In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers (HCPs) have faced unprecedented moral and ethical challenges, leading to increased psychological harm. The research article "Companions in the Abyss: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study of an Online Therapy Group for Healthcare Providers Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic" offers valuable insights into addressing these issues through online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group interventions. This blog explores how practitioners can improve their skills by implementing these research outcomes or conducting further studies.
Key Findings and Their Implications
The study focused on the feasibility and acceptability of an online ACT-based group therapy intervention for HCPs experiencing moral injury (MI). Eight participants, including registered nurses and respiratory therapists, completed seven 90-minute online sessions. The sessions included ACT and MI psychoeducation and experiential exercises. The results indicated high feasibility and acceptability, with 80% of participants completing 71% of the intervention.
Feasibility and Acceptability
The study found that the online format was highly feasible and acceptable for participants. Key factors contributing to this included:
- Convenience: The online format allowed participants to attend sessions from home, making it easier to fit into their schedules.
- Comfort: Participants felt more comfortable in their own environments, which increased their willingness to engage in the therapy.
- Group Support: The group format provided validation and support, helping participants realize they were not alone in their experiences.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Practitioners can leverage these findings to improve their skills and outcomes in several ways:
- Implement Online Group Therapy: Given the high feasibility and acceptability, practitioners should consider offering online group therapy sessions. This format not only increases accessibility but also provides a supportive environment for participants.
- Focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT's emphasis on mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based behavior change makes it particularly effective for addressing moral injury. Practitioners should integrate ACT principles into their therapeutic approaches.
- Provide Psychoeducation and Experiential Exercises: Combining psychoeducation with experiential exercises helps participants better understand and manage their moral pain. Practitioners should ensure that their sessions include both elements.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides promising results, further research is needed to validate and expand upon these findings. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct additional studies focusing on:
- The long-term effects of online ACT group therapy on moral injury.
- The applicability of these interventions to other healthcare professions and settings.
- Comparative studies between online and in-person group therapy formats.
By implementing these research outcomes and contributing to further studies, practitioners can significantly improve the mental health and well-being of healthcare providers, ultimately enhancing the quality of care they provide.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Companions in the Abyss: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study of an Online Therapy Group for Healthcare Providers Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
