Understanding the processes underpinning IMPlementing IMProved Asthma self-management as RouTine (IMP2ART) in primary care: study protocol for a process evaluation within a cluster randomised controlled implementation trial.

BACKGROUND: Providing supported self-management for people with asthma can reduce the burden on patients, health services and wider society. Implementation, however, remains poor in routine clinical practice. IMPlementing IMProved Asthma self-management as RouTine (IMP2ART) is a UK-wide cluster randomised implementation trial that aims to test the impact of a whole-systems implementation strategy, embedding supported asthma self-management in primary care compared with usual care. To maximise opportunities for sustainable implementation beyond the trial, it is necessary to understand how and why the IMP2ART trial achieved its clinical and implementation outcomes. METHODS: A mixed-methods process evaluation nested within the IMP2ART trial will be undertaken to understand how supported self-management was implemented (or not) by primary care practices, to aid interpretation of trial findings and to inform scaling up and sustainability. Data and analysis strategies have been informed by mid-range and programme-level theory. Quantitative data will be collected across all practices to describe practice context, IMP2ART delivery (including fidelity and adaption) and practice response. Case studies undertaken in three to six sites, supplemented by additional interviews with practice staff and stakeholders, will be undertaken to gain an in-depth understanding of the interaction of practice context, delivery, and response. Synthesis, informed by theory, will combine analyses of both qualitative and quantitative data. Finally, implications for the scale up of asthma self-management implementation strategies to other practices in the UK will be explored through workshops with stakeholders. DISCUSSION: This mixed-methods, theoretically informed, process evaluation seeks to provide insights into the delivery and response to a whole-systems approach to the implementation of supported self-management in asthma care in primary care. It is underway at a time of significant change in primary care in the UK. The methods have, therefore, been developed to be adaptable to this changing context and to capture the impact of these changes on the delivery and response to research and implementation processes.

[New educational approaches to the patient. A scoping review of systematic reviews.] / Gamification: un nuovo approccio educativo al paziente. Una scoping review di revisioni sistematiche.

INTRODUCTION: New educational approaches are emerging to assist healthcare professionals in better personalizing patient's educational pathways. Specifically, "gamification" - the incorporation of game elements into non-game contexts - appears to be a novel and affordable approach. This scoping review aims to explore and map the literature that evaluates the efficacy of gamification in healthcare contexts. METHODS: A scoping review of reviews was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO using the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis guidelines and the PRISMA ScR checklist. RESULTS: A total of four systematic reviews and four meta-analyses were included. It appears that gamification, when used in conjunction with other conventional educational tools, improves physical activity, facilitates better self-management of type 2 diabetes, improves cognitive functions, and improves the quality of life, particularly among specific groups like the elderly. DISCUSSIONS: Gamification is an innovative educational approach that could be useful in patient's educational pathways. However, it seems that gamification is effective only in particular subgroups, and therefore the generalization of the results should also be assessed with caution due to the high risk of bias in the included studies and the small sample sizes considered. CONCLUSION: More randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis studies should be conducted to better understand the role and efficacy of gamification in patient education.

Effectiveness of the Green Heart Smartphone Application as a Self-Management Intervention for Hypertension and Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health concern, the leading cause of death and disability. Thus, preventive interventions targeting modifiable risk factors are essential. Mobile-health technologies have emerged as promising tools for improving prevention by modifying risk factors. We created the "Green Heart" mobile app to help coronary artery disease (CAD) patients control their risk factors. The app has three modules: smoking cessation, dyslipidemia (DLP) control, and blood pressure (BP) management. This study evaluated the app's performance in monitoring hypertension (HTN) and DLP among known CAD cases. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial enrolled 1590 CAD subjects, including 1114 hypertensive patients and 1488 subjects with DLP, and assigned them randomly to paper-based education or application-based groups. RESULTS: Regarding HTN, after 6 months, we finally analyzed 545 and 546 hypertensive patients, assigned to the conventional and app groups, respectively. Patients in the app group were more likely to have their BP managed successfully (88.6% vs. 78.5%; P<0.001). The app group showed higher odds of successful BP management (odds ratio [OR]: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.51 - 3.03). Regarding DLP, we analyzed 728 patients in the conventional and 714 patients in the app group. A higher percentage of patients in the app group (24.8%) had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels less than 70 mg/dL (16.1%; P<0.001). The app group showed higher odds of reducing LDL-C (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.32-2.26). CONCLUSION: We found that using the Green Heart app in the self-monitoring setting significantly improved BP and DLP management across the study population.

Development of an epilepsy self-management mobile health app framework: Content validity study results.

BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) show promise in supporting epilepsy self-management (eSM). To delve deeper into this potential, we conducted a systematic review of epilepsy mHealth apps available on both iOS and Android platforms, examining articles related to eSM. This review allowed us to identify important domains related to eSM. Furthermore, based on the findings, we developed an epilepsy mHealth app framework that aims to improve self-management for the local population. This study aims to assess the practicality and usability of the proposed mHealth app framework designed to improve eSM. We will conduct an expert panel review to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the framework. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Content validity was assessed by an expert panel comprising epileptologists and pharmacists. The validation process involved scoring the items within each domain of the framework to evaluate their practicality and usability (quantitative component). In addition, a panel discussion was conducted to further explore and discuss the qualitative aspects of the items. RESULTS: A total of 4 domains with 15 items were highly rated for their practicality and usefulness in eSM. CONCLUSIONS: The locally validated framework will be useful for developing eSM mobile apps. Seizure Tracking, Medication Adherence, Treatment Management, and Healthcare Communication emerged as the most crucial domains for enhancing eSM.

Motivational Interviewing With Pender's Health Promotions Model: Diabetics Self-Management Behavior.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of motivational interviewing as based on Pender's health promotion model (HPM) on diabetes self-management behavior among individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Apart from their routine care, the individuals in the intervention group were given a 30-45-minute motivational interview based on Pender's HPM once a week for three months. Statistically significant differences were determined between the groups in the total score of the scales and its sub-dimensions (p < .05). The intervention applied in the present study can be used as an effective and easy method through which to develop and maintain diabetes self-management behaviors.

The Effect of Nursing Approach on the Self-Management and Adjustment to the Illness among Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Patients According to Meleis's Transition Theory.

This study aimed to determine how the nursing approach based on Meleis's transition theory affects the self-management and adjustment to the illness among newly diagnosed diabetic patients. The study was conducted as one-group and pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. The data were collected using the Introductory Questionnaire, the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ), and the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self Report (PAIS-SR). It was determined that there was a positive increase in the total score of the DSMQ after the intervention, and a positive decrease in the total score of the PAIS-SR, and the difference between the scores were statistically significant (p < .05).

Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Self-Management Among Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Survey Using the Delphi Technique and Analytic Hierarchy Process.

Background: The relevant factors and patterns of non-adherence to self-management among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) need to be elucidated to improve self-management. Purpose: This study was a survey to prioritize the relevance of factors associated with non-adherence to COPD self-management using the Delphi technique and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Patients and Methods: A total of 15 expert panels were established to determine the priority of relevant factors in a three-round Delphi survey and an AHP. To develop the preliminary conceptual framework for non-adherence to COPD self-management, findings from a systematic literature review, a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with COPD patients, and the first round of the Delphi survey were integrated. Based on the preliminary framework, the content validity ratio (CVR) was analyzed to examine the consensus among expert panels in the second and third rounds of the Delphi survey, and the relative weight was determined by pairwise comparisons between alternative factors in the AHP. Results: In developing the preliminary conceptual framework, 8 factor categories and 53 factors were identified as relevant to non-adherence to COPD self-management. Of the 53 factors, 22 factors with a CVR of 0.49 or higher were identified in the Delphi survey. A total of 14 of the 53 factors were common to both the Delphi survey and AHP with high weights. The most notable factors were prolonged treatment, experience of treatment failure, and unknown effects of medication. Conclusion: Through consensus decision-making by experts, 14 factors were identified as relevant factors associated with non-adherence to COPD self-management. A hierarchical and systematic framework incorporating factors associated with non-adherence to COPD self-management was developed in this study. Further research is needed to develop intervention strategies based on factors associated with non-adherence to COPD self-management.

