Article

PURPOSE: To explore how patients experience the process and personal impact of
deriving outcomes from a rheumatological rehabilitation program. METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 patients with inflammatory
rheumatic diseases approximately 2 months after a 4-week hospital based
multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. A thematic analysis was applied.
RESULTS: Overarching themes were increased dignity and self-respect. Initial
uncertainty regarding illness management was exchanged with confident coping and
of becoming an active agent in ones own life. Strategies and coping tools tried
out during the rehabilitation stay, do by their experienced effect become primary
sources of gained insight into illness and symptom manifestation. Both elements
give a sense of control and influence self-confidence and motivation to engage in
self-management. The process from gained insight and experienced effect of coping
tools, to active self management, is however, not automatic. Psychological
factors play a key role, and there is a need to take individual psychological
themes into account and tailor interventions accordingly. CONCLUSIONS:
Specialized multidisciplinary rehabilitation is an ongoing active process, in
which psychological factors play a key role and must be accounted for. Well
targeted rehabilitation has the potential to create outcomes of major personal
impact.

Langue : ANGLAIS