Assessing staff supported self-management beliefs in a health board using the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

Due to increasing healthcare system demands, coupled with greater promotion of patient-centred care approaches, supported self-management (SSM) models are increasing in popularity. However, one element that may be overlooked in implementing SSM models is staff beliefs towards adopting this approach. Health psychology models may play an important role in healthcare through providing a framework to assess staff beliefs and design interventions accordingly. The present study seeks to use the theory of planned behaviour to assess beliefs towards SSM in staff working with patients' of long-term conditions in a regional Scottish health board. Francis et al.'s (2004) theory of planned behaviour questionnaire development guide will be used to assess staff beliefs towards SSM. An elicitation study has been facilitated, recorded, transcribed, qualitatively coded and inter-rater coding agreements reached by two researchers (NA, GO). The next stage is to use the belief codes (identified by the elicitation study) to generate a questionnaire that will be piloted, amended and disseminated. Responses shall be collated and analysed using multiple regressions. Elicitation study inter-rater coding by two researchers produced 82 codes (7 behavioural, 7 normative and 6 control belief categories). Based on the elicitation study codes, it is predicted that staff will have positive behavioural beliefs towards SSM but low perceived normative and control beliefs. The study aims to provide an implementation science example for how a health psychology model may be used to assess long-term condition healthcare staff beliefs towards SSM in order to bridge the research-practice gap.