A qualitative interview study exploring the psychological health impacts of the SPIN-CHAT program among people with systemic sclerosis at the onset of COVID-19: perceptions of trial participants and research team members

Wurz, Amanda; Duchek, Delaney; Ellis, Kelsey; Bansal, Mannat; Carrier, Marie-Eve; Tao, Lydia; Dyas, Laura; Kwakkenbos, Linda; Levis, Brooke; El-Baalbaki, Ghassan; Rice, Danielle B.; Wu, Yin; Henry, Richard S.; Bustamante, Laura; Harb, Sami; Hebblethwaite, Shannon; Patten, Scott B.; Bartlett, Susan J.; Varga, John; Mouthon, Luc; Markham, Sarah; Thombs, Brett D.; Culos-Reed, S. Nicole

Abstract

Purpose
Explore trial participants’ and research team members’ perceptions of the impact of the videoconference-based, supportive care program (SPIN-CHAT Program) during early COVID-19 for individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods
Data were collected cross-sectionally. A social constructivist paradigm was adopted, and one-on-one videoconference-based, semi-structured interviews were conducted with SPIN-CHAT Trial participants and research team members. A hybrid inductive-deductive approach and reflexive thematic analysis were used.

Results
Of the 40 SPIN-CHAT Trial participants and 28 research team members approached, 30 trial participants (Mean age = 54.9; SD = 13.0 years) and 22 research team members agreed to participate. Those who took part in interviews had similar characteristics to those who declined. Five themes were identified: (1) The SPIN-CHAT Program conferred a range of positive psychological health outcomes, (2) People who don’t have SSc don’t get it: The importance of SSc-specific programming, (3) The group-based format of the SPIN-CHAT Program created a safe space to connect and meet similar others, (4) The structure and schedule of the SPIN-CHAT Program reduced feelings of boredom and contributed to enhanced psychological health, (5) The necessity of knowledge, skills, and tools to self-manage SSc and navigate COVID-19.

Conclusion
Participants’ and research team members’ perspectives elucidated SPIN-CHAT Program benefits and how these benefits may have been realized. Results underscore the importance of social support from similar others, structure, and self-management to enhance psychological health during COVID-19.

Citation

Wurz, A., Duchek, D., Ellis, K., Bansal, M., Carrier, M., Tao, L., …Culos-Reed, S. N. (2024). A qualitative interview study exploring the psychological health impacts of the SPIN-CHAT program among people with systemic sclerosis at the onset of COVID-19: perceptions of trial participants and research team members. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(3), 533-545. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2169775

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 13, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 28, 2023
• Publication Date: Jan 30, 2024
• Deposit Date: Feb 12, 2024
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0963-8288
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 533-545
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2169775
• Keywords: Rehabilitation
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2023.2169775