Table 1 Categories and descriptions of self-management interventions and support activities

Face-to-face support group

Any face-to-face support group. This could include peer or professional-led groups and groups that were time-limited or rolling in nature. These groups usually involved sharing of personal information and experiences, sometimes including lectures or question-answer sessions. Groups classified here did not include activities such as physical activity or practising stress management techniques.

Internet information and/or support

Any Internet-based support activity, involving support through forums and discussion boards and/or information, either through boards or searching websites.

Information (including online)

Any use of information, regardless of source.

Psychological

Any intervention or activity with a clear psychological component (e.g. professional counselling) and/or described by the authors as psychological.

Lifestyle

Any intervention or activity that includes components of training and/or education which seek to address behaviour change (e.g. physical activity, diet, medication-taking).

Various

Any combination of activities (e.g. any self-management services; counselling and peer support).