Improving self-regulation of patients with chronic diseases: A Common Sense Model-based intervention

Abstract

Background: With the aim of providing medical information tailored to patients’ specific information needs, we developed a CSM-based intervention that targeted patients' perceptions about illness and treatment and individual coping behaviors and their appraisal. Methods: Following the development of measures (1) and refinement of the intervention concept in expert groups (2) the intervention was implemented and evaluated in four rehabilitation centers (3). Formative evaluation was based on a sample of N=105 patients and N=58 health professionals and used a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. Findings: The evaluation provided evidence on the feasibility and acceptance of the intervention. The results indicated good treatment integrity and both patients and clinicians evaluated the intervention as positive in terms of promoting a patient-centered treatment. However, in-depth review of the implementation process also revealed significant barriers to implementation. Discussion: Corresponding to a current emphasis in health psychology, the intervention implements a strong patient-oriented approach. As the results also indicate potential for further development (e.g. consideration of implementation barriers), refining the intervention is still an objective for future research.