Mixed methods evaluation of MyLifeTool: Preventive Self-Management Intervention for People with Long-Term Conditions

Introduction Effective self-management may help prevent psychosocial crises and health deterioration among people living with long-term conditions (LTCs). MyLifeTool is a pan-condition, person-centred self-management intervention co-produced with people with LTCs. It supports reflection on a person’s strengths and the physical, psychological and social aspects of living with an LTC.
Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study in partnership with eight people with LTCs working as peer researchers. Thirty participants used MyLifeTool over 12 weeks. Quantitative data was collected at baseline, week six and week twelve through an online questionnaire, measuring a range of psychosocial factors related to LTC self-management. Post-participation, participants answered open-ended survey questions regarding their thoughts, perceptions and experiences of using MyLifeTool and semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants to explore their experiences of using the tool in more detail.
Results: Friedman tests showed significant increases from baseline to week twelve in pacing ability, psychosocial wellbeing, empowerment, self-efficacy for LTC self-management and flourishing, alongside reduced illness-related engulfment. Qualitative data highlighted enhanced reflective practice, acceptance, personal growth and development of positive coping strategies.
Conclusions: MyLifeTool supports people to follow their own self-management journey: seeing them as active in their journey, rather than passive recipients of treatment. It shows promise as a preventive self-management intervention that enhances wellbeing and reduces risk of future psychosocial crises among people with LTCs. Embedding the tool into health care from the point of diagnosis could help improve health outcomes and reduce health inequalities by strengthening self-management capacity and enabling earlier support.