title: Preferences and needs of patients with a rheumatic disease regarding the structure and content of online self-management support.
abstract: Aim of this study was to investigate preferences and needs regarding the structure and content of a person-centered online self-management support intervention for patients with a rheumatic disease.
  
  
  
  A four step procedure, consisting of online focus group interviews, consensus meetings with patient representatives, card sorting task and hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify the preferences and needs.
  
  
  
  Preferences concerning the structure involved 1) suitability to individual needs and questions, 2) fit to the life stage 3) creating the opportunity to share experiences, be in contact with others, 4) have an expert patient as trainer, 5) allow for doing the training at one's own pace and 6) offer a brief intervention. Hierarchical cluster analysis of 55 content needs comprised eleven clusters: 1) treatment knowledge, 2) societal procedures, 3) physical activity, 4) psychological distress, 5) self-efficacy, 6) provider, 7) fluctuations, 8) dealing with rheumatic disease, 9) communication, 10) intimate relationship, and 11) having children.
  
  
  
  A comprehensive assessment of preferences and needs in patients with a rheumatic disease is expected to contribute to motivation, adherence to and outcome of self-management-support programs.
  
  
  
  The overview of preferences and needs can be used to build an online-line self-management intervention.
authors: University Medical Center Utrecht, Department Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, HPN D02.244, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: j.ammerlaan@umcutrecht.nl.
authors: Judy W
authors: JW
authors: Ammerlaan
authors: University Medical Hospital Utrecht, Department Dermatology and Allergology, HPN D02.244, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: h.vanosmedendorp@umcutrecht.nl.
authors: Harmieke
authors: H
authors: van Os-Medendorp
authors: Dutch Arthritis Foundation, Unit Volunteer at Dutch Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 59091, 1040 KB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: n.deboer.nijhof@gmail.com.
authors: Nienke
authors: N
authors: de Boer-Nijhof
authors: Dutch Arthritis Foundation, Unit Volunteer at Dutch Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 59091, 1040 KB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: jacobs.maat@hccnet.nl.
authors: Bertha
authors: B
authors: Maat
authors: University Medical Center Utrecht, Department Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, HPN D02.244, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: l.w.scholtus@umcutrecht.nl.
authors: Lieske
authors: L
authors: Scholtus
authors: University Medical Center Utrecht, Department Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, HPN F02.127, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: a.kruize@umcutrecht.nl.
authors: Aike A
authors: AA
authors: Kruize
authors: University Medical Center Utrecht, Department Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, HPN F02.127, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: j.w.j.bijlsma@umcutrecht.nl.
authors: Johannes W J
authors: JW
authors: Bijlsma
authors: Utrecht University, Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 80140, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: R.Geenen@uu.nl.
authors: Rinie
authors: R
authors: Geenen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D057240:Patient Preference; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D000073278:Self-Management; D012944:Social Support
keywords: Content; Needs; Patients; Preferences; Rheumatic diseases; Self-management; Structure