Self-regulation as rehabilitation outcome: what is important according to former patients?

<p>Self-regulation refers to self-management and self-control, with or without disability. Outcomes of rehabilitation with respect to self-regulation are unclear. This study aims to identify elements of self-regulation that former patients consider important in the context of medical rehabilitation.</p> <p>Qualitative exploration based on focus group discussions (FGDs). Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis as well as open coding. Forty individuals participated in seven diagnosis-related FGDs.</p> <p>Six subthemes were raised in the FGDs which could be merged into three main themes. Two main themes are conditional for regaining self-regulation: 1) having insight into one’s condition and abilities (i.e., insight into impairments. consequences of impairments. abilities); 2) to know how to cope with the consequences of the condition (be able to communicate limitations; have to trust in body and functioning). The subject of the last theme 3) is how to apply self-regulation in one’s own life (to make use of abilities and optimize functioning).</p> <p>Three main themes of self-regulation in the context of medical rehabilitation were identified by former patients, partly relating to the ability to self-regulate and partly to the execution of self-regulation. This knowledge can be used to define specific rehabilitation goals and further develop rehabilitation outcome measurement.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION</p><p>Awareness of the fundamental subthemes of self-regulation in rehabilitation will positively contribute to theory building and improve clinical practice (e.g., goal setting).</p><p>Paying explicit attention to the six subthemes as standard elements of rehabilitation will help to provide a comprehensive view concerning self-regulation.</p><p>The conceptual model of self-regulation, based on patient perspectives, can contribute to the measurement of rehabilitation outcomes.</p><p></p> <p>Awareness of the fundamental subthemes of self-regulation in rehabilitation will positively contribute to theory building and improve clinical practice (e.g., goal setting).</p> <p>Paying explicit attention to the six subthemes as standard elements of rehabilitation will help to provide a comprehensive view concerning self-regulation.</p> <p>The conceptual model of self-regulation, based on patient perspectives, can contribute to the measurement of rehabilitation outcomes.</p>