title: Development of a self-management program for employees with complaints of the arm, neck, and/or shoulder: an intervention mapping approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a self-management program with an additional eHealth module, using the six steps of the intervention mapping (IM) protocol, to help employees with complaints of the arm, neck, and/or shoulder (CANS) cope with their problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  In Step 1 of the IM protocol, a needs assessment was performed consisting of a review of the Dutch multidisciplinary guidelines on CANS, and of focus group sessions with employees with CANS (n=15) and with relevant experts (n=17). After the needs assessment, the objectives of the intervention and the determinants of self-management at work were formulated (Step 2). Furthermore, theory-based intervention methods and practical strategies were selected (Step 3), and an intervention program (including the eHealth module) was developed (Step 4). Finally, plans for implementation and evaluation of the program were developed (Steps 5 and 6).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Step 1 of the IM protocol revealed that employees with CANS should be stimulated to search for information about the cause of their complaints, about how to deal with their complaints, and in which manner they can influence their complaints themselves. In Step 2, the overall goal of the intervention was defined as "self-management behavior at work" with the aim to alleviate the perceived disability of the participants. Step 3 described how the intervention methods were translated into practical strategies, and goal setting was introduced as an important method for increasing self-efficacy. The product of Step 4 was the final program plan, consisting of 6-weekly group sessions of 2.5 hours each and an eHealth module. In Step 5, a recruitment plan and course materials were developed, a steering committee was set up, trainers were recruited, and the final program was tested. In Step 6, an evaluation plan was developed, which consists of a randomized controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up period and a qualitative evaluation (interviews) with some of the participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study resulted in a theory- and practice-based self-management program, based on behavioral change theories, guideline-related evidence, and practice-based knowledge that fits the needs of employees with CANS.
authors.affiliation: Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, the Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Nijmegen, the Netherlands ; Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen (HAN) University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation and Health, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hutting
authors.affiliation: Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen (HAN) University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation and Health, Nijmegen, the Netherlands ; HAN University of Applied Sciences, Department HAN Seneca, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sarah I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Detaille
authors.affiliation: Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen (HAN) University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation and Health, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Josephine A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Engels
authors.affiliation: Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen (HAN) University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Occupation and Health, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Yvonne F
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Heerkens
authors.affiliation: Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, the Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Nijmegen, the Netherlands ; HAN University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Research Group Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: J Bart
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Staal
authors.affiliation: Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, the Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Maria Wg
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Nijhuis-van der Sanden
keywords: CANS; WRUED; behavioral change theory; intervention development; perceived disability; work-related upper extremity disorders