Person-centred health plans for physical activity in persons with chronic widespread pain (CWP) – a retrospective descriptive review

Abstract

Purpose Physical activity is recommended as first-choice treatment in chronic pain conditions. The aim was to describe the content and perceptions of person-centred health plans, and to evaluate patients’ implementation of the health plan in their everyday life. Materials and methods A descriptive retrospective review was conducted of person-centred health plans to support physical activity in 133 participants. Quantitative content analysis was used to analyse the content of the health plans. Questionnaires on physical activity and on implementation and perception of the health plans, and a test of physical capacity were administered. Results Participants’ goals were found to be related to physical function (n = 118), general health (n = 90), activity and participation (n = 80) and symptoms (n = 35). Participants identified personal (n = 174), social (n = 69) and material resources (n = 36). They identified fears and obstacles related to health issues (n = 95), difficulties getting it done (n = 41), competing priorities (n = 19) and contextual factors (n = 12). Participants identified need for external support (n = 110). Participants’ level of physical activity and physical capacity increased significantly during the first 6 months of the study. Conclusion The person-centred approach seems helpful in enhancing motivation to achieve set goals and strengthen self-efficacy in physical activity also supported by increased physical activity and physical capacity. Implications for rehabilitation A person-centred approach can be helpful to enhance motivation to achieve set goals and self-efficacy to manage symptoms when engaging in physical activity. Shared documentation of a personal health plan helps to visualize resources to promote regular physical activity as well as alternative ways to reach set goals. The co-created health-plan captures the participant’s goals, resources, fears and need of support, helps the participant to overcome challenges, and supports the participant to be physically active.