths and concerns of individuals with RA in self-managing their illness, raise awareness of their lived experience and spark a dialogue among stakeholders.

METHODS

A community-based participatory approach, Photovoice, was adopted. A purposive sample of participants were tasked with taking photographs to represent the challenges and solutions to living with RA. Group workshops and semi-structured interviews were conducted to facilitate reflection, dialogue and analysis. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Public exhibitions were held throughout the Autumn of 2019.

RESULTS

Eight women and three men (n = 11) across suburban and urban regions of Ireland were recruited (mean age 57 years, disease duration 4-21 years). Participants identified four main themes which reflected the lived experience of self-managing RA: (i) I'm Here but I'm Not, (ii) Visible Illness, (iii) Medicine in All its Forms, (iv) Mind Yourself. These themes captured the challenge of reduced agency, limited contribution and participation, and a complex relationship between visible and invisible illness. Solutions focused on improving psychological and emotional resilience, particularly through personal reflection and increased agency.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that RA is experienced as a fluid relationship between states of masking and surfacing of illness shaped by contextual and situational factors. Photovoice was a highly effective tool to capture and communicate this complexity. Supporting increased agency among individuals with RA to control the (in)visibility of illness and disability can inform the development of future self-management support.

Self-management among community-dwelling people with chronic conditions: Adapting evidence-based group programs using intervention mapping

OBJECTIVE

Self-management is a core theme within chronic care and several evidence-based interventions (EBIs) exist to promote self-management ability. However, these interventions cannot be adapted in a mere copy-paste manner. The current study describes and demonstrates a planned approach in adapting EBI's in order to promote self-management in community-dwelling people with chronic conditions.

METHODS

We used Intervention Mapping (IM) to increase the intervention's fit with a new context. IM helps researchers to take decisions about whether and what to adapt, while maintaining the working ingredients of existing EBI's.

RESULTS

We present a case study in which we used IM to adapt EBI's to the Flemish primary care context to promote self-management in people with one or more chronic disease. We present the reader with a contextual analysis, intervention aims, and content, sequence and scope of the resulting intervention.

CONCLUSION

IM provides an excellent framework in providing detailed guidance on intervention adaption to a new context, while preserving the essential working ingredients of EBI's.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The case study is exemplary for public health researchers and practitioners as a planned approach to seek and find EBI's, and to make adaptations.

Who did it better? Gender differences in effects of a dietary self-management intervention for older community-dwelling adults

This study aimed to determine whether there were gender differences in the effectiveness of a 12-week dietary self-management program for older community-dwelling adults in northeast Taiwan. This was a secondary analysis of a previous study; participants (N = 58) were purposively sampled from two public health centers. Non-parametric models examined differences in outcome measures because of the small sample size; 20 males and 38 females completed the study. The results showed males scored significantly better than females for nutritional status, internal health locus of control, and responsibility for food preparation, which may have implications for older female adults' nutritional health.

Effect of Self-Management Program on Self-efficacy and Medication Adherence in Patients with Mechanical Heart Valve: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Patients with mechanical heart valve need anticoagulant therapy to prevent thrombotic events. The treatment interacts with some foods and drugs. The aim was to evaluate the effect of self- management program on self-efficacy and medication adherence in patients with mechanical heart valve. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. eighty eligible patients, with the ability to read and speak in Farsi, aged between 15 to 60, were included in the study from the cardiac surgery clinic in Imam Khomeini hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Tehran, Iran) and randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The participants had no history of psychiatric disorders, had undergone valve replacement surgery at least one year before the study, and were being treated with Warfarin. The intervention was a combination of 2 one- hour self-management education via small groups with 3 to 5 members, self-management educational booklets, and weekly call follow- ups for 8 weeks about 10- 15 minutes. The control group received no intervention. Self- efficacy was the primary outcome and medication adherence, Prothrombin Time (PT), and International Normalized Ratio (INR) were secondary outcomes. Data were analyzed using spss13. Results: Although the mean of self-efficacy and medication adherence, PT, and INR values were not different between the two groups at baseline, they improved significantly following the program. Conclusion: Self-management program had a positive effect on self-efficacy and medication adherence of patients with mechanical heart valve.

A systematic review examining whether community-based self-management programs for older adults with chronic conditions actively engage participants and teach them patient-oriented self-management strategies

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether community-based Self-Management Programs (SMPs) actively engaged, or taught, individuals patient-oriented strategies; and whether having these attributes led to significant differences in outcomes.

METHODS

This systematic review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs)and cluster RCTs reporting on community-based SMPs with a group component for older adults with chronic conditions. The ways SMPS actively engaged participants and whether they taught patient-oriented strategies were analyzed. All study outcomes were reported.

RESULTS

The 31 included studies demonstrated community-based SMP programs actively engaged participants and provided strategies to improve health behaviour or care of their condition. Few included strategies to help manage the impact of conditions on their everyday lives. Seventy-nine percent of studies reported significant differences; variations in sample sizes and outcomes made it difficult to conclude whether having these attributes led to significant differences.

CONCLUSION

SMPs are not supporting older adults to use strategies to address the impact of conditions on their everyday lives, addressing the needs of older adults with multiple conditions, nor assessing outcomes that align with the strategies taught.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Health-care providers delivering SMPs to older adults need to tailor programs to the needs of older adults and assess whether participants are using strategies being proposed.

