Factors Influencing Attendees' Engagement with Group Psychoeducation: A Multi-stakeholder Perspective

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Psychosocial Interventions
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Group psychoeducation is a vital intervention in mental health care.
• Limited research exists on multi-site, multi-stakeholder perspectives of engagement in these programs.
• Understanding engagement barriers and enablers is crucial for program effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors influencing service user and family engagement in group psychoeducation programs.
• To identify enablers and barriers to engagement from a multi-stakeholder viewpoint.
• To inform strategies for improving engagement in mental health interventions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study design.
• Individual and focus group interviews with 75 key stakeholders across 14 mental health sites.
• Data analysis to identify participant, provider, program, and organizational level factors.

Main Results:

• Enhanced engagement linked to motivated participants, engaged clinicians, peer co-facilitation, and skilled facilitators.
• Barriers included participant readiness, stigma, confidentiality concerns, lack of family support, group discomfort, program logistics (time, transport), and organizational support.
• Engagement is multifaceted, influenced by various interconnected factors.

Conclusions:

• Engagement strategies must be multipronged, addressing individual, provider, program, and organizational levels.
• Organizations should assess readiness, conduct needs assessments, and support facilitators.
• Improving engagement requires a holistic approach to maximize participation and program benefits.