Self-management Ability Research Articles

Application value of DSMB-O scale in self-management of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

To enhance the self-management ability of elderly diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, priority should be given to the accurate evaluation of their current self-management ability, and then provide corresponding guidance. To explore the application value of Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors among Older Koreans (DSMB-O) in self-management of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Using convenient sampling, this study retrospectively collected the clinical data of 215 elderly patients with T2DM who were admitted to our hospital from June 2020 to June 2022. Enrolled patients were divided into an effective-control group (n= 80) and an ineffective-control group (n= 135) based on whether the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) was < 7.5% for further comparison of the collected data. There were statistically significant differences in the comparison of the proportion of diabetes mellitus (DM) course (χ2= 26.000, P< 0.001), DSMB-O score (17.67 ± 4.07 VS 14.67 ± 4.70 points, t= 4.582, P< 0.001), and Summary Diabetes Self Care Activity (SDSCA) score (43.16 ± 11.17 VS 37.58 ± 12.47 points, t= 5.492, P< 0.001) between the two groups. The total score of DSMB-O was negatively correlated with both HbA1c (r=-0.281, P< 0.001) and complications (r=-0.193, P= 0.004); moreover, the total score of SDSCA was also negatively correlated with both HbA1c (r=-0.234, P< 0.001) and complications (r=-0.153, P= 0.025). Among various dimensions of DSMB-O, active exercise (OR= 0.699, 95%CI: 0.541 ∼ 0.902) and blood glucose monitoring (OR= 0.603, 95%CI: 0.431 ∼ 0.817) were protective factors for T2DM patients with HbA1c levels < 7.5%. The area under the curve (AUC) of SDSCA score and DSMB-O score predicting self-management level in elderly T2DM patients was 0.643 (95%CI: 0.611 ∼ 0.756) and 0.716 (95%CI: 0.689∼ 0.774), respectively. DSMB-O exhibits a higher accuracy in predicting the self-management level of elderly patients with T2DM than that of SDSCA. Regular exercise, medication, blood glucose monitoring, and reducing the risk of complications are all intimately associated with the control of blood glucose.

Subjective Experiences of Spanish-Speaking Patients Residing in the United States With Low English Proficiency Learning to Manage Their Diabetes: A Qualitative Study.

Language discordance is a known barrier to diabetes care in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to better understand the subjective experiences of a group of Spanish-speaking study participants with low English proficiency who were learning to manage their diabetes using a language-concordant health coaching intervention. This qualitative exploratory study used structured interview data to understand subjective experiences among participants. Thematic content analysis was conducted from a subset of health coaching phone transcripts (n = 17) performed during a language-concordant health coaching intervention study. Among the 17 participants included in the study, even with language-concordant coaching, participants had challenges in managing their diabetes care. Participants described internal and external factors, such as socioeconomic instability, that complicated their behavior changes and self-management abilities. A health coaching intervention in patients with low English proficiency can help to improve health outcomes. Findings from this study can guide the development of health care services and the management of chronic diseases in diverse populations.

Problems and Improvement Measures of Children's Self-Directed Learning Ability during the Early Childhood Transition Period

The bridging period is an important turning point for young children, and it is very important to cultivate their independent learning ability at this stage, so that they can learn more independently and confidently, develop good learning habits and self-management ability, and help them explore their interests, develop their special skills and realize all-round development. Therefore, it is especially important to cultivate children's independent learning ability during the period of convergence between kindergarten and primary school. At present, most teachers lack research on children's independent learning ability and do not make reasonable layout and use of the environment. Parents also have problems and do not participate in the joint development of the children at home. Through the discussion, the following directions for improvement are summarized. Early childhood teachers should strengthen relevant educational concepts, use life situations to guide, create learning environments and provide materials, change parents' concepts and create home environments, and coordinate the relationship between home, school and teachers.

Knowledge level and health information-seeking behavior of people with diabetes in rural areas: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

There is a lack of research on the current level of diabetes knowledge and health information-seeking behaviors among patients with diabetes in rural areas of China's economically underdeveloped regions during COVID-19, as well as a lack of up-to-date evidence on glycemic control and the incidence of complications among rural patients with diabetes. To investigate the prevalence of glycemic control and complications among patients with diabetes in rural areas, to explore the current status and correlation of diabetes knowledge level and health information-seeking behavior, and to analyze the factors affecting diabetes knowledge level. From January 2022 to July 2022, we conducted a screening on diabetic complications and a questionnaire survey among 2,178 patients with diabetes in 15 county hospitals in rural areas of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The patients' knowledge level and health information-seeking behavior were investigated. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between diabetes knowledge and health information-seeking behavior. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test how demographic information and health information-seeking behavior influenced the level of diabetes knowledge. Of 2,178 patients with diabetes in rural areas, 1,684 (77.32%) had poor glycemic control, and the prevalence of diabetic complications was estimated to be 72.13%. Patients with diabetes had poor diabetes knowledge and health information-seeking behavior, and there is a strong positive correlation between them. Diabetes knowledge level was influenced by per capita household disposable income, occupational status, gender, age, ethnicity, family history of diabetes, insulin use, glycated hemoglobin, education level, number of complications and health information-seeking behavior. Patients with diabetes in rural areas have poor glycemic control and a high incidence of diabetic complications. Patients with diabetes in rural areas have poor knowledge and inadequate health information-seeking behavior. Systematic and standardized education should be provided to improve patients' diabetes knowledge and thus improve their self-management ability.

Determinants of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Young Adults Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Shandong Province, China

Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand the current situation of knowledge, attitude, and practice of self-management in young patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to explore the relationship between general conditions (personal, social, and environment, clinical factors) and their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of diabetes self-management, This aims to provide patients with high-quality nursing care management and services, as well as to provide relevant recommendations for effective self-management. Methods: This study is a descriptive correlational study that used the purposive sampling method to investigate 359 patients with T2DM aged 18–25 years in four designated tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province. Results: Knowledge of self-management was correlated with sex, age, education level, occupation and work situation, monthly household income, medical payment method, family and friend support, frequency of diabetes health education, and diabetes complications. The attitude subscale was correlated with sex, age, education level, work situation, and family and friend support. The practice subscale was associated with age, education level, work situation, family and friend support, frequency of diabetes health education, and HbA1c values. Conclusion: Young adults aged 18–25 with T2DM have positive attitudes towards diabetes self-management, but there are still deficiencies in knowledge acquisition and behavioral practice. The KAP of self-management of diabetes is influenced by personal factors such as sex, age, and education level, and socio-environmental factors such as family income and family or friends’ social support. Additionally, clinical factors such as complications and HbA1c values significantly impacted the patient’s disease self-management ability.

The Effectiveness of Group Cooperative Learning Method in Badminton Teaching in Colleges and Universities

In college badminton teaching, teachers utilize the group cooperative learning method, which not only helps to improve students’ badminton skill level but also cultivates their teamwork spirit, communication skills, and self-management ability unconsciously. In view of this, this paper mainly describes the significance of applying the group cooperative learning method in college badminton teaching, analyzes the current problems in college badminton teaching, and aims to discover effective development strategies for group cooperative learning method in college badminton teaching in order to improve the effectiveness of college badminton teaching.

Improving therapeutic outcomes in heart failure with reduced nonvalvular ejection fraction: A clinical study of heart failure education intervention.

The current study delves into the impact of heart failure education intervention on improving therapeutic outcomes for heart failure (HF) patients with reduced nonvalvular ejection fraction. There involved a total of 60 HF patients with non-valvular ejection fraction reduction who met the inclusion requirements. Patients enrolled were randomly distributed into an observation group and a control group. The observation group received heart failure education intervention, while the control group received conventional intervention. The therapeutic effect, changes in physical indicators, cardiac function indicators, coagulation function, self-management scale scores, and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events were meticulously evaluated. The total effective proportion in the observation group was 96.67%, which was significantly higher than the control group's proportion of 76.67% (p < .05). After treatment, several parameters in the observation group showed significant improvements compared to the control group: hs-CRP, IL-6, LVEDV value, LVESV value, PT value, APTT value, and TT value were all evidently lower in the observation group. Additionally, the cardiac index, LVEF value, and heart failure self-management scale fraction were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (p < .05). Furthermore, the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the observation group was only 6.67%, which was significantly lower than the control group's incidence of 20.00% (p < .05). Heart failure education intervention demonstrates effectiveness in improving the therapeutic outcomes for HF patients and reduced nonvalvular ejection fraction. Additionally, it enhances patients' self-management abilities. Given these positive results, it is highly recommended to promote and implement HF education intervention in clinical practice.

Self-control, peer assistance, and satisfaction of online learning among Chinese social work students

ABSTRACT Online learning is a new type of learning practice based on information and communication technologies. It has gained great popularity in higher education in China in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, because it can reach more students over long distances and achieve cost-benefit maximization. Compared with the traditional classroom-based learning model, online learning reduces the control of instructors, thus highlighting the students’ self-management ability and peer assistance. Based on the data collected from an online learning survey of undergraduate (BSW) and graduate social work (MSW) students in China in 2022, this study reveals the effects of social work students’ self-control and peer assistance on online learning satisfaction. The results show that 72.95% of BSW and MSW students have participated in online learning in the previous academic year, and they are generally satisfied with their online learning. Students’ self-control ability significantly affects their satisfaction with online learning. At the same time, peer assistance is a significant mediating variable. It is suggested that in addition to promoting students’ self-control ability and self-study management, making full use of online resources to promote peer assistance and communication among students is also a way to improve social work students’ satisfaction with online learning.

Analysis of Influencing Factors of Postoperative Quality of Life in Patients with Renal Cancer under the Continuing Care Model Based on the Omaha System.

Scientific nursing is of great significance for improving negative emotions, self-management ability and quality of life of patients after cancer surgery. The Omaha system has been widely used in the field of care in many countries and regions, and although it helps to improve the quality of life of cancer patients after surgery, there are still large differences between different patients. This study examines factors affecting postoperative quality of life in renal cancer patients under the continuous care Omaha system, aiming to refine nursing plans. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 108 renal cancer patients undergoing radical treatment, all of whom received care via the Omaha system. The score for quality of life and the scores for Strategies Used by People to Promote Health (SUPPH), Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS), and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) of patients with different baseline data were compared. Patients with spouses as primary caregivers scored higher across psychological, physical, physiological, and societal dimensions of quality of life than those with children or others as caregivers (p < 0.001). Patients without underlying diseases have higher physiological, societal dimensions, overall satisfaction total score for quality of life (compared to those with underlying diseases, p < 0.001), patients with clinical stage III have lower physiological, societal dimensions, overall satisfaction, and total score for quality of life (compared to stage I/II, p < 0.001). The physiological, societal dimensions, overall satisfaction, and total quality of life score for patients with medical or commercial insurance as the settlement method for medical expenses are higher (compared to self-funded, p < 0.001). In the SUPPH scale, the positive attitude score, stress reduction score, making decisions score, and total score were positively correlated with the total score for quality of life (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008, p < 0.001, respectively). In the SSRS scale, the objective support score, subjective support score, useless support score, and total score were positively correlated with the total score for quality of life (all p < 0.001). In the MCMQ scale, the confrontation score was positively correlated with the total score for quality of life (p < 0.001). The acceptance-resignation and avoidance scores were negatively correlated with the total score for quality of life (p < 0.001). The quality of life of patients is not only affected by primary caregivers, underlying diseases, clinical staging, and medical expense settlement methods, but also positively correlated with self-efficacy and social support, and negatively correlated with coping styles.

Comparative Study On ‘Dietary Education’ In Japan And Korea: From The Latest Nutritional Knowledge Perspective

According to the Japan’s National Health and Nutrition Survey, trends in the intake of vegetables and fruits (1999-2018), which are considered effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases, are far below the target value; In the under-50 age group, less than 30% achieved the target vegetable intake of 350g, and less than 15% achieved the target fruit intake of 200g 53. Against such background, it has become a challenge to nurture children's ‘self-management ability’ that leads to spontaneous and healthy dietary habits 16. Until now, almost all research on ‘Dietary education’ has been conducted in the field of nutrition, focusing on accumulating nutritional knowledge by explaining each nutritional component and its function. However, it is difficult to nurture spontaneous and healthy dietary habits simply through repeated nutrition-based education. It can be said that the pedagogical approach of this paper has made it possible to pursue from a broader perspective that influences food choices. Research on ‘nutrition transition’ points out “worldwide obesity dynamics and their determinants” based on “a shift in the broader patterns of dietary habits (Western-style diet) and corresponding nutrition-related diseases” 42. Nutrition transition research 50, 40 has a broad and holistic perspective on food and health, making it easy to understand nutrition. The purpose of this paper is to pursue how to nurture the ‘self-management ability’ for spontaneous and healthy dietary habits, based on these latest nutritional knowledges. Because nutrition transition is a global phenomenon, the author choses to use broader methods of international comparative research. Comparisons lead to discoveries and value creation. This can be said to have the greatest significance in comparative research.

Diabetes Distress Among Patients Undergoing Surgery for Diabetic Retinopathy and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Diabetes distress (DD) is a negative emotion related to diabetes management and a predictor of depression; it affects diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients' quality of life and disease outcomes. The prevalence of DD was higher in patients undergoing surgery for DR. However, few studies have been conducted on DD in DR surgery patients. The present study aims to investigate the status of DD in DR surgery patients and identify factors associated with DD. Using a convenience sampling method, 210 DR surgery patients who were admitted to 2 tertiary-level hospitals in Wenzhou City (Zhejiang Province) and Zhengzhou City (Henan Province) from February to June 2023 were selected as research subjects. A questionnaire collecting demographic and disease-related information, the Diabetes Distress Scale, the Summary of Diabetes Self-Management Activities, the Family Care Index Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale were used to collect data. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t tests, ANOVAs, Pearson's correlation analyses and stepwise multiple linear regression. This study is reported according to the STROBE guidelines. In total, 156 out of 210 (74.29%) DR surgery patients experienced DD, with an average score of 2.13±0.63. The results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that residential location, employment status, self-management level, family support, and social support were significantly associated with DD. These variables accounted for 30.6% of the total variation in DD. DR surgery patients exhibit moderate levels of distress. Health care professionals should pay attention to DD in DR surgery patients and develop targeted interventions to improve the self-management ability of these patients, increase their family support and social support to reduce their DD levels.

Manajemen Diri Pada Pasien Diabetes Melitus Tipe 2 Di Puskesmas Dinoyo Malang

Proper self-management is crucial for individuals living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). T2DM is a metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of insulin production, decreased insulin activity, or both. The aim of this research was to assess the self-management practices of T2DM patients at the Dinoyo Primary Health Center in Malang. Descriptive analysis was employed as the research method. The study population comprised 44 T2DM patients, of whom 40 were selected as research samples using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a self-completed questionnaire, specifically the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents at the Dinoyo Primary Health Center in Malang, namely 30 individuals (75.0%), demonstrated poor self-management practices in managing their T2DM. Future research endeavors should aim to identify additional factors contributing to poor self-management abilities among T2DM patients, such as the level of family support and blood sugar control.

A randomized multicenter trial of a chronic disease management intervention for decompensated cirrhosis. The Australian Liver Failure (ALFIE) trial.