Barriers and facilitators to engaging with a digital self-management programme for painful distal upper limb musculoskeletal disorders: A qualitative exploratory study.

INTRODUCTION: People living with a painful distal upper limb musculoskeletal disorder (DUL-MSD) often experience pain, difficulty in doing everyday tasks and a reduced quality of life. Currently, there are challenges in the treatment of DUL-MSDs, highlighting the need to develop innovative approaches to rehabilitation. A potential solution is to develop and implement a digital self-management rehabilitation programme focussing on optimising recovery, improving function and reducing pain. Before developing this programme, we aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to using a digital health intervention (DHI) for self-management of DUL-MSDs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the potential barriers and facilitators to using a DHI with people living with DUL-MSDs and healthcare professionals (HCPs). METHODS: A qualitative exploratory study was carried out with purposely selected participants consisting of 15 participants with DUL-MSDs and 13 HCPs. Three focus groups (FGs) and four semistructured interviews with DUL-MSD participants and semistructured interviews with 13 HCPs were conducted. FGs and interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: To address challenges in the care and management of DUL-MSDs, both HCPs and people living with a DUL-MSD welcomed the development of a DHI. This study identified several barriers and facilitators that would influence engagement with a digital intervention. Findings suggest that in developing a DHI, attention needs to be paid to digital design features, usability, tailoring, personalisation and consideration of how well usual care could be replicated digitally without direct HCP involvement. CONCLUSION: The identified digital design features of importance to participants will inform the design of a digital self-management rehabilitation programme for people living with DUL-MSDs. Addressing the barriers and facilitators to engagement with a DHI is essential in ensuring its relevance and acceptability to those who will use it. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) was integral throughout the study. PPIE members contributed to the development and planning of this study, checked and confirmed the relevance of the findings and are involved in the dissemination plans.

Effectiveness of self-management programmes for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic disease self-management (CDSM) is a vital component of congestive heart failure (CHF) programmes. Recent CHF guidelines have downgraded CDSM programmes citing a lack of gold-standard evidence. This protocol describes the aims and methods of a systematic review to collate and synthesise the published research evidence to determine the effectiveness of CDSM programmes and interventions for patients treated for CHF. METHODS: Medline, PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, the Science Citation Index and registers of clinical trials will be searched from 1966 to 2024. In addition, the reference lists of shortlisted articles will be reviewed. Randomised controlled trials, with case management interventions of CDSM and CHF with reported major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), will be extracted and analysed. There is no restriction on language. Study protocol template developed from Cochrane Collaboration and Reporting adheres to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol guidelines for systematic review and meta-analyses 2020. Two independent authors will apply inclusions and exclusion criteria to limit article search and assess bias and certainty of evidence rating. Data extraction and study description of included studies will include quality appraisal of studies and quantitative synthesis of data will then be undertaken to ascertain evidence for the study aims. Subgroup analyses will be conducted for different CDSM programmes. The primary outcome will be a significant change in MACE parameters between intervention and control arms. Meta-analysis will be conducted using statistical software, if feasible. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not sought as the study is not collecting primary patient data. The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals and also presented to audiences through meetings and scientific conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023431539.

