| Popis: |
BackgroundThe prevalence of patients with persistent physical symptoms (PPS) in general practice is estimated to be 17%. Hence, general practitioners (GPs) play a central role in both diagnostic assessment and management of PPS. However, a large body of literature indicates a need to improve GP strategies and ways to support patient self-help. Additionally, the use of eHealth in the field of general practice is growing. Therefore, this study aims to explore users’ needs in order to understand their requirements to an eHealth and GP assisted self-help programme for PPS in general practice. MethodsSeven days of field studies in general practice and twenty semi-structured interviews (6 GPs and 14 patients with PPS) were conducted in the Region of Southern Denmark. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a five-step thematic analysis. Analysis was done inductively and separately for patients and GPs. The identified themes were mapped to the COM-B behaviour change model to allow translation from GPs´ and patients´ needs to the development of an eHealth intervention. ResultsThe analysis identified 11 subthemes in the patient interviews and 7 subthemes in the GP interviews. They were mapped into the three COM-B components: capability, opportunity and motivation. The main themes from patients and GPs corresponded and focused on understanding and explanation of symptoms, timing of this, uncertainty and consultation premises. Furthermore, important motivational elements for an eHealth programme were identified – especially the need for hope was emphasised.ConclusionsThe identified themes provide insight into potential behavioural interventions to facilitate self-care among patients with PPS in primary care settings through eHealth. Key learnings include: 1) a need to bring PPS into play early on in the consultation and take a more bio-psycho-social approach in the management of PPS. 2) Patients and GPs need better skills to manage uncertainty. 3) Patients need guidance from their GP in how to self-manage their PPS. Our design of a new eHealth and GP assisted self-help program for patients with PPS will target these identified key factors. |
