Supporting recovery in persons with stress-related disorders: A reflective life world research study of health care professionals in primary health care in Sweden

PURPOSE: The study aimed to describe primary health care professionals lived experiences of supporting recovery in persons with stress-related disorders. METHODS: This study was based on a phenomenological approach known as reflective lifeworld research (RLR). Seventeen health care professionals working in primary health care were included in the study. Lifeworld interviews were conducted to collect data. The data were analysed in accordance with the phenomenological RLR principles of openness, flexibility and bridling. RESULTS: Health care professionals experienced supporting recovery as a complex process with a need for a tailored approach, regardless of profession. In an alliance, the health care professionals encounter the persons where they are based on their own narratives about their life situation. In an interpersonal platform, the health care professionals use a lingering and flexible approach. Support is provided by encouraging existential reflection and learning as well as guiding the person to consider their own needs. This supports the person’s quest for a sustainable recovery process in his/her life situation. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that supporting recovery requires a genuinely person-centred care in which elements of existential care are crucial. Primary health care for persons with stress-related disorders could benefit from the development of additional research and models for such an approach.