The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online group therapy, presenting both challenges and opportunities for practitioners. A recent service evaluation titled "Service Evaluation: Patient Engagement With Online Group Psychotherapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic in West of Scotland" offers valuable insights that can help improve your practice. This blog will discuss the key findings and suggest ways to implement these outcomes effectively.
Understanding the Research
The study compared attendance and satisfaction rates between face-to-face and online group psychotherapy sessions conducted by the North Lanarkshire Psychotherapy Service. The evaluation spanned two distinct periods: November 2018 to January 2019 for face-to-face sessions and November 2021 to January 2022 for online sessions.
- Attendance Rate: The online groups had a slightly higher attendance rate (81%) compared to face-to-face groups (76%).
- Non-Attendance Rate: The non-attendance rate was marginally lower in online groups (8%) compared to face-to-face groups (9%).
- Cancellation Rate: Online groups experienced a lower cancellation rate (9%) compared to face-to-face groups (14%).
Patient satisfaction was also assessed using Client Satisfaction Questionnaires (CSQ-4). The findings revealed that:
- 57% of patients felt that most of their needs were met by online services.
- 71% believed the services helped with their problems somewhat.
- 71% indicated they would return to the program.
- 66% were mostly satisfied with the services received.
Positive aspects highlighted by patients included "communication, understanding, and sense of community." However, a significant number of respondents (71%) expressed a preference for returning to face-to-face therapy, citing the need for personal interaction.
Implementing Research Outcomes
Based on these findings, here are some strategies to enhance your online group therapy sessions:
1. Enhance Communication
Effective communication is crucial in online settings. Utilize various tools such as chat functions, breakout rooms, and interactive polls to keep participants engaged. Ensure that your communication is clear and concise to avoid misunderstandings.
2. Foster a Sense of Community
Creating a sense of community can significantly impact patient satisfaction. Encourage group activities that promote interaction and bonding among participants. Use ice-breakers, group discussions, and collaborative tasks to build a supportive environment.
3. Address the Need for Personal Interaction
While online therapy has its advantages, many patients miss the personal interaction of face-to-face sessions. Consider hybrid models that combine online and in-person meetings. Alternatively, offer occasional face-to-face sessions to meet this need.
4. Monitor and Evaluate Continuously
Regularly assess the effectiveness of your online sessions through feedback forms and attendance records. Use this data to make necessary adjustments and improvements. Stay updated with the latest research and best practices in online therapy.
5. Train and Support Your Staff
Ensure that your team is well-trained in using online platforms and tools. Provide continuous professional development opportunities to help them adapt to the evolving landscape of online therapy. Support your staff by addressing any challenges they face in delivering online sessions.
Encouraging Further Research
While the current study provides valuable insights, further research is essential to draw more robust conclusions. As a practitioner, you can contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting your own evaluations and sharing your findings with the community.
Encourage your peers to engage in research and stay informed about the latest developments in online therapy. Networking through conferences, webinars, and professional groups can provide opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Service Evaluation: Patient Engagement With Online Group Psychotherapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic in West of Scotland.