Interventions for involving older patients with multi-morbidity in decision-making during primary care consultations

BACKGROUND

Older patients with multiple health problems (multi-morbidity) value being involved in decision-making about their health care. However, they are less frequently involved than younger patients. To maximise quality of life, day-to-day function, and patient safety, older patients require support to identify unmet healthcare needs and to prioritise treatment options.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of interventions for older patients with multi-morbidity aiming to involve them in decision-making about their health care during primary care consultations.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; all years to August 2018), in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE (OvidSP) (1966 to August 2018); Embase (OvidSP) (1988 to August 2018); PsycINFO (OvidSP) (1806 to August 2018); the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (Ovid) (1982 to September 2008), then in Ebsco (2009 to August 2018); Centre for Reviews and Dissemination Databases (Database of Abstracts and Reviews of Effects (DARE)) (all years to August 2018); the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Database (all years to August 2018); the Ongoing Reviews Database (all years to August 2018); and Dissertation Abstracts International (1861 to August 2018).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We sought randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, and quasi-RCTs of interventions to involve patients in decision-making about their health care versus usual care/control/another intervention, for patients aged 65 years and older with multi-morbidity in primary care.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Meta-analysis was not possible; therefore we prepared a narrative synthesis.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three studies involving 1879 participants: two RCTs and one cluster-RCT. Interventions consisted of: · patient workshop and individual coaching using behaviour change techniques; · individual patient coaching utilising cognitive-behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing; and · holistic patient review, multi-disciplinary practitioner training, and organisational change. No studies reported the primary outcome 'patient involvement in decision-making' or the primary adverse outcome 'less patient involvement as a result of the intervention'. Comparing interventions (patient workshop and individual coaching, holistic patient review plus practitioner training, and organisational change) to usual care: we are uncertain whether interventions had any effect on patient reports of high self-rated health (risk ratio (RR) 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36 to 5.49; very low-certainty evidence) or on patient enablement (mean difference (MD) 0.60, 95% CI -9.23 to 10.43; very low-certainty evidence) compared with usual care. Interventions probably had no effect on health-related quality of life (adjusted difference in means 0.00, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.02; moderate-certainty evidence) or on medication adherence (MD 0.06, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.17; moderate-certainty evidence) but probably improved the number of patients discussing their priorities (adjusted odds ratio 1.85, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.38; moderate-certainty evidence) and probably increased the number of nurse consultations (incident rate ratio from adjusted multi-level Poisson model 1.37, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.61; moderate-certainty evidence) compared with usual care. Practitioner outcomes were not measured. Interventions were not reported to adversely affect rates of participant death or anxiety, emergency department attendance, or hospital admission compared with usual care. Comparing interventions (patient workshop and coaching, individual patient coaching) to attention-control conditions: we are uncertain whether interventions affect patient-reported high self-rated health (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.00, favouring attention control, with very low-certainty evidence; RR 2.17, 95% CI 0.85 to 5.52, favouring the intervention, with very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether interventions affect patient enablement and engagement by increasing either patient activation (MD 1.20, 95% CI -8.21 to 10.61; very low-certainty evidence) or self-efficacy (MD 0.29, 95% CI -0.21 to 0.79; very low-certainty evidence); or whether interventions affect the number of general practice visits (MD 0.51, 95% CI -0.34 to 1.36; very low-certainty evidence), compared to attention-control conditions. The intervention may however lead to more patient-reported changes in management of their health conditions (RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.44; low-certainty evidence). Practitioner outcomes were not measured. Interventions were not reported to adversely affect emergency department attendance nor hospital admission when compared with attention control. Comparing one form of intervention with another: not measured. There was 'unclear' risk across studies for performance bias, detection bias, and reporting bias; however, no aspects were 'high' risk. Evidence was downgraded via GRADE, most often because of 'small sample size' and 'evidence from a single study'.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Limited available evidence does not allow a robust conclusion regarding the objectives of this review. Whilst patient involvement in decision-making is seen as a key mechanism for improving care, it is rarely examined as an intervention and was not measured by included studies. Consistency in design, analysis, and evaluation of interventions would enable a greater likelihood of robust conclusions in future reviews.

Evaluation of a community-based hypertension self-management model with general practitioners

BACKGROUND

Preventive interventions of hypertension and health care activities are often performed in the community and at home. Studies have shown that self-management plays an indispensable role in the management of chronic diseases. This study aimed to explore an innovative community-based hypertension self-management model and to evaluate its effects.

METHODS

The study involved qualitative and quantitative research methods. A community-based hypertension self-management model was developed using consultation with experts and qualitative interviews. The intervention was executed in the communities of Pudong New Area in Shanghai, China. We enrolled 1080 patients with hypertension in the intervention group and 588 similar patients in the control group. A questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention to collect information on patients' health status, self-management skills, and disease management abilities. Analyses were conducted to evaluate changes in the health-related outcomes.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in general health and health literacy after the intervention for the intervention patients group (P < .05). Furthermore, the proportion of health literacy was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (71.6% vs 59.6%). The significant differences were demonstrated in the comparison of the disease management ability data between the intervention and control group, especially in drug compliance, physical activity, regulate diet, and smoking. In addition, there is other evidence of the successful applicability and effectiveness of the community-based hypertension self-management program in 2007-2013, such as self-management teams formation and blood pressure control rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The community-based self-management hypertension model, which involved the participation of general practitioners, is suitable for the management of hypertension disease in Pudong of Shanghai and could provide a reference for its large-scale promotion and application.

