The purpose of this research was to better understand how people with CM self-manage tasks relating to their medical management, role management, and emotional management as per Lorig and Holman’s self-management framework.
We used a qualitative description study design utilizing individual virtual interviews. Participants were included if they had CM and were ≥ 19 years of age. Data was transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to generate themes in a systematic fashion. Initial themes were sent to participants as part of a member check process.
Thirteen people with CM participated in the study. The first theme, ‘the role of motivation in self-management,’ describes the connections between intrinsic personal motivations, utilizing motivation and discipline in health behavior modification, and how extrinsic life pressures result in fluctuating motivation. The second theme, ‘navigating the new realities of CM - impact and adaptation,’ describes the impact that CM has on people’s life, both tangibly in their work life, activities they do, and how they socialize, as well as participants’ perceptions around these impacts. In the final theme, ‘resilience amidst turmoil - navigating the emotional terrain of CM,’ participants describe their emotions after being diagnosed, through their subsequent recovery and while they continued to adapt and live with CM.
Despite the complexities and challenges of living with CM, participants demonstrated there is strength and adaptability amongst those affected. These narratives reveal the proactive steps individuals take towards holistic self-management by leveraging personal motivations, the ability to adapt, and resiliency. Future studies could explore the effectiveness of a self-management program relevant to the needs of those with CM.
The results of this study can be leveraged to support those with CM. Specifically, clinicians could incorporate education and strategies to build capacity, both of which have been identified as crucial in the effective self-management of multimorbidity. Physiotherapists can play a crucial role in empowering individuals with CM by promoting personalized self-management strategies. Effective healthcare management should utilize a multidisciplinary approach in caring for patients with CM. As such, physiotherapists can collaborate with other clinicians to create comprehensive care plans that address the medical, role and emotional management aspects of self-management, ensuring a more integrated and patient-centered care model.
Self-Management
