Article

Physical activity levels in people with rheumatoid arthritis are
lower than what are recommended for a healthful lifestyle. To support physical
activity, health care professionals may use behavioral change techniques based on
a biopsychosocial perspective. Investigating the implementation process may be
relevant for understanding how these techniques translate to practice.
OBJECTIVES: The study objective was to explore the experiences of physical
therapists using behavioral change techniques to coach people with rheumatoid
arthritis to health-enhancing physical activity in a 2-year trial, the Physical
Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis 2010 study. DESIGN: This was an exploratory
study with qualitative content analysis. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were
conducted with all 12 physical therapists in the study. They were asked about
their experiences with an educational program and with their delivery of a
health-enhancing physical activity intervention. Codes, subcategories,
categories, and an overarching theme were derived from the transcribed interviews
by use of qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The overarching theme (from
clinical expert to guide) was based on 3 main categories: challenges in the
coaching role, growing into the coaching role, and coach education and support.
Early in the process, the physical therapists encountered challenges that needed
to be addressed for a smoother transition into their coaching role. Assisted by
education and support, they gradually adopted practices that facilitated their
use of behavioral change techniques and promoted growth into the role of coach.
CONCLUSIONS: Adapting to a new role is a challenging process for health care
professionals; it requires relevant education and support. The experiences
identified in the present study may inform future educational programs targeting
the skills of health care professionals in promoting various health-related
behaviors.

Langue : ANGLAIS