Practice-based evidence for a brief time-intensive multi-modal therapy guided by group-analytic principles and method

Abstract

Group analysts are increasingly being called upon to provide effectiveness evidence, which may be critical to the development of group analysis as a therapeutic intervention in National Health Service provision of psychotherapies. This article describes a practice-based outcomes research initiative conducted in a time-limited group-analytic programme. The research was manageable and informative for profiling patients before therapy, recording benefits during therapy, and measuring outcomes at the end of the programme. Results suggest that the therapeutic programme is effective in terms of yielding decreased symptoms and improved mental health, but longer follow-up is needed to measure benefits in interpersonal functioning. The research was conducted by clinicians in collaboration with academic researchers and demonstrates the benefits of a positive clinician-researcher relationship. Carrying out the research has helped the clinicians to address the national agenda of evidence-based practice and accountability.