https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4199-6302
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ABSTRACT
A healthy lifestyle should be recommended to all patients with inflammatory arthritis due to the increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Healthcare professionals (HPs) are essential in supporting patients to achieve healthy lifestyle habits and are expected to follow international and national lifestyle management guidelines. Despite this, few studies have studied HPs’ perceptions of working on lifestyle management.
Aim
To explore HPs’ perceptions of working on lifestyle management for patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods
In this qualitative study, individual interviews were conducted with 20 HPs. Qualitative content analysis was used, and three categories and six subcategories were identified.
Results
HPs’ perceptions of working on lifestyle management for patients with early RA revealed a need for commitment from different levels. This included commitment from healthcare managers and organizations prioritizing work on lifestyle management and providing competence development for HPs. Commitment within the team regarding coordination of interdisciplinary teamwork and development of a structured lifestyle management approach, and commitment to involving patients in lifestyle management, by facilitating patient engagement and a person-centred approach.
Conclusions
HPs’ perceptions of working on lifestyle management for patients with early RA revealed that commitment from healthcare managers, organizations, and the interdisciplinary team was essential to facilitate collaboration, patient involvement, and a person-centred approach.
Acknowledgments
We thank the participants for generously sharing their perceptions.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Correction Statement
This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Klara Drake Af Hagelsrum
Klara Drake af Hagelsrum (KDaH) is a Registered Nurse with a Master’s degree in Health and Lifestyle. She is at the beginning of her academic career in the health and lifestyle research field with a particular interest in physical activity and lifestyle behaviours.
Elisabeth Mogard
Elisabeth Mogard (EM) is a Physiotherapist and PhD, specialized in rheumatology. Her research focuses on patients with inflammatory arthritis and rehabilitation, with a special interest in physical activity, lifestyle behaviours, chronic pain, and fatigue. She has performed observational studies and participated in intervention studies.
Ann Bremander
Ann Bremander (AB) is a Physiotherapist and Professor. Her research focuses on rehabilitation, where physical activity and lifestyle are of special interest. She has performed observational studies as well as intervention studies, including the general population, adolescents, and people with chronic diseases.
Elisabet Lindqvist
Elisabet Lindqvist (EL) is a Medical Doctor and Associate professor in Rheumatology. Her research focuses on early Rheumatoid arthritis, Spondyloarthritis and rehabilitation, where functioning, pain and quality of life are of special interest. She has performed observational studies and participated in clinical trials.
Ingrid Larsson
Ingrid Larsson (IL) is a Registered Nurse, PhD, and Associate professor in Nursing. Her research focuses on person-centred care and patient participation within the field of health and lifestyle. She has performed qualitative studies as well as intervention studies, including children, adolescents, and adults, with chronic physical and mental health conditions.