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Videoconference-delivered group acceptance commitment therapy for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: facilitators

Natalie Simon^1,2, Evie Cunningham^1,3, Victoria Samuel^1,3

¹Perinatal Community Mental Health Service, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK.

Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology

|February 22, 2023

Abstract

Objectives:

To examine, in depth, the perspectives of facilitators of a videoconference-delivered group Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention for perinatal women with moderate-severe mood and/or anxiety disorders.

Design:

Qualitative study.

Methods:

Thematic analysis was used to analyse semi-structured interviews with seven facilitators and post-session reflections with six facilitators.

Results:

Four themes were generated. First, there are barriers to accessing psychological therapies during the perinatal period and improvements are required. Second, COVID-19 has accelerated the provision of remote therapies, including videoconference-delivered group therapy, enabling a continuity of service, and facilitating diversification of treatment access and choice. Third, there are benefits of videoconference-delivered group ACT in the perinatal period, with reservations. Attending a group via videoconference is perceived to be less exposing, and offers normalisation, social support, empowerment, and flexibility. Facilitators also shared reservations including whether service users would prioritise videoconference-delivered group therapy, concerns about limited non-verbal cues and the therapeutic alliance, reporting a lack of an evidence base, and technology challenges when working online. Finally, facilitators offered recommendations for videoconference-delivered group therapy best practice in the perinatal period, including the provision of equipment and data, contracts for attendance and suggestions to maximise engagement and group cohesion.

Conclusions:

This study raises important considerations regarding the use of videoconference-delivered group ACT in the perinatal context. There are opportunities afforded by videoconference-delivered group therapies, which is important and timely given the increased drive towards improving access to perinatal services and psychological therapies, and the need for 'COVID-proof' therapies. Recommendations for best practice are offered.

Keywords:

Perinatal mental health acceptance commitment therapy facilitators’ views group therapies online-delivered remote therapy

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