Feasibility and potential effectiveness of nurse-led video-coaching interventions for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: the REVIVER study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood, adolescent, and young adult (CAYA) cancer survivors, at risk for late effects, including cancer-related fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and psychosocial challenges, may benefit from interventions stimulating behaviour adjustments. Three nurse-led eHealth interventions (REVIVER) delivered via video calls and elaborating on person-centred care, cognitive behaviour therapy and/or motivational interviewing were developed. These interventions target: 1) fatigue management, 2) healthier lifestyle behaviours, and 3) self-efficacy and self-management. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the REVIVER interventions for CAYA cancer survivors and healthcare professionals. METHODS: In a single-group mixed methods design, CAYA cancer survivors aged 16-54, more than five years post-treatment, were enrolled. Feasibility, assessed via Bowen's outcomes for feasibility studies, included acceptability, practicality, integration and implementation, demand and adherence. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and a focus group interview with survivors and healthcare professionals supplemented the evaluation. Paired sample t-tests assessed changes in self-reported quality of life, fatigue, lifestyle, self-management, and self-efficacy at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 6-month follow-up (T2). RESULTS: The interventions and video consults were generally acceptable, practical, and successfully integrated and implemented. Success factors included the nurse consultant (i.e., communication, approach, and attitude) and the personalised approach. Barriers included sustainability concerns, technical issues, and short intervention duration. Regarding demand, 71.4%, 65.4%, and 100% of eligible CAYA cancer survivors engaged in the fatigue (N = 15), lifestyle (N = 17) and empowerment (N = 3) intervention, respectively, with 5, 5 and 2 participants interviewed, correspondingly. Low interest (demand) in the empowerment intervention (N = 3) and dropout rates of one-third for both fatigue and empowerment interventions were noted (adherence). Improvements in quality of life, fatigue (fatigue intervention), lifestyle (lifestyle intervention), self-efficacy, and self-management were evident among survivors who completed the fatigue and lifestyle interventions, with medium and large effect sizes observed immediately after the intervention and six months post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of nurse-led video coaching (REVIVER interventions) despite lower demand for the empowerment intervention and lower adherence to the fatigue and empowerment interventions. The medium and high effect sizes found for those who completed the interventions hold potential clinical significance for future studies investigating the effectiveness of the REVIVER interventions.

La teoría de las transiciones como paradigma de apoyo al automanejo en personas con condiciones crónicas / Transitions theory as a paradigm for supporting self-management in people with chronic conditions / A teoria das transições como paradigma para apoiar a autogestão em pessoas com condições crónicas

Resumen Introducción: La experiencia de vivir con una enfermedad crónica no es una tarea sencilla, se requiere de herramientas que permitan aumentar el grado de conciencia para enfrentar las necesidades y superar desafíos sobre el estado de salud y enfermedad. En los últimos años, se ha instaurado el apoyo al automanejo, con la finalidad de potenciar las habilidades en personas con este tipo de afecciones. Resulta trascendental considerar como desde enfermería se puede contribuir al logro de aquello. El objetivo del presente ensayo es reflexionar acerca de la teoría de las transiciones de Meléis como paradigma de apoyo al automanejo en personas con condiciones crónicas. Desarrollo: La teoría de las transiciones de Meléis establece que las personas están en constante cambio, tal como ocurre en el proceso de transición de salud-enfermedad. Recibir el diagnóstico de una enfermedad crónica, conlleva una serie de procesos complejos para la persona, debido a la multiplicidad de variables que ello implica. La teoría de Meléis entrega lineamientos para orientar a la persona profesional de enfermería sobre elementos claves e interrelacionados, como la concepción previa de la naturaleza de la transición y sus condiciones, lo que servirá para la planificación de modalidades de intervención congruentes con las experiencias de la persona y su evaluación en el transcurso del proceso de salud y enfermedad. Conclusión: El paradigma ofrecido por Meléis puede ser considerado un enfoque clave para emprender el proceso de cuidado de enfermería tendiente a apoyar a las personas con enfermedad crónica en el logro del automanejo.

