Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To explore how individuals with long covid experienced various aspects of a micro-choice-based rehabilitation programme and if these experiences could facilitate behaviour change. DESIGN: A qualitative study with three focus groups was conducted, in mean 9.8 months after completing the rehabilitation programme. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation. SETTING: The study was conducted in a university setting. PARTICIPANTS: 19 participants (aged 23-55 years, 15 women) were included between Spring 2021 and Autumn 2022. INTERVENTION: The participants in this study had participated in a 3-day concentrated micro-choice-based rehabilitation programme. One of the main features of this intervention was to support participants in shifting their focus from targeting symptoms to choosing alternative actions aimed at improving everyday functioning, referred to as micro-choices. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: (1) reduction in uncertainty achieved through reassurance and motivation; (2) 'in the same boat': sharing experiences and supporting each other; (3) knowledge about the body's stress responses and micro-choices; (4) shifting between individual practice and close collaboration with the therapists; and (5) sustaining behaviour change is challenging. These themes illustrated how participants' experiences with different aspects of the rehabilitation programme facilitated both the initiation and maintenance of behaviour change. The participants highlighted the importance of acknowledging their challenges, reducing fear, sharing experiences with peers, feeling understood and supported, collaborating with a skilled team, receiving personalised guidance and gaining insights through the exploration and implementation of micro-choices. Participants also highlighted that behaviour change is an ongoing process requiring sustained effort. CONCLUSION: The findings showed how participants experienced various aspects of a concentrated micro-choice-based rehabilitation programme as supportive of behaviour change. The findings indicate that a concentrated rehabilitation programme may facilitate self-management and improve everyday function in individuals with long covid. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05234281.