Facilitated group work for people with long-term conditions: a systematic review of benefits from studies of group-work interventions

BACKGROUND

About 15.4 million people in the UK live with a long-term condition. Of the health and social care spend, 70% is invested in caring for this population. Evidence suggests that group-work interventions offer patient support, improved outcomes, and reduce the costs of care.

AIM

To review the current evidence base examining the effectiveness of group work in long-term physical disease where such groups are facilitated by healthcare professionals.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Systematic review and narrative synthesis of studies of group-work interventions led by health professionals for adults with specified long-term illnesses.

METHOD

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched using terms relating to group work and long-term conditions. Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a control group that did not include group work.

RESULTS

The 14 included studies demonstrated a high degree of heterogeneity in terms of participant characteristics, interventions, and outcome measures and were of varying quality. The studies demonstrated some statistically significant improvements in pain, psychological outcomes, self-efficacy, self-care, and quality of life resulting from intervention.

CONCLUSION

This review demonstrates significant benefits resulting from group participation, in adults with long-term disease. Results were mixed and some benefits were short-lived. Nevertheless, these results suggest that group work should be more widely used in the management and support of adults with long-term illness. There is a need for larger and better-quality studies to explore this potentially important area further.

Strategies for recruiting populations to participate in the chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP): A systematic review

The purpose of this review was to better understand how to market the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program to new audiences. Eight databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies of the CDSMP. A total of 39 articles were analyzed to describe the theoretical basis of recruitment strategies and their effectiveness while engaging diverse populations. Findings included that female, Caucasian, and elderly groups are overrepresented in CDSMP literature and recruitment efforts have not been explicitly grounded in theory. This review provides insight into trends in CDSMP recruitment and identifies the need for further research regarding the application of marketing theory to future enrollment efforts.

What are the effective elements in patient-centered and multimorbidity care? A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Interventions to improve patient-centered care for persons with multimorbidity are in constant growth. To date, the emphasis has been on two separate kinds of interventions, those based on a patient-centered care approach with persons with chronic disease and the other ones created specifically for persons with multimorbidity. Their effectiveness in primary healthcare is well documented. Currently, none of these interventions have synthesized a patient-centered care approach for care for multimorbidity. The objective of this project is to determine the particular elements of patient-centered interventions and interventions for persons with multimorbidity that are associated with positive health-related outcomes for patients.

METHOD

A scoping review was conducted as the method supports the rapid mapping of the key concepts underpinning a research area and the main sources and types of evidence available. A five-stage approach was adopted: (1) identifying the research question; (2) identifying relevant studies; (3) selecting studies; (4) charting the data; and (5) collating, summarizing and reporting results. We searched for interventions for persons with multimorbidity or patient-centered care in primary care. Relevant studies were identified in four systematic reviews (Smith et al. (2012;2016), De Bruin et al. (2012), and Dwamena et al. (2012)). Inductive analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Four systematic reviews and 98 original studies were reviewed and analysed. Elements of interventions can be grouped into three main types and clustered into seven categories of interventions: 1) Supporting decision process and evidence-based practice; 2) Providing patient-centered approaches; 3) Supporting patient self-management; 4) Providing case/care management; 5) Enhancing interdisciplinary team approach; 6) Developing training for healthcare providers; and 7) Integrating information technology. Providing patient-oriented approaches, self-management support interventions and developing training for healthcare providers were the most frequent categories of interventions with the potential to result in positive impact for patients with chronic diseases.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review provides evidence for the adaption of patient-centered interventions for patients with multimorbidity. Findings from this scoping review will inform the development of a toolkit to assist chronic disease prevention and management programs in reorienting patient care.

A randomized controlled trial of a combined self-management and exercise intervention for elderly people with osteoarthritis of the knee: the PLE2NO program

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of a 12-week self-management and exercise intervention (the PLE²NO program) in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Four different community settings.

SUBJECTS

Eighty individuals aged 60 years or older with clinical and radiographic knee osteoarthritis enrolled in the study.

INTERVENTION

A combined self-management and exercise intervention (treatment group) and an educational intervention (control group).

MAIN MEASURES

The primary outcomes were pain and other knee osteoarthritis symptoms (swelling, crackling, limitation on movement, and stiffness), self-management behaviors (communication with physician and cognitive symptom management), and functional lower limb strength. Secondary outcomes were knee osteoarthritis-specific health-related quality of life, self-perceived health, aerobic capacity, lower and upper limb flexibility, and handgrip strength.

RESULTS

In all, 67 participants, mean age 69.1 ± 5.8 years, completed the study: 32 in the Educational Group and 35 in the Self-Management and Exercise Group. A significant group effect favorable to the Self-Management and Exercise Group was observed in the following variables: communication with the physicians ( P = .048), aerobic capacity ( P = .035), and functional lower limb strength ( P = .015). Although no significant group effect was detected, clinical improvements in pain (31%) and knee osteoarthritis symptoms (29%) were observed in the experimental group. No improvements regarding cognitive symptom management, self-perceived health, lower limb flexibility, and handgrip strength were found.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the importance of a combined self-management and exercise intervention to improve functional lower limb strength and aerobic capacity in a Portuguese sample. Additionally, pain and other symptoms have improved clinically.

Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Self-Efficacy in Chronic Disease Patients

INTRODUCTION

Self-efficacy is an essential factor for effective self-management in chronic-disease patients. Therefore, the measurement of self-efficacy with a valid and reliable instrument is required. In this study, cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of "Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease" (SES6G) are illustrated in a sample of Iranian chronic-disease patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study in which translation and backward translation was performed by bilingual translators. The final version of the Persian scale was assessed to determine the content validity index (CVI) and the content validity ratio (CVR). A panel of experts reviewed items of the scale. Factor analysis was performed for the final version of the Persian scale to assess internal consistency and construct validity among chronic-disease patients attending government health care centers from March 2015 to June 2015 in Isfahan, Iran (n = 483).

RESULTS

CVI and CVR scores were 0.87 and 0.89, respectively. There were no eliminated items in the cross-cultural adaptation process. Internal consistency met the criterion for a reliable measure (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). An initial factor analysis produced a one-dimensional scale (6 items) with Eigenvalues more than 1 that explained 69.49% of the extracted variance.

CONCLUSIONS

The SES6G is a reliable and valid instrument to assess patients' self-efficacy for managing chronic diseases in Persian language. Because the self-efficacy score determines the educational strategies to have effective educational programs, the use of this simple and brief scale could be considered among Persian patients.

Connectivity, contest and the ties of self-management support for type 2 diabetes: a meta-synthesis of qualitative literature

This paper presents a meta-synthesis of the literature on community-based self-management to support experiences of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The aim was to synthesise findings on both formal and informal self-management support with particular reference to the relevance and influence of the social context operating at different levels. The review forms part of EU-WISE, a project financed through EU's 7th Framework Programme. The review was performed by systematically searching MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science for English language publications between 2005 and 2014 presenting research conducted in Europe on the experiences and perspectives of self-management concerns of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The search yielded 587 abstracts, which were reduced through search strategy refinement and eligibility and quality criteria to 29 papers that were included in the review. This review highlights the relevance of contextual factors operating at micro- and macro-levels. The synthesis yielded six second-order thematic constructs relating to self-management: sense of agency and identity, the significance and meaning of social networks, minimal disruption of everyday life, economic hardship, the problem of assigning patients' responsibility and structural influences of primary care. Using a line of argument synthesis, these themes were revisited, and a third-order construct, connectivity emerged which refers to how links in daily life are interwoven with peoples' social networks, local communities, economic and ideological conditions in society in a way which support self-management activities. This meta-synthesis indicates a need to heed the notion of connectivity as a means of mobilising and supporting the self-management strategies of people with type 2 diabetes in everyday life.

Effects of self-management support programmes on activities of daily living of older adults: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The ability of older adults to carry out activities of daily living and to adapt and to manage their own life decreases due to deterioration of their physical and cognitive condition. Nurses and other health care professionals should support the self-management ability of older adults to prevent activities of daily living dependence and increase the ability to adapt and to self-manage the consequences of living with a chronic condition.

OBJECTIVE

To gain insight into the evidence of the effects of self-management support programmes on the activities of daily living of older adults living at home.

DESIGN

A systematic literature review of original research publications.

DATA SOURCES

Searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (in February 2016). No limitations were applied regarding date of publication, language or country.

REVIEW METHODS

Publications were eligible for this review on condition that they described a self-management support programme directed at adults of on average 65 years or older, and living in the community; used a randomized control group design; and presented information about the effects on activities of daily living. The methodological quality of the included studies was independently assessed by the authors using the quality criteria for reviews of the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Review Group. A best evidence synthesis was performed using guidelines provided by the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group.

RESULTS

A total of 6246 potentially relevant references were found. After screening the references, 12 studies with a randomized controlled trial design were included. The methodological assessment of the 12 studies indicated variations in the risk of bias from low (n=1) to unclear (n=3) and high (n=8). Although there was considerable variation in study population, intervention characteristics and measurement instruments used, most studies (n=11) showed effects of self-management support programmes on the activities of daily living of older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a moderate level of evidence that self-management support programmes with a multi-component structure, containing disease-specific information, education of knowledge and skills and, in particular, individually tailored coaching, improve the activities of daily living of older adults. Further research is required to gain insight into the most appropriate context and approach of self-management support interventions targeting activities of daily living of older adults living in the community.

Introducing the chronic disease self-management program in Switzerland and other German-speaking countries: findings of a cross-border adaptation using a multiple-methods approach

BACKGROUND

Stanford's Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) stands out as having a large evidence-base and being broadly disseminated across various countries. To date, neither evidence nor practice exists of its systematic adaptation into a German-speaking context. The objective of this paper is to describe the systematic German adaptation and implementation process of the CDSMP (2010-2014), report the language-specific adaptation of Franco-Canadian CDSMP for the French-speaking part of Switzerland and report findings from the initial evaluation process.

METHODS

Multiple research methods were integrated to explore the perspective of workshop attendees, combining a longitudinal quantitative survey with self-report questionnaires, qualitative focus groups, and interviews. The evaluation process was conducted in for both the German and French adapted versions to gain insights into participants' experiences in the program and to evaluate its impact. Perceived self-efficacy was measured using the German version of the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale (SES6G).