Abstract Introduction: The experience of living with a chronic disease is not a simple task, since it requires tools that allow increasing the degree of awareness to face the needs and overcome challenges about the state of health and disease. In recent years, support for self-management has been established, with the aim of enhancing the skills of people with this type of condition. It is important to consider how the nursing discipline can contribute to achieve this. The aim of this paper is to reflect on Meléis' theory of transitions as a paradigm to support self-management in people with chronic conditions. Development: Meléis' theory of transitions establishes that people are in constant change, as occurs in the health-illness transition process. Receiving the diagnosis of a chronic disease involves a series of complex processes for the person, due to the multiplicity of variables involved. Meléis' theory provides guidelines to orient the nursing professional on key and interrelated elements, such as the previous conception of the nature of the transition and its conditions, which will serve for the planning of intervention modalities congruent with the person's experiences and their evaluation in the course of the health and disease process. Conclusion: The paradigm offered by Meléis can be considered a key approach to undertake the nursing care process aimed at supporting people with chronic illness in achieving self-management.

Resumo Introdução: A experiênca de viver com uma doença crônica não é uma tarefa simple, pois requer ferramentas que permitam aumentar o nível de consciência para enfrentar as necessidades e superar desafios relativos ao estado de saúde e doença. Nos últimos anos, foi estabelecido o apoio à autogestão, com o objetivo de melhorar as habilidades das pessoas com este tipo de condições. É transcendental considerar como a disciplina de Enfermagem pode contribuir para isso. O objetivo deste ensaio é refletir sobre a teoria das transições de Meleis como paradigma de apoio à autogestão em pessoas com condições crônicas. Desenvolvimento: A teoria das transições de Meléis estabelece que as pessoas estão em constante mudança, como acontece no processo de transição saúde-doença. Receber o diagnóstico de uma doença crónica implica uma série de processos complexos para a pessoa, devido à multiplicidade de variáveis envolvidas. A teoria de Meléis fornece directrizes para orientar o profissional de enfermagem sobre elementos-chave e inter-relacionados, como a conceção prévia da natureza da transição e das suas condições, que servirão para o planeamento de modalidades de intervenção congruentes com as experiências da pessoa e a sua avaliação no decurso do processo saúde-doença. Conclusão: O paradigma oferecido por Meleis pode ser considerado uma abordagem chave para empreender o processo de cuidado de enfermagem que visa apoiar as pessoas com doenças crônicas no alcance do autogerenciamento.

Supporting patient self-management: A cross-sectional and prospective cohort study investigating Patient Activation Measure (PAM) and Clinician Support for PAM scores as part of a multi-centre haemodialysis breakthrough series collaborative.

BACKGROUND: Patient self-management, measured by the Patient Activation Measure (PAM), is associated with reduced healthcare utilisation and better health-related quality of life. Self-management in haemodialysis (HD) is challenging and may require support from clinicians with positive attitudes towards self-management, measured by the Clinician Support for PAM (CSPAM). OBJECTIVES: To assess whether kidney staff CSPAM scores are: 1) associated with their centre's patient PAM scores and 2) modifiable through staff coaching. METHODS: Baseline PAM and CSPAM and six-month CSPAM were collected from HD patients and kidney staff respectively in seven UK kidney centres as part of a six-month breakthrough series collaborative (BTSC), which trained kidney staff in supporting patient independence with HD tasks. Firstly, multivariable linear regression analyses adjusted for patient characteristics were used to test the baseline association between centre-level staff CSPAM scores and patient PAM scores. Secondly, paired univariate and unpaired multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to compare staff CSPAM scores at baseline and six months. RESULTS: 236 PAM questionnaires (mean score = 55.5) and 89 CSPAM questionnaires (median score = 72.6) were analysed at baseline. There was no significant association between centre-level mean CSPAM scores and PAM scores in univariate analyses (P = 0.321). After adjusting for patient-level characteristics, increasing centre-level mean CSPAM score by 1 point resulted in a non-significant 0.3-point increase in PAM score (0.328 (95% CI: -0.157 to 0.812; P = 0.184). Paired (n = 37) and unpaired (n = 174) staff analyses showed a non-significant change in CSPAM scores following the BTSC intervention (mean change in CSPAM score in unpaired analysis = 1.339 (95% CI: -1.945 to 4.623; P = 0.422). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of a significant: 1) association between CSPAM and PAM scores and 2) change in CSPAM scores suggest that modifying staff beliefs alone is less likely to influence patient self-management, requiring co-production between patients and staff.

