Keywords: Chronic disease; self efficacy; adaptation; primary care

Aim:

Chronic diseases require long-term management and are influenced by medical, psychological and social factors. The need for time-efficient and patient-centered care has increased the importance of structured interview techniques. The BATHE technique enables rapid assessment of patients’ psychosocial needs. This study aimed to evaluate its effect on self efficacy and disease adaptation in individuals with chronic diseases.

Method:

This study was conducted at the Family Medicine outpatient clinics of Haydarpaşa Numune Research and Training Hospital. A total of 96 individuals aged between 30–70 with at least one chronic disease were enrolled. 88 participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis (intervention, n=44; control, n=44). Participants were allocated to intervention and control groups using systematic allocation. The intervention group received three sessions of the BATHE technique, while the control group received routine follow-up care. In this study the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale and Adaptation to Chronic Illness Scale were used. The
Turkish validity and reliability of the scales have been established. These scales were administered to both groups at baseline and one month after the intervention. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05.

Results:

In the study, self efficacy scores increased significantly in the intervention group (p<0.001), while no significant change was observed in the control group. A significant group × time interaction (p=0.001) indicated that the change in self efficacy scores over time differed between the intervention and control groups. Significant improvements were observed over time in all subcomponents of the Adaptation to Chronic Illness Scale (physical, social, and psychological) and in the total score in the intervention group (p<0.01).

Conclusions:

The BATHE interview technique may improve patients’ adaptation and perceived control over their illness. The technique can be used to support patient-centered care in primary care. Further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term effects.