How do facilitators of group programmes for long-term conditions conceptualise self-management support?

Hughes, S., Lewis, S., Willis, K., Rogers, A., Wyke, S. and Smith, L. (2020) How do facilitators of group programmes for long-term conditions conceptualise self-management support? Chronic Illness, 16(2), pp. 104-118. (doi: 10.1177/1742395318792068) (PMID:30068222)

Abstract

Objectives: Increasing self-management skills in people with long-term conditions is widely advocated in policies and guidelines. Group programmes are a common format; yet, how self-management support objectives are enacted in their delivery is poorly understood. Our aim is to explore the perspectives of group programme facilitators. Methods: We undertook thematic analysis of transcribed data from in-depth semi-structured interviews with health professional facilitators (n = 13) from six diverse self-management support group programmes (of obesity, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Results: Facilitators viewed group programmes as responses to health system pressures, e.g. high patient demand. They focussed on providing in-depth education and instruction on physical health, risks and lifestyle behaviour change and emphasised self-responsibility for behaviour change whilst minimising goal setting and support amongst group participants. There were tensions between facilitators’ professional identity and group leader role.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Discovery Project grant from the Australian Research Council.
• 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 > General Practice and Primary Care
• Journal Name: Chronic Illness
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 1742-3953
• ISSN (Online): 1745-9206
• Published Online: 01 August 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Chronic Illness 16(2):104-118
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher