Self-management interventions: what do service users value?

What is it about?

Self-management interventions (SMIs) for people with long-term conditions (LTCs) aim to help people to play a more active role in managing the symptoms and life-changes associated with their illness. In order to develop effective SMIs we need to understand how people with LTCs perceive, value and experience self-management support. In this study we interviewed people with LTCs who had received support from a Health Trainer (HT). We learnt that HTs performed multiple valued roles (conceptualisers, connectors, coaches and champions) that enabled people to live well with condition.

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Why is it important?

Few evaluations of self-management interventions (SMIs) ask participants to explain, in their own words, what aspects of the SMI they valued and why. The preliminary model that was developed within this study suggests a framework for mapping and reviewing the primary functions of SMIs, particularly those that are located within a non-clinical setting.