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy eight people attending 35 workshops in Switzerland and Austria participated in the study. The study participants were receptive to the program content, peer-led approach and found principal methods useful, yet the structured approach did not address all their needs or expectations. Both short and long-term impact on self-efficacy were observed following the workshop participation (albeit with a minor decrease at 6-months). Participants reported positive impacts on aspects of coping and self-care, but limited effects on healthcare service utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the process for cross-border adaptation was effective, and that the CDSMP can successfully be implemented in diverse healthcare and community settings. The adapted CDSMP can be considered an asset for supporting self-management in both German-and French-speaking central European countries. It could have meaningful, wide-ranging implications for chronic illness care and primary prevention and potentially tertiary prevention of chronic disease. Further investigations are needed to tailor the program for better access to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups who might benefit the most, in terms of facilitating their health literacy in chronic illness.

Benefits for elders with vulnerable health from the Chronic Disease Self-management Program (CDSMP) at short and longer term

Background

When health declines, older persons may benefit from an intervention program that strengthens their self-management and empowers them to keep in control of their own body and life. Therefore we conducted a Randomized Controlled Trial using the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) in a sample of 169 older persons in frail health and in need of elderly care.

Methods

We assessed psychological coping resources and wellbeing, pre- and posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up, and investigated whether specific subgroups would benefit in particular from the intervention.

Results

The CDSMP appeared effective with respect to sense of mastery but only in the lower educated participants (p < .05). Furthermore, the intervention stabilized valuation of life in participants, whereas in the controls valuation of life decreased. The high appreciation score and low drop-out are indicative for the applicability of the CDSMP for this specific target group.

Conclusions

We recommend integration of the ingredients of the program into the daily healthcare practice of professionals working with vulnerable older persons. This would involve professional guidance starting from interpersonal equality and emphasising a persons possibilities given their physical or cognitive limitations. This will help older vulnerable persons to focus on their own attainable goals and to experience being successful.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the Dutch Trial Register as NTR 1173 at 08-03-2008; ‘Is selfmanagement benefical for well-being of average older persons?’ http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=1173

Intermediate outcomes of chronic disease self-management program offered by members of the Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative in South Florida

Currently, 80% of adults over the age of 65 have at least one chronic disease. The Chronic Disease Self-management Program (CDSMP) focuses on increasing self-efficacy for managing chronic disease. Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of CDSMP when offered by multiple agencies, as a collaborative effort, in community-based settings. Seven agencies delivered 108 CDSMP workshops at 81 sites from October 1, 2008, to December 31, 2010. A total of 811 participants were eligible for analysis. Participants completed surveys at baseline and week 6, the end of instruction. Controlling for agency effect and general health at baseline, the general linear model was used to assess the significance of outcomes at 6 weeks. Outcomes showing significant improvement included self-efficacy to manage disease (p = .001), self-efficacy to manage emotions (p = .026), time spent walking (p = .008), and perceived social/role activities limitations (p = .001). Findings showed that CDSMP is an effective program at improving self-efficacy, increasing physical activity, and decreasing limitations.

A systematic review of the literature on self-management interventions and discussion of their potential relevance for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

OBJECTIVE

This study systematically reviews the literature on self-management interventions provided by health care teams, community partners, patients and families and discusses the potential relevance of these interventions for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

We searched major databases for literature published between 1995 and 2012. 52 studies were included in this review.

RESULTS

The review found very few studies covering people living with HIV and generally inconclusive evidence to inform the development of chronic care policy and practice in sub-Saharan Africa.

CONCLUSION

Chronic care models and self-management interventions for sub-Saharan Africa has not been a research priority. Furthermore, the results question the applicability of these models and interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a need for studies to fill this gap in view of the rapidly increasing number of people needing chronic care services in Africa.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The established practices for long-term support for HIV patients are still the most valid basis for promoting self-management. This will be the case until there are more studies which assess those practices and their effect on self-management outcomes and other studies which assess the utility and feasibility of applying chronic care models that have been developed in high-income countries.

Educational group visits for the management of chronic health conditions: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Review the effectiveness of group visits (appointments of multiple patients) on quality of life, function, self-efficacy, utilization, and biophysical outcomes in randomized controlled trials of patients with chronic conditions.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE(®), Cochrane, CINAHL, and PsycINFO to January 2013 for English-language trials of educational group visits led by non-prescribing facilitators (e.g., peer educators).

RESULTS

We report on 80 arthritis/falls (n=22), asthma/COPD (n=10), CHF/hypertension (n=12), diabetes (n=29), multiple conditions (n=4), and pain (n=4) studies. We found moderate evidence of improved short-term self-efficacy in patients with arthritis (10 studies) and diabetes (10 studies). We found no consistent evidence of improved quality of life; however a moderately strong body of evidence suggests peer-led community-based programs might improve quality of life and utilization in patients with multiple chronic conditions. Meta-analyses found short- (14 studies; mean change HbA1c=-0.27, CI=-0.44, 0.11) and long-term (10 studies; mean change HbA1c=-0.23, CI=-0.44, -0.02) glycemic improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Group visits may improve self-efficacy and glycemic control. There was little consistent evidence of improved quality of life, functional status, or utilization.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Group visits represent a reasonable alternative for educating patients with chronic illness, though varied participation/retention suggests they should not be the sole alternative.

National study of chronic disease self-management: six-month outcome findings

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) changes health outcomes, lifestyle behaviors, and health care service utilization over a 6 month period.

METHOD

The participants were 1,170 adults enrolled in the National Study of CDSMP in 2010-2012 (M age=65.4 years). Six-month assessments were available for 903 participants. Linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models were used to assess the changes between baseline and 6-month assessment for primary and secondary outcomes among CDSMP participants.

RESULTS

Social/role activities limitations, depression, and communication with physicians improved significantly from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Study participants reported significant improvements in more physical activity and less emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalization during that period.

DISCUSSION

Nationally, CDSMP not only improves health outcomes and lifestyle behaviors but also decreases costly ER visits and hospitalization. Geriatricians and other primary care providers should be encouraged to refer patients with chronic conditions to such self-management programs.

Crossing cultures: health promotion for senior migrants in the Netherlands

A health promotion programme focusing on the meaning of everyday activities was implemented and evaluated to test its usefulness for community-dwelling seniors in the Netherlands. To evaluate how senior migrants with a Surinamese-Hindustani background and professionals received the programme, and how it could be contextualized and improved in line with their values and expectations. A responsive evaluation methodology was followed to foster reflexive learning in and among stakeholders as the basis for programme contextualization. The evaluation consisted of three phases. Outcomes of former phases served as input for subsequent phases. Methods included interviews and focus groups with seniors and professionals. Open and selective coding techniques were used to analyse the interactively derived data. A. small group of women was interested and followed the programme. It was not individual concerns or daily life problems that dominated, but the wish to become well informed, to maintain functional capacities and to continue their roles in the family and community. Striking differences in perspectives between professionals and migrants related to conflict between the underlying Western values of the programme (independence, personal control and autonomy) and the values of the migrants (interdependence, predestination, rebirth and destiny). Awareness among professionals of their own cultural background and the values of the migrant seniors was enhanced, but adapting the programme to the local context and values appeared far more complicated than originally expected. Adaptation requires intensive collaboration with participants and cultural brokers in the community.

A meta-analysis of health status, health behaviors, and health care utilization outcomes of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

Introduction

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a community-based self-management education program designed to help participants gain confidence (self-efficacy) and skills to better manage their chronic conditions; it has been implemented worldwide. The objective of this meta-analysis was to quantitatively synthesize the results of CDSMP studies conducted in English-speaking countries to determine the program’s effects on health behaviors, physical and psychological health status, and health care utilization at 4 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months after baseline.

Methods

We searched 8 electronic databases to identify CDSMP-relevant literature published from January 1, 1999, through September 30, 2009; experts identified additional unpublished studies. We combined the results of all eligible studies to calculate pooled effect sizes. We included 23 studies. Eighteen studies presented data on small English-speaking groups; we conducted 1 meta-analysis on these studies and a separate analysis on results by other delivery modes.

Results

Among health behaviors for small English-speaking groups, aerobic exercise, cognitive symptom management, and communication with physician improved significantly at 4- to 6-month follow-up; aerobic exercise and cognitive symptom management remained significantly improved at 9 to 12 months. Stretching/strengthening exercise improved significantly at 9 to 12 months. All measures of psychological health improved significantly at 4 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months. Energy, fatigue, and self-rated health showed small but significant improvements at 4 to 6 months but not at 9 to 12 months. The only significant change in health care utilization was a small improvement in the number of hospitalization days or nights at 4 to 6 months

Conclusion

Small to moderate improvements in psychological health and selected health behaviors that remain after 12 months suggest that CDSMP delivered in small English-speaking groups produces health benefits for participants and would be a valuable part of comprehensive chronic disease management strategy.

A meta-analysis of health status, health behaviors, and health care utilization outcomes of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

INTRODUCTION

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a community-based self-management education program designed to help participants gain confidence (self-efficacy) and skills to better manage their chronic conditions; it has been implemented worldwide. The objective of this meta-analysis was to quantitatively synthesize the results of CDSMP studies conducted in English-speaking countries to determine the program's effects on health behaviors, physical and psychological health status, and health care utilization at 4 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months after baseline.

METHODS

We searched 8 electronic databases to identify CDSMP-relevant literature published from January 1, 1999, through September 30, 2009; experts identified additional unpublished studies. We combined the results of all eligible studies to calculate pooled effect sizes. We included 23 studies. Eighteen studies presented data on small English-speaking groups; we conducted 1 meta-analysis on these studies and a separate analysis on results by other delivery modes.

RESULTS

Among health behaviors for small English-speaking groups, aerobic exercise, cognitive symptom management, and communication with physician improved significantly at 4- to 6-month follow-up; aerobic exercise and cognitive symptom management remained significantly improved at 9 to 12 months. Stretching/strengthening exercise improved significantly at 9 to 12 months. All measures of psychological health improved significantly at 4 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months. Energy, fatigue, and self-rated health showed small but significant improvements at 4 to 6 months but not at 9 to 12 months. The only significant change in health care utilization was a small improvement in the number of hospitalization days or nights at 4 to 6 months

CONCLUSION

Small to moderate improvements in psychological health and selected health behaviors that remain after 12 months suggest that CDSMP delivered in small English-speaking groups produces health benefits for participants and would be a valuable part of comprehensive chronic disease management strategy.

