Table 1 Content of the person-centred, recovery-oriented programme for patients with fibromyalgia
Recovery modules | Themes addressed | Examples of exercises to facilitate awareness and acting on own experiences during the course |
|---|---|---|
Day 1 Opening and introductory information | Physician and physiotherapist: FM and plausible causes, pathogenesis and treatments Significance of physical activity | Plenary group discussions: Lectures by health professionals and one lecture by a user representative set the route for discussions among the participants, the health professionals and the whole group and afterwards in groups of 2–3 patients Individual exercises and a written diary: Develop an awareness of own life situation by writing down own reflections on issues brought up during the day. For example; ‘life stress is for me …’ Describe three priorities you will work on further. Develop an awareness of daily life habits and routines by mapping activities during a day, thereafter, describe what tasks you must do, want to do, do not like or need to do Develop an awareness about energy consumption by recognizing what drains or increases energy in daily life Develop an awareness about preferred self; who am I, what values are important to me, who do I want to be Develop awareness of own progression by writing down discoveries and reflections at the end of each course day Discussions with 1–2 peers: Share with peers challenges identified through individual exercises and listen to their reflections about it for example during ‘walk and talk’ Practising various forms of physical activities guided by the physiotherapist such as: Various outdoor activities, for example Nordic Walking with sticks Activities in warm water pool Relaxation techniques Medical yoga Restoring exercises during a day |
Day 2 Stress and illness | Physician: Medical understanding of FM and pharmacological treatments Psychologist and occupational therapist: What is stress and what does it do? Accumulation of stress during a day, identify and prioritize activities | |
Day 3 Energy | Psychologist: Why is sleep important, how does sleep relate to stress, and how can sleep disturbances be managed? Nutritionist: The role of diet and eating routines for energy | |
Day 4 Identity, life values and communication | Social worker and psychologist: How can identity, social roles, relationships to others, and own values be maintained despite changed prerequisites? | |
Day 5 Work and health | Occupational therapist and social worker: Ergonomics and practical adjustments Economical rights and support, duties and possibilities | |
Day 6 Body awareness | Physician and physiotherapist: Intelligent body – what does the body try to tell? Psychologist: Symptoms as a resource for acting on own experiences Cognitive functioning and management | |
Day 7 Being in recovery | Programme leaders: Turning points and recognizing progress Setting and revising attainable goals | |
Day 8 Way ahead | Social worker and programme leaders: To keep focus and motivation Finding supporters |