DIALOR (DIgitAL cOaching for fRailty): protocol for a single-arm mixed-methods feasibility study of a digital health coaching intervention for older people with frailty in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Multidomain interventions in older adults offer the best opportunity to prevent, delay or reverse existing symptoms in the earlier stages of frailty and improve independence but can be costly, and difficult to deliver at scale. However, digital health interventions enable personalised care and empowerment through self-management of long-term conditions, used at any time and when combined with health coaching offer the potential to enhance well-being and facilitate the achievement of health-related goals. We aim to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a digital health platform for long-term disease management combined with health coaching for people living with mild-moderate frailty, targeting self-identified goals-activity, nutrition, mood, enhancing social engagement and well-being. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a non-randomised feasibility, single-group, pretest/post-test study, using qualitative and quantitative methods. The digital health coaching intervention (DIALOR-DIgitAL cOaching for fRailty) has been developed for implementation to older adults, aged 65 years or older with mild to moderate frailty and diagnosis of one or more long-term health conditions in the community. Participants will receive 12 weeks of health coaching and have access to a mobile health platform for 6 months. The primary outcome measure is the acceptability and feasibility of DIALOR along with a range of secondary outcome measures (including frailty, functioning measures, quality of life, social engagement, diet quality and self-reported indicators) collected at baseline and at 6 months. The findings will inform whether a wider effectiveness trial is feasible and if so, how it should be designed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted by the Southeast Scotland Research Ethics Committee 02 (reference: 22/SS/0064). Research findings will be disseminated in a range of different ways to engage different audiences, including publishing in open-access peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, social media, dissemination workshop with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals and on institution websites.

Feasibility and acceptability of a tailored health coaching intervention to improve type 2 diabetes self-management in Saudi Arabia: a mixed-methods randomised feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: Around one-third of the population of Saudi Arabia have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition often requiring lifestyle changes. Personalised health coaching, a strategy developed to assist individuals in overcoming challenges to adopt healthy behaviours, has not yet been widely applied in the country. AIMS: We aim to explore the feasibility and acceptability of tailored health coaching in Saudi Arabia, in order to help those with type 2 diabetes to more effectively manage their condition. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods approach, this research involved a randomised controlled trial with 30 Saudi adults who have type 2 diabetes. They were randomly allocated into either the intervention or control arm for 12 weeks. The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour framework was used to guide the intervention implementation along with the Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy V.1. The primary goal was to assess the suitability and duration of the intervention, recruitment, retention and completion rates. The secondary outcome focused on the preliminary efficacy of the health coaching measured by the glycaemic index, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, weight, patient self-efficacy and diabetes self-management. RESULTS: The results showed high rates of eligibility, recruitment and retention (a screening rate of 90%, a recruiting rate of 79% and a retention rate of 97%). Notable improvements were observed in the health coaching group across five outcomes: haemoglobin A1c, BMI, waist circumference, patient self-efficacy and diabetes self-care. Qualitative findings highlighted the participants' perceived benefits from the intervention, including enhanced motivation, better understanding of diabetes management and a supportive coaching relationship. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the intervention and advocated for its expansion. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrated positive outcomes, supporting the need for a larger randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of health coaching in improving diabetes self-management among individuals with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia.

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control With a Mobile Health Cardiovascular Risk Self-Management Program.

