Patients' experiences with metaphors in a solution-focused approach to improve self-management skills: a qualitative study.

Aim: To explore how participants taking part in a session based on a solution-focused approach to enhance self-management skills experienced the metaphor "Captain of the ship" used in the educational material.

Methods: A qualitative study with semi-structured focus group interviews with 16 participants in different self-management programmes. The educational material used the metaphor "Captain of the ship". The material had pictures of a turtle who was "Captain of the ship" in different situations. The pictures were accompanied by solution-focused questions.

Results: Most of the participants found the metaphor "Captain of the ship" very helpful. They reported that it was easy to remember, enhanced the learning process, and could be used as a practical tool in everyday situations. Furthermore, the metaphor helped them to become more aware of their own responsibility for self-management.

Conclusions: The metaphor "Captain of the ship" was experienced as strengthening the messages from the solution-focused approach.