«It's astonishing what you can tolerate when you know what it is» – A study of participants’ experience regarding patient education as a contribution to self-care for long-term shoulder problems

Background: Non-surgical treatments have proven to be just as effective for long-term shoulder problems as surgical interventions. Despite this, surgeries still constitute a significant portion of the treatment options. “Skulderskolen” (shoulder school) is a newly established, interdisciplinary teaching program for patients with long-term shoulder problems. There is a need to study how patient education is perceived as a contribution to self-care within this patient group. Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews with one to two participants per session, for a total of eight participants. Systematic text condensation was used to analyze the data. Findings: The analyses identified three main findings: 1) Knowledge provides confidence, 2) Awareness and behavioural change strengthens the ability to execute and 3) Group-based patient education is a resource. The teaching program contributed to reduced fear avoidance and gave participants a sense of proficiency despite the pain. This was uplifting and strengthened their self-efficacy and self-care. Participants had varying levels of competence and needs, and they expressed a desire for more practical and individual guidance, as well as follow-up after the education. Conclusion: Participants at Skulderskolen experienced the patient education as a relevant positive contribution to their self-care for long-term shoulder problems. Skulderskolen increased self-efficacy and helped participants live better with their shoulder problems. A more individualized approach and further follow-up may enhance the beneficial effects of patient education and strengthen Skulderskolen’s contribution to the participants’ self-care.