A Review and Synthesis of Research Evidence for Self-Efficacy-Enhancing Interventions for Reducing Chronic Disability: Implications for Health Education Practice (Part I)

Abstract

Disability and poor quality of life attributable to chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease constitute challenging public health problems for American society. In the absence of any effective cure for these conditions, the secondary prevention of complications and improving quality of life and functional capacity through better disease self-management becomes critical and are key objectives of Healthy People 2010. The organizing focus of such disease self-management should be on improving coping, communication, and control by enhancing self-efficacy. Part I of this two-part article describes the common clinical features of chronic diseases and the diverse disease management strategies used for alleviating pain and preventing disability associated with these and reviews the role of self-efficacy as a theoretical framework for successful self-management interventions. Part II identifies and synthesizes the key research evidence for educational interventions designed to enhance individual self-efficacy perceptions and presents implications for practice in patient education.

Identifying and applying psychological theory to setting and achieving rehabilitation goals

“…Bandura argues that, 'unless people believe they can achieve desired effects by their actions, they will have little incentive to act' (28)(pg2). Self efficacy is theorised to exert its influence on health outcomes by improving motivation to set and pursue goals (42) and to increase resilience in the face of set backs during goal pursuit (26).…”

“…Chronic disease self management programmes are a group intervention for people who have a chronic condition (31,42). Goal setting and action planning are key components of the intervention.…”

Psychological resources in spinal cord injury: a systematic literature review

“…42,47,[56][57][58] This is consistent with research in other chronic health conditions, where SE interventions that adopt various strategies such as the use different modes of learning or the involvement of significant others proved to be useful. 136,137 Other studies might have failed to report similar results because of low sample sizes, underpowered analyses or because the interventions were not appropriately targeted (for example, for persons with low self-esteem).…”

Patient satisfaction with a pilot chronic pain management programme in Cape Town, South Africa

“…Difficulty with negotiating time off work could be managed through employer education. Information about the course including expected outcomes of decreased absenteeism and increased productivity (Marks et al, 2005, Lorig et al, 2001, Taylor et al, 2006 to employers may facilitate patients being released from work to attend the CPMP. Alternatively offering a CPMP outside of working hours may facilitate participation by patients as well as family.…”