JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

While self-management programs have had significant improvements for individuals with chronic conditions, less is known about the impact of self-management programs for individuals with physical disabilities who experience chronic conditions. Similarly, there is limited knowledge in how other stakeholders, such as caregivers, health experts, and researchers, view self-management programs in the context of disability, chronic health conditions, and assistive technologies.

Objective:

To obtain insight in to how stakeholders perceive self-management relating to physical disability, chronic conditions, and assistive technologies.

Methods:

Nine focus groups were conducted by two trained facilitators using semi-structured interview guides. Each guide contained questions relating to stakeholders’ experiences, challenges with self-management programs, and perceptions of assistive technologies. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted on the focus group data.

Results:

A total of forty-seven (n=47) individuals participated in the focus groups. Using grounded theory, three main themes emerged from the focus groups which include 1) Perspectives, 2) Needs, and 3) Barriers of stakeholders. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of physical activity, mental health, symptom management, participant-centeredness, and chronic disease and disability education. Participants viewed technology as a beneficial aide to their daily self-management and expressed their desire to have peer-to-peer support in online self-management programs.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that the development of any online self-management program should include mental health education and resources in addition to physical activity content and symptom management. The development of online self-management programs should be holistic in meeting needs of all stakeholders. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05481593