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Meta-analysis of medical self-help groups
S H Barlow1, G M Burlingame, R S Nebeker
1Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA.
International Journal of Group Psychotherapy
|January 26, 2000
Summary
Self-help groups (SHGs) show promise, with patients improving more in SHGs compared to control groups from pre- to post-treatment. Further research is needed to establish their effectiveness as a medical treatment alternative.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Self-help groups (SHGs) are increasingly recognized but lack empirical research compared to traditional group therapies.
- Medical SHGs, often hospital-promoted, lack a systematic database for effectiveness evaluation.
- The "purist" model of SHGs is challenged by professional involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a preliminary assessment of the effectiveness of medical SHGs.
- To compare the effectiveness of SHGs with traditional group therapies and control conditions.
- To explore future implications for research and clinical use of medical SHGs.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of literature published between 1970 and 1997 was conducted.
- Articles were culled from a comprehensive review of studies on SHGs.
- Patient improvement scores from pre- to post-treatment were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in posttreatment analysis between active and control conditions.
- Pre- to posttreatment scores indicated higher patient improvement in SHGs compared to the control condition.
- Preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of SHGs for patient improvement.
Conclusions:
- SHGs demonstrate potential for patient improvement, particularly when compared to control conditions.
- Further research is warranted to establish the effectiveness of medical SHGs as a viable treatment alternative.
- Systematic databases are needed to draw firm conclusions on the overall effectiveness of SHGs.