SUMMARY
Rationale: Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a life-long mood disorder. Self-management is one of the key aspects of treatment. Adequate performance in self-management is essential as it leads to favourable outcomes, in relation to functioning, quality of life and recovery. However, the performance in self-management is noticed to variate between patients. For many patients it remains a challenging task. Numerous factors impede their performance in self-management. Self-management interventions aimed at increasing performance can be optimised when tailored to these factors. In the follow-up on a study on barriers, further exploration on factors that influence the performance in self-management from perspectives of patients is indicated. The expected insight may be integrated by professionals into treatment, which contributes to a more tailored approach that may benefit the individual patient.
Objective: Aim of the study is to explore which factors influence the performance in self-management from the perspectives of patients with bipolar disorder.
Study design: An explorative generic qualitative design will be used. Data collection is planned from February 2022 to April 2022. Total study duration is until June 2022.
Study population: Study population consists of adult patients with BD, who are currently in outpatient treatment in specialised mental health care in the Netherlands.
Main study parameter, data collection and analysis: Main study parameter concerns the factors influencing the performance in self-management. Data collection is conducted by unstructured, non-standardised interviews with the use of an Aide MĂ©moire. Data analysis is based on the thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke.
Nature and extent of the burden associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Written informed consent will be obtained. Participants will be participating in an interview lasting approximately 60 minutes and in a member check lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Keywords: Bipolar disorder, Self-management, Performance, Patients’ perspectives
