Expectations of an Online-Self-Management Program for Rheumatoid Arthritis. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Su-Hui; Yu, Kuang-Hui; Lee, Yi-Hui; Shao, Jung-Hua
• Is Part Of: Clinical nursing research. Volume 31:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1023
• Page End: 1032
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: online program -- rheumatoid arthritis -- self-management -- qualitative study; Nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/10547738211041692
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1054-7738

Abstract

This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore expectations of patients and healthcare experts for an online self-management program for rheumatoid arthritis. Participants were recruited from rheumatology clinics, medical centers, and universities in Taiwan. Individual face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients ( n = 16) and healthcare experts ( n = 7). Content analysis of the interview data resulted in five subthemes for expectations of an online self-management program: information about how the disease trajectory would impact future health status, availability of opportunities for self-monitoring, opportunities to interact with fellow patients and healthcare providers, simplicity and ease-of-use of the program, and methods to facilitate patient-motivation. These subthemes formulated two overarching themes: content and format. An online self-management program for patients with rheumatoid arthritis should provide evidence-based information about disease variables and behaviors aligned with the specific needs of the individual and adopt strategies that encourage and increase motivation and confidence.