Development and validation of INTENSS, a need-supportive training for nurses to support patients' self-management

Background: The growing prevalence of chronic illnesses requires nurses to support self-management and help patients integrate the chronic illness into their life. To our knowledge there are currently no training programs that combine the necessary components to adequately enhance nurses' competencies in self-management support. Objective: The systematic development and validation of a need-supportive training in self-management support for nurses. Design: A three-phased study, according to van Meijel et al. (2004), with collection of building blocks, design, and validation of the need-supportive character of the training. Setting and participants: Eight training groups with 30 nurses, 34 nursing students and nine social healthcare workers from different nursing colleges in Flanders, Belgium. Methods: In phase one a literature review, current practice analysis, and problem and needs analysis were performed. In phase two, the INTENSS training intervention was developed, framed within the Self-Determination Theory and the 5A's-Model. The training consisted of a basic training module and a video-interaction guidance module. The intervention was subsequently tested in eight training groups (N = 73). Participants provided feedback during focus group discussions. The intervention was cyclically adapted to trainees' experiences and suggestions. In phase three, we evaluated the need-supportive character of the training intervention. Results: Phase one indicated the need for training, since nurses' application of self-management support was limited and practiced from a narrow medical point of view. In phase two we developed a theory-driven and multifaceted training, building on attitude, knowledge, skills and reflection in the training. The training was framed within the Self-Determination Theory both at the didactical level as well as on content and format. Overall, participants appreciated the building blocks of the training as supporting their basic needs for autonomy, relatedness and competence. Conclusions: INTENSS, a multifaceted need-supportive training in self-management support was developed, successfully taking into account participants' needs.