Psychosocial group therapy interventions for patients with physical disabilities: a scoping review of implementation considerations

Steinberg, R. et al. (2023) Psychosocial group therapy interventions for patients with physical disabilities: a scoping review of implementation considerations. Rehabilitation Psychology, 68(3), pp. 235-260. (doi: 10.1037/rep0000491) (PMID:37079820)

Abstract

Objective: Group therapy is an intervention that that has been well-studied in patients with medical illness and shown to optimize patients' wellbeing and mental health resource utilization. However, its implementation and effectiveness have not been adequately studied in those with physical disabilities. This review addresses current gaps by synthesizing the literature to examine implementation considerations in the use of psychosocial group therapy for anxiety and depression in individuals with physical disabilities. Method: This review adhered to Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist. Studies were identified through MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCINFO, and CINAHL. Included studies were qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research on participants with a physical disability, and undergoing psychosocial group therapy to address anxiety/depression. Results: Fifty-five studies were included in the review. The most common physical disabilities were multiple sclerosis (n = 31) and Parkinson's disease (n = 13). Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was the most commonly used intervention, facilitated by individuals with formal mental health training. A majority of therapy sessions included cohorts of up to 10 patients, and occurred weekly. Almost half of the studies (n = 27) reported high adherence rates (80%-99%), and a large proportion found group therapy led to improvements in their samples on a range of outcomes. Conclusion: Group therapies to address anxiety and depression are diverse, widely used, effective, and well-adhered to. This review may help practitioners develop, implement, and evaluate group programming for individuals with physical disabilities to address anxiety and depression.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The scoping review was supported by funding from an AFP Innovation Grant and CIHR
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Simpson, Dr Robert

Creator Roles

Simpson, R.: Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Steinberg, R., Posa, S., Pattni, N., Wasilewski, M.B., Robinson, L.R., Jankey, S., Simpson, R., Mayo, A.L., MacKay, C., Dilkas, S., and Hitzig, S.L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
• Journal Name: Rehabilitation Psychology
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• ISSN: 0090-5550
• ISSN (Online): 1939-1544
• Published Online: 20 April 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 American Psychological Association
• First Published: First published in Rehabilitation Psychology 68(3):235-260
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy