Participants’ experiences of and perceived value regarding different support types for long-term condition self-management programmes

Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S. and Smith, L. (2021) Participants’ experiences of and perceived value regarding different support types for long-term condition self-management programmes. Chronic Illness, 17(3), pp. 242-256. (doi: 10.1177/1742395319869437) (PMID:31426657)

Abstract

Objectives: Health professional-led group programmes are a common form of long-term condition self-management support. Much research has focused on clinical outcomes of group participation, yet there is limited research on how group participants perceive and experience the support they receive. We aim to identify the different types of support that participants receive from both facilitators and other participants, and how they value this support. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants taking part in a self-management group programme for a long-term condition (obesity, type 2 diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Data pertaining to support types were deductively identified through a social support framework prior to interpretive thematic analysis. Results: Participants identified information and emotional support from both facilitators and other participants as complementary yet distinct. Facilitators’ support came from professional training and other participants’ support reflected the contextual, lived experience. Professional interactions were prioritised, constraining opportunities for participant–participant support to be received and exchanged. Discussion: We identified a key gap in how self-management support is enacted in groups. Engaging participants to share experiential knowledge will make group support more relevant and mutually beneficial to participants living with a long-term condition.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by Australian Research Council Discovery Grant (DP150101406).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wyke, Professor Sally
• Authors: Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S., and Smith, L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Chronic Illness
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 1742-3953
• ISSN (Online): 1745-9206
• Published Online: 19 August 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Chronic Illness 17(3): 242-256
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy