It's the activity that counts: what clients value in psycho-educational groups

This qualitative pilot research study provides client-centred outcomes by evaluating psycho-educational groups from the clients'perspective.

This study was designed to determine what clients value in three psycho-educational groups offered in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting.

Interviews lasting 30 to 60 minutes relating to the 8 participants group experiences were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A constant comparative approach was used to analyze data allowing for both expected and emergent themes to be integrated into later interviews.

Identified themes were group structure, readiness to attend groups and process information, and group milieu. Participants valued voluntary attendance and supportive milieu of groups. Insertion of relevant activity into groups to promote interaction, learning and information retention was also valued.

Occupational therapists offering mental health groups should consider a number of factors. These include the importance of transitioning clients from activity groups to psycho-educational groups, as well as the value clients place in determining their readiness to attend a group and having a supportive milieu with limits to emotional disclosure.