Massey, C. orcid.org/0000-0003-2646-2724, Hobson, E., Griffiths, A.W. orcid.org/0000-0001-9388-9168 et al. (2 more authors) (2025) Exploring mechanisms of behavior change for healthcare professionals in cough and secretion management in ALS. Neurodegenerative Disease Management. ISSN 1758-2024
Abstract
Objectives
To explore healthcare professionals’ experiences managing cough and secretion problems in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Methods
A qualitative study was completed with 23 individuals participating in four focus groups. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and COM-B and theoretical domains framework (TDF) behavior change frameworks.
Results
This study found that roles, responsibilities, and expectations needed to be clearly defined and that building relationships was important to support care delivery. Barriers identified included limited access to specialist care, equipment, and opportunities to gain knowledge and skills. A structured clinical assessment was highlighted to enable good-quality care. Data mapped most commonly to the environmental context/resources, knowledge, skills (TDF), and physical capability (COM-B) behavior change domains.
Conclusion
Cough and secretion management in ALS is complex due to the multifaceted nature of the disease. This study emphasizes the need for future development of clinical interventions to support care.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2025 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent. |
Keywords: | Motor neuron disease (MND); amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); cough; sialorrhoea; secretion management; multidisciplinary care |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Medicine and Population Health |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE NIHR301648 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 29 May 2025 07:52 |
Last Modified: | 29 May 2025 07:52 |
Status: | Published online |
Publisher: | Informa UK Limited |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1080/17582024.2025.2506954 |
Sustainable Development Goals: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:227191 |