Marco D Boonstra1, Sijmen A Reijneveld2, Ralf Westerhuis3, Janne M Tullius2, Johanna P M Vervoort2, Gerjan Navis3, Andrea F de Winter2. 1. University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: m.d.boonstra@umcg.nl. 2. University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands. 3. University Medical Centre Groningen, Department of Nephrology, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Limited health literacy (LHL) is associated with faster kidney deterioration. Health care professionals (HCPs) promote self-management to maintain kidney function, which is difficult for patients with LHL. Evidence lacks on perceived barriers and best strategies to optimize their self-management. Our study aims to explore experiences with and barriers for self-management from the perspectives of LHL patients and HCPs to identify strategies to optimize self-management. METHODS: We performed a longitudinal qualitative study with semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions among CKD patients and LHL (n = 24) and HCPs (n = 37) from general practices and hospitals. RESULTS: Four themes arose among patients: (1) CKD elusiveness, (2) suboptimal intake of knowledge (3) not taking a front-seat role, and (4) maintaining change. Among HCPs, three themes emerged: (1) not recognizing HL problems, (2) lacking effective strategies, and (3) health care barriers. CONCLUSION: We suggest three routes to optimize self-management: providing earlier information, applying person-centered strategies to maintain changes, and improving competencies of HCPs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: HCPs need to explain CKD self-management better to prevent kidney deterioration. New interventions, based on behavioral approaches, are needed to optimize self-management. HCPs need training to improve recognition and support of LHL patients.
OBJECTIVES: Limited health literacy (LHL) is associated with faster kidney deterioration. Health care professionals (HCPs) promote self-management to maintain kidney function, which is difficult for patients with LHL. Evidence lacks on perceived barriers and best strategies to optimize their self-management. Our study aims to explore experiences with and barriers for self-management from the perspectives of LHL patients and HCPs to identify strategies to optimize self-management. METHODS: We performed a longitudinal qualitative study with semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions among CKD patients and LHL (n = 24) and HCPs (n = 37) from general practices and hospitals. RESULTS: Four themes arose among patients: (1) CKD elusiveness, (2) suboptimal intake of knowledge (3) not taking a front-seat role, and (4) maintaining change. Among HCPs, three themes emerged: (1) not recognizing HL problems, (2) lacking effective strategies, and (3) health care barriers. CONCLUSION: We suggest three routes to optimize self-management: providing earlier information, applying person-centered strategies to maintain changes, and improving competencies of HCPs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: HCPs need to explain CKD self-management better to prevent kidney deterioration. New interventions, based on behavioral approaches, are needed to optimize self-management. HCPs need training to improve recognition and support of LHL patients.
Authors: Elizabeth C Lorenz; Tanya M Petterson; Carrie A Schinstock; Bradley K Johnson; Aleksandra Kukla; Walter K Kremers; William Sanchez; Kathleen J Yost Journal: Transplant Direct Date: 2022-09-15
Authors: Marco D Boonstra; Sijmen A Reijneveld; Gerjan Navis; Ralf Westerhuis; Andrea F de Winter Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-18 Impact factor: 3.390