Patients' experiences of the treatment BeWell™, in a primary care context

Stress-related illnesses are increasing in society, impacting people's abilities and well-being. The treatment for these in Sweden is provided in primary health care, but more treatment methods are needed. The newly developed individual health-promoting treatment 'Photo-supported conversations about well-being' (BeWell™) has shown improvements for this group. Occupational therapists have been positive about its use, but knowledge is also needed about how the patients perceive it.

To describe the participating patients' experiences of the BeWell™ treatment.

A qualitative approach was applied in the study, in which 35 patients (aged 29-62 years) in primary health care who were diagnosed with stress-related illness participated. The interviews focus on the participants' experiences of BeWell™ and were conducted after completing the treatment. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Three categories were identified, expressing the participants' experiences of participating in BeWell™: 'The combination of the core parts gives strength', 'Influences on the experience', and 'Contribution to enhanced everyday life'. Each category encompassed two or three sub-categories.

BeWell™, provided by occupational therapists, was perceived to impact positively on the participants' health, well-being, and everyday life. Combinations of the different components of the treatment generated value beyond that of each part on its own.