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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Katharine Coulthard, Dr Stuart Watson
Background: Group psychoeducation is a cost effective intervention which reduces relapse and improves functioning in bipolar disorder but is rarely implemented. The aim of this study was to identify the acceptability and feasibility of a group psychoeducation programme delivered by community mental health teams (CMHTs) and peer specialist (PS) facilitators. Organisational learning was used to identify and address systematically barriers and enablers, at organisational, health professional and patient levels, to its implementation into a routine service.Methods: A systematic examination of barriers and enablers to a three day training process informed the delivery of a first treatment group and a similar process informed the delivery of the second treatment group. Triangulation of research methods improved its internal validity: direct observation of training, self-rated surveys of participant experiences, group discussion, and thematically analysed individual participant and facilitator interviews were employed.Results: Barriers and enablers were identified at organisational, educational, treatment content, facilitator and patient levels. All barriers under the control of the research team were addressed with subsequent improvements in patient knowledge about the condition and about local service. In addition, self-management, agency and altruism were enhanced. Barriers that could not be addressed required senior clinical and education leadership outside the research team's control. PS and professional facilitators were successfully trained and worked together to deliver groups which were generally reported as being beneficial.Conclusion: Psychoeducation groups involving CMHT and PS facilitators is acceptable and feasible but their sustainment requires senior leadership within and outside the organisation that control finance and education services.
Author(s): Coulthard K, Patel D, Brizzolara C, Morriss R, Watson S
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: BMC Psychiatry
Year: 2013
Volume: 13
Print publication date: 11/03/2013
Date deposited: 02/09/2014
ISSN (electronic): 1471-244X
Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-301
DOI: 10.1186/1471-244X-13-301
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