Self-management support in flemish primary care practice: the development of a preliminary conceptual model using a qualitative approach
L Timmermans, Dagje Boeykens, Mustafa Muhammed Sirimsi, Peter Decat, Veerle Foulon, Ann Van Hecke, Mieke Vermandere, Birgitte Schoenmakers, Roy Remmen, Emily Verté, Muhammed Mustafa Sirimsi, Peter Van Bogaert, Hans De Loof, Kris Van den Broeck, Sibyl Anthierens, Ine Huybrechts, Peter Raeymaeckers, Veerle Buffel, Dirk Devroey, Bert Aertgeerts, Birgitte Schoenmakers, L Timmermans, Veerle Foulon, Anja Declerq, Dominique Van de Velde, Pauline Boeckxstaens, An De Sutter, Patricia De Vriendt, Lies Lahousse, Peter Pype, Dagje Boeykens, Ann Van Hecke, Peter Decat, Rudi Roose, Sandra L. Martin, Erica P.A. Rutten, Sam Pless, Anouk Tuinstra, Vanessa Gauwe, Didier Reynaert, Leen Van Landschoot, Maja Lopez Hartmann, Tony Claeys, Hilde Vandenhoudt, Kristel De Vliegher, Susanne Op de Beeck
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coping with a chronic disease can be really challenging. Self-management represents a promising strategy to improve daily life experiences. The role of primary healthcare professionals cannot be underestimated in supporting self-management. Due to a shortage of theory, implementation of self-management support is hindered in primary care practice. The aim of this study is to create a conceptual model for self-management support by analysing patients' care experiences towards self-management support. METHODS: An explorative-descriptive qualitative study was conducted in Flanders, Belgium. Semi-structured interviews were performed with 16 patients and their informal caregiver (dyads) using a purposive sampling strategy and processed by an inductive content analysis, according to Graneheim and Lundman. RESULTS: Interviews revealed in-depth insights into patients' care experiences. A conceptual model was developed for primary care practice, including five fundamental tasks for healthcare professionals - Supporting, Involving, Listening, Coordinating and Questioning (SILCQ) - contributing to the support of self-management of chronic patients. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative paper emphasises the use of the SILCQ-model to develop optimal roadmaps and hands-on toolkits for healthcare professionals to support self-management. The model needs to be further explored by all stakeholders to support the development of self-management interventions in primary care practice.