Rehabilitation for patients with rheumatic diseases: Patient experiences of a structured goal planning and tailored follow-up programme

Objective To explore the significance of the content of rehabilitation in terms of achieving a personal outcome, and to understand the significance of tailored follow-up interventions for individual efforts to prolong health behaviour change after rehabilitation. Design Semi-structured interviews with patients who had received an extended rehabilitation programme. All interviews were transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was applied. Subjects A purposeful sample of 18 patients with rheumatic diseases who had attended specialized multidisciplinary rehabilitation with an extended programme consisting of a self-help booklet, structured goal-setting talks and tailored follow-up calls based on motivational interviewing. Results Four overarching and interrelated themes were identified. Experienced Person-centred interventions represented a basis for the patients' motivation and personal outcomes. Confident self-management describes a new confident approach to exercise and illness management after rehabilitation with person-centred interventions. For many, this included reaching a different mindset, a change of illness perception. Continuity of the personal outcomes describes the importance of follow-up telephone calls to maintain the focus on goals and continued efforts. Building on established relationships and practising person-centred communication were essential. Conclusion Tailoring of communication and rehabilitation interventions may be a premise for enhancing health behaviour, including a beneficial illness perception. Structured goal setting and follow-up telephone calls using motivational interviewing enhance motivation and may contribute to prolonged goal attainment.