Self-management booklet for patients with chronic diseases in South Africa: a feasibility study
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Background Self-management education is generally considered a key treatment modality for patients with chronic diseases. However, most self-management education materials emanate from developed countries and may not be suitable for use in resource-poor contexts. The aims of a feasibility study was (a) to determine if a patient-held individual care plan booklet for diabetes and hypertension could be integrated into existing chronic care services, and (b) to explore the patients’ and providers’ experience using the intervention. Methods A study was conducted in a community health Centre in Tshwane, South Africa. A convenient sample of 53 patients were recruited to participate in using of a prototype care plan booklet. Data collection at the end of the intervention included interviews on the use, feasibility and acceptability of the booklet – two focus groups and one individual interview with patients (16 participants) and two focus groups and two individual interviews with healthcare providers (eight participants). Results The themes emanating from the analysis were categorized according to areas commonly explored in feasibility studies. Providers and patients found the booklet highly acceptable and recommended further implementation and expansion, with some reservations related to other areas. Further adaptations to the booklet were suggested, including translation into local languages. With regard to demand and practicality some participants commented on the fact that users would be older people with less schooling and who are more reluctant to read. Participants were generally positive about integrating the booklet into consultations and treatment plans, whereas some providers referred to duplications in record keeping and the possible effect on time and workload. Conclusions If the suggested changes are incorporated into this individual care plan booklet it could be a useful intervention in the treatment care plan of chronic disease patients in primary health care. Key messages: It is feasible to integrate an individual care plan booklet into existing chronic care services Patients and providers found benefits in using the booklet
Authors: L Dube, S Van den Broucke, AM Bergh
Institutions: UCLouvain, KU Leuven, University of Pretoria
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2587614301