Patient’s Experience of the Outcomes of Engaging in a Broadly Applicable Health Promotion Intervention for Individuals Facing Chronic Illness

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the health-related outcomes of a new health promotion intervention designed to be broadly applicable among people diagnosed with chronic illness. Qualitative process analysis was applied and a purposeful sample of 52 patients, representing a variety of long-term conditions, was invited to participate in the pilot-implementation and evaluation of the program. Participants attended individually or in groups in seven sessions held over a six-month period. A lay-based conceptual framework that revealed the bodily knowledge of patients with chronic illness as a resource for health was used as the frame for the program content and interdisciplinary health professionals who had undergone 80 hours of training led the program. The pedagogical approaches were varied in order to engage patients in health promotion work. In-depth evaluation interviews took place soon after program completion and data were analyzed in-depth by means of content analysis in order to identify patterns of health-related themes and the program’s possible active ingredients. The intervention was implemented successfully across clinical sites and diagnostic categories. Participants reported improved ability to manage illness-related problems and greater awareness and utilization of personal resources for health after they had participated in the program. They were able to think more positively about their own capabilities, gained greater understanding of factors that made their health condition better or worse, and became more active. Participants identified empowerment and social participation as important outcomes of engaging in the new program.