According to the article by Patterson, Fleming, Doig, and Griffin (2017), there are several benefits of using group-based interventions in health care. One benefit is the cost effectiveness. It is also helpful to maximize intensity of rehabilitation for populations such as individuals with a traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this article is to examine the use of group-based occupational therapy interventions in brain injury rehabilitation at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Queensland, Australia. There are four different group offered at The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU): meal preparation, community access, upper limb group, and cognitive rehabilitation group. The groups can typically accommodate 3-4 participants, and the therapist to client ratio is 1:4. The hospital set four principles that are used to create groups for individuals in brain injury rehabilitation. To sum up these principles, the program should focus on peer support, adaptations for cognitive and behavioral changes, individualized goals, and a structured process. I find that these principles are congruent with group process in other areas of occupational therapy.
To evaluate the efficacy of the group program, a questionnaire was given to eligible clients (n = 35) who participated in the group sessions. The majority of participants responded positively about the group sessions. While most of the participants enjoy the group programs, some reported negative experiences. Some said the sessions were not specific to their needs. This could be due to the group session not being appropriate for all clients. Thus, it seems to be a challenge to find a group that fits well with the client's needs and goals.
I chose this article because it focused on a population that I have little experience with and those clients' perspectives. The article brings up several considerations when facilitating a group program during inpatient rehabilitation. Understanding the clients' perspectives is imperative to the efficacy of the program. It is also important to include family members in group sessions to increase the generalizability of the tasks that are focused on in the session. While cost-effectiveness and intensifying rehabilitation are evidence-based benefits to group programs, the clients' perceptions should be strongly considered when designing a group program.
Reference:
Patterson, F., Fleming, J., Doig, E., & Griffin, J. (2017). Participant evaluation of an inpatient occupational therapy groups programme in brain injury rehabilitation. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal,64(5), 408-418. doi:10.1111/1440-1630.12392