Decay of impact after self-management education for people with chronic illnesses: changes in anxiety and depression over one year

BACKGROUND

In people with chronic illnesses, self-management education can reduce anxiety and depression. Those benefits, however, decay over time. Efforts have been made to prevent or minimize that "decay of impact", but they have not been based on information about the decay's characteristics, and they have failed. Here we show how the decay's basic characteristics (prevalence, timing, and magnitude) can be quantified. Regarding anxiety and depression, we also report the prevalence, timing, and magnitude of the decay.

METHODS

Adults with various chronic conditions participated in a self-management educational program (n = 369). Data were collected with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale four times over one year. Using within-person effect sizes, we defined decay of impact as a decline of ≥0.5 standard deviations after improvement by at least the same amount. We also interpret the results using previously-set criteria for non-cases, possible cases, and probable cases.

RESULTS

Prevalence: On anxiety, decay occurred in 19% of the participants (70/369), and on depression it occurred in 24% (90/369). Timing: In about one third of those with decay, it began 3 months after the baseline measurement (6 weeks after the educational program ended). Magnitude: The median magnitudes of decay on anxiety and on depression were both 4 points, which was about 1 standard deviation. Early in the follow-up year, many participants with decay moved into less severe clinical categories (e.g., becoming non-cases). Later, many of them moved into more severe categories (e.g., becoming probable cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Decay of impact can be identified and quantified from within-person effect sizes. This decay occurs in about one fifth or more of this program's participants. It can start soon after the program ends, and it is large enough to be clinically important. These findings can be used to plan interventions aimed at preventing or minimizing the decay of impact.

Increasing access to chronic disease self-management programs in rural and remote communities using telehealth

OBJECTIVE

This study examined whether a telehealth chronic disease self-management program (CDSMP) would lead to improvements in self-efficacy, health behaviors, and health status for chronically ill adults living in Northern Ontario, Canada. Two telehealth models were used: (1) single site, groups formed by participants at one telehealth site; and (2) multi-site, participants linked from multiple sites to form one telehealth group, as a strategy to increase access to the intervention for individuals living in rural and remote communities.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Two hundred thirteen participants diagnosed with heart disease, stroke, lung disease, or arthritis attended the CDSMP at a preexisting Ontario Telemedicine Network studio from September 2007 to June 2008. The program includes six weekly, peer-facilitated sessions designed to help participants develop important self-management skills to improve their health and quality of life. Baseline and 4-month follow-up surveys were administered to assess self-efficacy beliefs, health behaviors, and health status information. Results were compared between single- and multi-site delivery models.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvements from baseline to 4-month follow-up were found for self-efficacy (6.6±1.8 to 7.0±1.8; p<0.001), exercise behavior, cognitive symptom management, communication with physicians, role function, psychological well-being, energy, health distress, and self-rated health. There were no statistically significant differences in outcomes between single- and multi-site groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in self-efficacy, health status, and health behaviors were equally effective in single- and multi-site groups. Access to self-management programs could be greatly increased with telehealth using single- and multi-site groups in rural and remote communities.

A randomized controlled trial of self-management programme improves health-related outcomes of older people with heart failure

AIMS

This paper is a report on the effectiveness of a self-management programme based on the self-efficacy construct, in older people with heart failure.

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a major health problem worldwide, with high mortality and morbidity, making it a leading cause of hospitalization. Heart failure is associated with a complex set of symptoms that arise from problems in fluid and sodium retention. Hence, managing salt and fluid intake is important and can be enhanced by improving patients' self-efficacy in changing their behaviour.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Heart failure patients attending cardiac clinics in northern Taiwan from October 2006-May 2007 were randomly assigned to two groups: control (n = 46) and intervention (n = 47). The intervention group received a 12-week self-management programme that emphasized self-monitoring of salt/fluid intake and heart failure-related symptoms. Data were collected at baseline as well as 4 and 12 weeks later. Data analysis to test the hypotheses used repeated-measures anova models.

RESULTS

Participants who received the intervention programme had significantly better self-efficacy for salt and fluid control, self-management behaviour and their heart failure-related symptoms were significantly lower than participants in the control group. However, the two groups did not differ significantly in health service use.

CONCLUSION

The self-management programme improved self-efficacy for salt and fluid control, self-management behaviours, and decreased heart failure-related symptoms in older Taiwanese outpatients with heart failure. Nursing interventions to improve health-related outcomes for patients with heart failure should emphasize self-efficacy in the self-management of their disease.

Effectiveness of Moving On: an Australian designed generic self-management program for people with a chronic illness

BACKGROUND

This paper presents the evaluation of "Moving On", a generic self-management program for people with a chronic illness developed by Arthritis NSW. The program aims to help participants identify their need for behaviour change and acquire the knowledge and skills to implement changes that promote their health and quality of life.

METHOD

A prospective pragmatic randomised controlled trial involving two group programs in community settings: the intervention program (Moving On) and a control program (light physical activity). Participants were recruited by primary health care providers across the north-west region of metropolitan Sydney, Australia between June 2009 and October 2010. Patient outcomes were self-reported via pre- and post-program surveys completed at the time of enrolment and sixteen weeks after program commencement. Primary outcomes were change in self-efficacy (Self-efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale), self-management knowledge and behaviour and perceived health status (Self-Rated Health Scale and the Health Distress Scale).