BACKGROUND: Mobile health technology's impact on cardiovascular risk factor control is not fully understood. This study evaluates the association between interaction with a mobile health application and change in cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants with hypertension with or without dyslipidemia enrolled in a workplace-deployed mobile health application-based cardiovascular risk self-management program between January 2018 and December 2022. Retrospective evaluation explored the influence of application engagement on change in blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and weight. Multiple regression analyses examined the influence of guideline-based, nonpharmacological lifestyle-based digital coaching on outcomes adjusting for confounders. Of 102 475 participants, 49.1% were women. Median age was 53 (interquartile range, 43-61) years, BP was 134 (interquartile range, 124-144)/84 (interquartile range, 78-91) mm Hg, TC was 183 (interquartile range, 155-212) mg/dL, LDL-C was 106 (82-131) mg/dL, and body mass index was 30 (26-35) kg/m2. At 2 years, participants with baseline systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg reduced systolic BP by 18.6 (SEM, 0.3) mm Hg. At follow up, participants with baseline TC ≥240 mg/dL reduced TC by 65.7 (SEM, 4.6) mg/dL, participants with baseline LDL-C≥160 mg/dL reduced LDL-C by 66.6 (SEM, 6.2) mg/dL, and participants with baseline body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 lost 12.0 (SEM, 0.3) pounds, or 5.1% of body weight. Interaction with digital coaching was associated with greater reduction in all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A mobile health application-based cardiovascular risk self-management program was associated with favorable reductions in BP, TC, LDL-C, and weight, highlighting the potential use of this technology in comprehensive cardiovascular risk factor control.

Facilitators and barriers to self-management in Iranian men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Self-management, as the most common method of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, is not an isolated behaviour, but a set of physical, social, cultural, psychological and existential factors affecting it. AIM: This study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers to self-management in men with COPD in the unique social, cultural, political and economic context of Iran. METHODS: This paper reports part of the findings of a qualitative grounded theory study aimed at exploring the process of self-management in Iranian men with COPD, which was conducted in Iran from January 2019 to July 2023. Participants included men with COPD, their family members and pulmonologists. The selection of participants in this research began with the purposeful sampling method. Data was collected using semistructured interviews. Data collection continued until the data saturation was achieved. A total of 15 interviews were conducted with nine patients, three family members of patients and three pulmonologists. The data was analysed using the constant comparative analysis method. RESULTS: The findings of this study showed that knowledge, education, experience, family involvement and financial support are the factors that facilitate self-management. Factors related to deficits include lack of education, lack of treatment support, family cooperation deficit, financial problems, medication obtaining problems and factors related to disease impacts include specific nature of the disease, residual effect, comorbidity and factors related to negative patients characteristics include false beliefs, poor self-efficacy, feeling shame and non-adherence are barriers to self-management in men with COPD. CONCLUSION: Based on results of this study, healthcare providers and health planners can strengthen the factors that facilitate self-management and weaken or remove the barriers to self-management, so that these patients use self-management strategies with maximum capacity to control the disease.

Effect of an in-hospital medication self-management intervention (SelfMED) on medication adherence in polypharmacy patients postdischarge: protocol of a pre-post intervention study.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare providers usually manage medication for patients during hospitalisation, although patients are expected to self-manage their medication after discharge. A lack of self-management competencies is found to be associated with low adherence levels and medication errors harming patients' health. Currently, patients seldom receive support or education in medication self-management. When self-management is allowed during hospitalisation, it is rarely provided using a structured, evidence-based format. Therefore, an in-hospital medication self-management intervention (ie, SelfMED) was developed based on current evidence. To date, empirical data demonstrating the effect of SelfMED on medication adherence are lacking. This study primarily aims to evaluate the effect of the SelfMED intervention on medication adherence 2 months postdischarge in polypharmacy patients, as compared with usual care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A multicentre pre-post intervention study will be conducted. The study will start with a control phase investigating usual care (ie, medication management entirely provided by healthcare providers), followed by an intervention period, investigating the effects of the SelfMED intervention. SelfMED consists of multiple components: (1) a stepped assessment evaluating patients' eligibility for in-hospital medication self-management, (2) a monitoring system allowing healthcare providers to follow up medication management and detect problems and (3) a supportive tool providing healthcare providers with a resource to act on observed problems with medication self-management. Polymedicated patients recruited during the control and intervention periods will be monitored for 2 months postdischarge. A total of 225 participants with polypharmacy should be included in each group. Medication adherence 2 months postdischarge, measured by pill counts, will be the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include self-management, medication knowledge, patient and staff satisfaction, perceived workload and healthcare service utilisation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The ethics committee of the Antwerp University Hospital approved the study (reference no: B3002023000176). Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and summaries in layman's terms. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN15132085.

