K C Ringsberg1, M Lepp, B Finnström. 1. Department of Health and Environment, Division for Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Eighteen patients with asthma-like symptoms but negative asthma tests, randomly selected, participated in a problem-based learning health education programme. The programme had a multidisciplinary approach and included exercises inspired by cognitive behavioural therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe how the patients experienced the programme. METHODS: After termination of the programme, semi-structured interviews with a phenomenographic approach were conducted with 15 of the participants. RESULTS: Two categories emerged, with three sub-categories each. In these, the informants described how they felt solidarity with the group, received confirmation from the other participants and had increased their self-confidence. They had started to look upon themselves and the disorder from a different perspective, they could describe the disorder in words and they had started to use new, conscious coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with asthma-like symptoms benefit from taking part in a problem-based learning health education programme. It helps them to reflect upon themselves and the disorder and to use new strategies to cope with it.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Eighteen patients with asthma-like symptoms but negative asthma tests, randomly selected, participated in a problem-based learning health education programme. The programme had a multidisciplinary approach and included exercises inspired by cognitive behavioural therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe how the patients experienced the programme. METHODS: After termination of the programme, semi-structured interviews with a phenomenographic approach were conducted with 15 of the participants. RESULTS: Two categories emerged, with three sub-categories each. In these, the informants described how they felt solidarity with the group, received confirmation from the other participants and had increased their self-confidence. They had started to look upon themselves and the disorder from a different perspective, they could describe the disorder in words and they had started to use new, conscious coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS:Patients with asthma-like symptoms benefit from taking part in a problem-based learning health education programme. It helps them to reflect upon themselves and the disorder and to use new strategies to cope with it.