Improving the care of decompensated cirrhosis is a significant clinical challenge. The primary aim of this trial was to assess the efficacy of a chronic disease management (CDM) model to reduce liver-related emergency admissions (LREA). The secondary aims were to assess model effects on quality-of-care and patient-reported outcomes. The study design was a 2-year, multicenter, randomized controlled study with 1:1 allocation of a CDM model versus usual care. The study setting involved both tertiary and community care. Participants were randomly allocated following a decompensated cirrhosis admission. The intervention was a multifaceted CDM model coordinated by a liver nurse. A total of 147 participants (intervention=75, control=71) were recruited with a median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 19. For the primary outcome, there was no difference in the overall LREA rate for the intervention group versus the control group (incident rate ratio 0.89; 95% CI: 0.53-1.50, p=0.666) or in actuarial survival (HR=1.14; 95% CI: 0.66-1.96, p=0.646). However, there was a reduced risk of LREA due to encephalopathy in the intervention versus control group (HR=1.87; 95% CI: 1.18-2.96, p=0.007). Significant improvement in quality-of-care measures was seen for the performance of bone density (p<0.001), vitamin D testing (p<0.001), and HCC surveillance adherence (p=0.050). For assessable participants (44/74 intervention, 32/71 controls) significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes at 3 months were seen in self-management ability and quality of life as assessed by visual analog scale (p=0.044). This CDM intervention did not reduce overall LREA events and may not be effective in decompensated cirrhosis for this end point.

Application of virtual diagnosis and treatment combined with medical record teaching method in standardized training of general practitioner.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of virtual diagnosis and treatment combined with the medical record teaching method in standardized training of general practitioners. Eighty students who had standardized general practice training, from March 2020 to March 2022, in the grassroots practice base of general practitioner training in the affiliated Hospital of our Medical College were retrospectively analyzed and divided into 2 groups according to the teaching method that they received. The differences in assessment scores, critical thinking, clinical thinking ability, learning autonomy ability, and classroom teaching effectiveness were compared, and the students' satisfaction with teaching was investigated. The scores of theoretical knowledge, skill operation, medical history collection, and case analysis in the study group were notably higher (P < .05). In the study group, scores in truth-seeking, openness to knowledge, analytical ability, systematic ability, self-confidence, curiosity, and cognitive maturity were significantly higher (P < .05). A notable improvement was observed in the study group's scores on systematic thinking ability and evidence-based thinking ability, as well as the scores on critical thinking ability after teaching (P < .05). The scores of learning interest, self-management, plan implementation, and cooperation ability improved notably after teaching (P < .05). Learning target, learning processes, learning effects, classroom environment construction, teaching strategy, and technology application in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). The satisfaction rate in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < .05). Virtual diagnosis and treatment combined with case-based learning teaching has a very good effect in the standardized training of general practitioners. Students are generally satisfied with their learning experience, which can improve their critical thinking ability and clinical thinking skills. This teaching method is worth further popularizing.

The Acceptance and Use of Digital Technologies for Self-Reporting Medication Safety Events After Care Transitions to Home in Patients With Cancer: Survey Study.