Assessing the Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of a Web-Based Self-Management Program for Chronic Noncancer Pain: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: In Canada, adults with chronic noncancer pain face a persistent insufficiency of publicly funded resources, with the gold standard multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities unable to meet the high clinical demand. Web-based self-management programs cost-effectively increase access to pain management and can improve several aspects of physical and emotional functioning. Aiming to meet the demand for accessible, fully automated resources for individuals with chronic noncancer pain, we developed a French web- and evidence-based self-management program, Agir pour moi (APM). This program includes pain education and strategies to reduce stress, practice mindfulness, apply pacing, engage in physical activity, identify and manage thinking traps, sleep better, adapt diet, and sustain behavior change. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the APM self-management program's feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects in adults awaiting specialized services from a center of expertise in chronic pain management. METHODS: We conducted a mixed methods study with an explanatory sequential design, including a web-based 1-arm trial and qualitative semistructured interviews. We present the results from both phases through integrative tables called joint displays. RESULTS: Response rates were 70% (44/63) at postintervention and 56% (35/63) at 3-month follow-up among the 63 consenting participants who provided self-assessed information at baseline. In total, 46% (29/63) of the participants completed the program. We interviewed 24% (15/63) of the participants. The interview's first theme revolved around the overall acceptance, user-friendliness, and engaging nature of the program. The second theme emphasized the differentiation between microlevel and macrolevel engagements. The third theme delved into the diverse effects observed, potentially influenced by the macrolevel engagements. Participants highlighted the features that impacted their self-efficacy and the adoption of self-management strategies. We observed indications of improvement in self-efficacy, pain intensity, pain interference, depression, and catastrophizing. Interviewees described these and various other effects as potentially influenced by macrolevel engagement through behavioral change. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provided preliminary evidence that the APM self-management program and research methods are feasible. However, some participants expressed the need for at least phone reminders and minimal support from a professional available to answer questions over the first few weeks of the program to engage. Recruitment strategies of a future randomized controlled trial should focus on attracting a broader representation of individuals with chronic pain in terms of gender and ethnicity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05319652; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05319652.

Acute skin toxicity and self-management ability among Chinese breast cancer radiotherapy patients: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Radiation dermatitis is the most common reaction to radiotherapy, almost all breast cancer patients receive radiotherapy on an outpatient basis. Currently, there are no studies on the experience of radiation dermatitis and the ability to self-manage it. Therefore, we aimed to use qualitative approaches to gain a deeper understanding of the actual experiences and self-management ability in order to provide a reference for further improving the effectiveness of self-management and to optimize symptom management strategies. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using purposive sampling to select 17 breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from September to November 2023. The Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was used to classify the data into summarized themes. RESULTS: Four themes were identified from the interview responses: (1) multiple self-reported skin symptoms in breast cancer patients with radiation dermatitis; (2) the multidimensional impact on patient's quality of life, especially pruritus, ulceration; (3) the ability to self-manage radiation dermatitis: strong mental toughness, positive response, and self-doubt; (4) challenges faced: concerns about radiotherapy side effects and recurrence, targeted symptom management and continuity of care after the radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should consider patients' self-reported symptoms when assessing radiation dermatitis. For pruritus and pain, we can enhance precision symptom management to improve patients' quality of life. By utilizing information technology tools, we can increase breast cancer patients' ability and confidence in managing radiation dermatitis effectively while enhancing accurate symptom management during radiotherapy.