Abstract
Objectives: Recent literature has demonstrated the nature and importance of social networks. This study aimed to understand how support needs of people with long-term conditions change over time and how this influences their ability to self-manage. Methods: A longitudinal qualitative design was used to explore changes in individual’s social networks over a period of year. Thirty participants were recruited and completed initial in-depth face-to-face interviews, telephone follow-ups, and final face-to-face interviews. Results: Findings illuminated that changes in health and changes in social networks can influence each other. The social networks implicated in the management of long-term conditions change over time at critical moments and can range between positive and negative reciprocal influences with self-management. Network changes, such as the breaking or reconnecting of ties influenced the context of health management and the degree of engagement with self-management activities. Discussion: By examining the specific processes of support and resource provision, this study highlights how overtime the variety of relationships and support available implicated in long-term condition management changes. This has implications for the provision of formal support services and the need for a wider range of support to be identified that recognises change in support requirements as self-management strategies evolve.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 119-134 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Chronic illness |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 29 Jun 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2018 |
Keywords
- Social networks
- UK
- long-term condition management
- longitudinal
- qualitative