RESULTS

A total of 388 patient referrals were received, of whom 250 (64.4%) enrolled in the study. Three patients withdrew prior to allocation. 25 block randomisations were performed by a statistician external to the research team: 123 patients were allocated to the intervention program and 124 were allocated to the control program. 97 (78.9%) of the intervention participants commenced their program. The overall attrition rate of 40.5% included withdrawals from the study and both programs. 24.4% of participants withdrew from the intervention program but not the study and 22.6% withdrew from the control program but not the study. A total of 62 patients completed the intervention program and follow-up evaluation survey and 77 patients completed the control program and follow-up evaluation survey. At 16 weeks follow-up there was no significant difference between intervention and control groups in self-efficacy; however, there was an increase in self-efficacy from baseline to follow-up for the intervention participants (t=-1.948, p=0.028). There were no significant differences in self-rated health or health distress scores between groups at follow-up, with both groups reporting a significant decrease in health distress scores. There was no significant difference between or within groups in self-management knowledge and stage of change of behaviours at follow-up. Intervention group attenders had significantly higher physical activity (t=-4.053, p=0.000) and nutrition scores (t=2.315, p= 0.01) at follow-up; however, these did not remain significant after adjustment for covariates. At follow-up, significantly more participants in the control group (20.8%) indicated that they did not have a self-management plan compared to those in the intervention group (8.8%) (X²=4.671, p=0.031). There were no significant changes in other self-management knowledge areas and behaviours after adjusting for covariates at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The study produced mixed findings. Differences between groups as allocated were diluted by the high proportion of patients not completing the program. Further monitoring and evaluation are needed of the impact and cost effectiveness of the program.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12609000298213.

The hepatitis C self-management program: sustainability of primary outcomes at 1 year

OBJECTIVE

Chronic hepatitis C infection afflicts millions of people worldwide. Although antiviral treatments are increasingly effective, many hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients avoid treatment, do not complete or respond to treatment, or have contraindications. Self-management interventions are one option for promoting behavioral changes leading to liver wellness and improved quality of life. Our objective was to evaluate whether the effects of the HCV self-management program were sustained at the 12-month follow-up assessment.

METHODS

Veteran Affairs patients with hepatitis C (N = 134; mean age = 54.6 years, 95% male, 41% ethnic minority, 48% homeless in last 5 years) were randomized to either a 6-week self-management workshop or an information-only intervention. The weekly 2-hour self-management sessions were based on a cognitive-behavioral program with hepatitis C-specific modules. Outcomes including hepatitis C knowledge, depression, energy, and health-related quality of life were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months later. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

RESULTS

Compared with the information-only group, participants attending the self-management workshop improved more on HCV knowledge (p < .005), SF-36 energy/vitality (p = .016), and the Quality of Well-Being Scale (p = .036). Similar trends were found for SF-36 physical functioning and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale.

CONCLUSION

Better outcomes were sustained among self-management participants at the 12-month assessment despite the intervention only lasting 6 weeks. HCV health care providers should consider adding self-management interventions for patients with chronic HCV.

Public health and obesity: the role of the district nurse

The World Health Organization (WHO) (2012) estimates that half a billion adults in the world are classified as obese. This article outlines initiatives that could be undertaken by district nurses to reduce the prevalence of obesity and improve the statistics relating to morbidity and mortality from obesity-related conditions. As district nurses already have a complex caseload, the initiatives discussed by the author are simple enough to be incorporated into the assessments and health screening already being undertaken.

Predicting complete loss to follow-up after a health-education program: number of absences and face-to-face contact with a researcher

Background

Research on health-education programs requires longitudinal data. Loss to follow-up can lead to imprecision and bias, and complete loss to follow-up is particularly damaging. If that loss is predictable, then efforts to prevent it can be focused on those program participants who are at the highest risk. We identified predictors of complete loss to follow-up in a longitudinal cohort study.

Methods

Data were collected over 1 year in a study of adults with chronic illnesses who were in a program to learn self-management skills. Following baseline measurements, the program had one group-discussion session each week for six weeks. Follow-up questionnaires were sent 3, 6, and 12 months after the baseline measurement. A person was classified as completely lost to follow-up if none of those three follow-up questionnaires had been returned by two months after the last one was sent.

We tested two hypotheses: that complete loss to follow-up was directly associated with the number of absences from the program sessions, and that it was less common among people who had had face-to-face contact with one of the researchers. We also tested predictors of data loss identified previously and examined associations with specific diagnoses.

Using the unpaired t-test, the U test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression, we identified good predictors of complete loss to follow-up.

Results

The prevalence of complete loss to follow-up was 12.2% (50/409). Complete loss to follow-up was directly related to the number of absences (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 1.78; 1.49-2.12), and it was inversely related to age (0.97; 0.95-0.99). Complete loss to follow-up was less common among people who had met one of the researchers (0.51; 0.28-0.95) and among those with connective tissue disease (0.29; 0.09-0.98). For the multivariate logistic model the area under the ROC curve was 0.77.

Conclusions

Complete loss to follow-up after this health-education program can be predicted to some extent from data that are easy to collect (age, number of absences, and diagnosis). Also, face-to-face contact with a researcher deserves further study as a way of increasing participation in follow-up, and health-education programs should include it.