Actively engaging patients with cancer and their families in monitoring and reporting medication safety events during care transitions is indispensable for achieving optimal patient safety outcomes. However, existing patient self-reporting systems often cannot address patients' various experiences and concerns regarding medication safety over time. In addition, these systems are usually not designed for patients' just-in-time reporting. There is a significant knowledge gap in understanding the nature, scope, and causes of medication safety events after patients' transition back home because of a lack of patient engagement in self-monitoring and reporting of safety events. The challenges for patients with cancer in adopting digital technologies and engaging in self-reporting medication safety events during transitions of care have not been fully understood. We aim to assess oncology patients' perceptions of medication and communication safety during care transitions and their willingness to use digital technologies for self-reporting medication safety events and to identify factors associated with their technology acceptance. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted with adult patients with breast, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer (N=204) who had experienced care transitions from hospitals or clinics to home in the past 1 year. Surveys were conducted via phone, the internet, or email between December 2021 and August 2022. Participants' perceptions of medication and communication safety and perceived usefulness, ease of use, attitude toward use, and intention to use a technology system to report their medication safety events from home were assessed as outcomes. Potential personal, clinical, and psychosocial factors were analyzed for their associations with participants' technology acceptance through bivariate correlation analyses and multiple logistic regressions. Participants reported strong perceptions of medication and communication safety, positively correlated with medication self-management ability and patient activation. Although most participants perceived a medication safety self-reporting system as useful (158/204, 77.5%) and easy to use (157/204, 77%), had a positive attitude toward use (162/204, 79.4%), and were willing to use such a system (129/204, 63.2%), their technology acceptance was associated with their activation levels (odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% CI 1.12-2.98), their perceptions of communication safety (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.08-2.47), and whether they could receive feedback after self-reporting (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.37-7.78). In general, oncology patients were willing to use digital technologies to report their medication events after care transitions back home because of their high concerns regarding medication safety. As informed and activated patients are more likely to have the knowledge and capability to initiate and engage in self-reporting, developing a patient-centered reporting system to empower patients and their families and facilitate safety health communications will help oncology patients in addressing their medication safety concerns, meeting their care needs, and holding promise to improve the quality of cancer care.

Application of hospital–community–home linkage management model in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of the hospital–community–home (HCH) linkage management mode in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN).MethodA total of 80 patients with type 2 DN hospitalised in the Department of Nephrology of our hospital between July 2021 and June 2022 were recruited and subsequently divided into the observation group and the control group using the random number table method, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received routine health education and discharge guidance. The HCH linkage management model was implemented for the observation group based on routine care. The improvements in compliance behaviour, biochemical parameters of renal function, blood glucose level and self-management ability were compared before the intervention and at 3 and 6 months after the intervention.ResultsAfter the intervention, the scores for compliance behaviour of the observation group were better than those of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The biochemical indicators of renal function and blood glucose level were significantly lower in the observation group compared with in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). After the intervention, the observation group showed a great improvement in self-management ability and cognition of the disease, with significant differences (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe HCH linkage management mode can improve the compliance behaviour of patients with type 2 DN, effectively improve the renal function and blood sugar level of patients, enhance the self-management ability and cognition of the disease and delay the development of the disease.

The association between physical activity, self-efficacy, stress self-management and mental health among adolescents

This study aimed to explore the interplay between physical activity, self-efficacy, stress self-management and mental health among adolescents. The study gathered data from an online survey conducted among 400 Chinese middle school students (mean age = 13.74 years). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and PROCESS 4.1. The findings indicated a positive and significant relationship between physical activity, self-efficacy, stress self-management, and mental health. Notably, the association between physical activity and mental health was entirely mediated by self-efficacy and stress self-management. Moreover, self-efficacy and stress self-management exhibited a chain mediation effect on the relationship between physical activity and mental health. It is suggested that interventions focusing on physical activity should prioritize strategies for enhancing students’ self-efficacy and stress self-management skills as integral components of promoting adolescents’ mental health. Future research should delve into identifying specific types of physical activities that have a greater potential to enhance self-efficacy and stress self-management abilities.

Patients’ experience of a novel interdisciplinary nurse-led self-management intervention (INSELMA)—a qualitative evaluation

