Factors influencing the performance in self-management from the perspectives of patients with bipolar disorder

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:
im 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 Mémoire. 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.