Experience of co-creation of a health plan and support for sustainable physical activity among people with chronic widespread pain: a qualitative interview study in Sweden

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to gain deeper knowledge about how people with chronic widespread pain (CWP) experience the co-creation of a health plan for sustainable physical activity, working in partnership with a physiotherapist, supported by a digital platform. DESIGN: Qualitative semistructured in-depth individual interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis. SETTING: Five primary healthcare centres in western Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: The interviewees comprised 19 individuals with CWP who had previously participated in a person-centred intervention involving co-creation of a health plan and support via a digital platform. The interviews were carried out from late 2019 to spring 2020, 1–6 months after the respondents’ final follow-up. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in an overarching theme; hope for physical activity that actually works, illustrating the experience of taking part in co-creating a reasonable health plan, based on the respondents’ own goals and interests with the potential to actually work. This theme was based on two categories: a plan tailored for me and a frame for participation and accessibility to help fulfil the plan. The digital platform provided a way to participate and an assurance that there was someone there for them if necessary. CONCLUSIONS: The co-creation of a health plan nurtured hope of having developed a manageable plan for physical activity that could lead to improved future health and well-being. Digital support may serve as a valuable complement in order to sustain and adjust the planned physical activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03434899.