BackgroundDespite continuous improvements in anti-rheumatic pharmacological treatment, people with chronic inflammatory arthritis still report substantial disease impact. Based on the framework for complex interventions, we thus developed INSELMA, a novel nurse-coordinated multidisciplinary self-management intervention for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis. Based on individual biopsychosocial assessments, a rheumatology nurse facilitated goal setting and coordinated interdisciplinary support. The aim of this study was to explore the patients’ experience of participating in the six-months INSELMA intervention.MethodsIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 of the participants after their final follow-up. Thematic analysis was applied.ResultsThe analysis derived four overall themes. (1) A new opportunity at the right time. The participants’ disease impacted all areas of daily life. Participation in INSELMA was experienced as an opportunity to improve symptoms and together reduce long-held challenges they had fought alone, until now. (2) The importance of person-centred goals. The participants found it meaningful to work with their individual goals, which encompassed physical, psychological, and social factors. Having time between consultations to work with goals at home was important. (3) Empathy, partnership and a little nudging from health professionals are essential. The empathic nurses’ continuous support and coaching helped participants become aware of their own resources. The participants highlighted having access to support from a physiotherapist and occupational therapist with rheumatology experience as important. (4) I got more than I could have hoped for. Most of the participants experienced decreased symptom load and improvement in physical strength, mobility, sleep, and mood as well as increased energy, knowledge, and self-management ability. The participants expressed new hope for the future with an improved ability to manage their symptoms and work towards new goals.ConclusionThe participants found the INSELMA intervention meaningful and feasible. They experienced decreased disease impact and increased activity levels, facilitated by empathy and self-management support from health professionals.

Illness perceptions, cognitive and behavioural responses to chronic breathlessness in individuals living with advanced respiratory disease: an observational study.

Understanding the complexity and multidimensional nature of chronic breathlessness is key to its successful management. The aim of this study was to explore illness perceptions, cognitive and behavioural responses to chronic breathlessness in individuals living with advanced respiratory disease. This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of data from a feasibility randomised control trial (SELF-BREATHE) for individuals living with chronic breathlessness due to advanced disease. All participants completed the following questionnaires: numerical rating scale (NRS) breathlessness severity, NRS distress due to breathlessness, NRS self-efficacy for managing breathlessness, Dyspnea-12 (D-12), Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ) and the Cognitive and Behavioural Responses Questionnaire, short version (CBRQ-S). The associations between the Brief IPQ and CBRQ-S with NRS breathlessness severity, distress and self-efficacy, D-12 and CRQ were examined using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient rs. A Spearman's rs of ≥0.50 was predefined as the threshold to denote important associations between variables. A p-value of <0.008 was considered statistically significant, to account for the number of comparisons performed. The illness perception items consequences, identity, concern and emotional response were associated with increased breathlessness severity, increased distress, reduced breathlessness self-management ability and lower health-related quality of life. Symptom focusing and embarrassment avoidance were identified as important cognitive responses to chronic breathlessness. Interventions that directly target illness perceptions, cognitive and behavioural responses to chronic breathlessness may improve symptom burden, self-efficacy and health-related quality of life.

Patient activation in advanced chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPatient activation refers to the knowledge, confidence and skills required for the management of chronic disease and is antecedent to self-management. Greater self-management in chronic kidney disease (CKD) results in improved patient experience and patient outcomes.AimTo examine patient activation levels in people with CKD stage 5 pre-dialysis and determine associations with sociodemographic characteristics, treatment adherence and healthcare utilisation.Methods/designPeople with CKD stage 5 not receiving dialysis from one Australian kidney care service. Patient activation was measured using the 13-item Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13). Sociodemographic and clinical outcome data (emergency department visits, admissions) were collected from medical records. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used to determine self-report medication adherence.ResultsTwo hundred and four participants completed the study. The mean PAM-13 score was 53.4 (SD 13.8), with 73% reporting low activation levels (1 and 2). Patient activation scores significantly decreased with increased age (P < 0.001) and significantly increased with higher educational levels (P < 0.001). Higher patient activation level was associated with fewer hospital emergency department visits (P = 0.03) and increased medication adherence (P < 0.001).ConclusionPatient activation levels are low in people with CKD stage 5 not receiving dialysis suggesting limited ability for self-management and capacity for optimally informed decisions about their healthcare. Efforts to improve patient activation need to consider age and education level.Graphical abstract