Acceptability of a guided self-help mental health intervention in general practice

Abstract

Background: People with subthreshold mental health syndromes are common in general practice and represent an important morbidity and disability burden. Management options are currently limited. We examined the acceptability of a novel ultra-brief guided self-help intervention designed specifically for use in this setting. Objective: To assess clinician and patient satisfaction with an ultra-brief guided self-help intervention to address subthreshold mental health syndromes in the primary care setting. Methods: Consenting patients were given the ultra-brief intervention in a series of three 15- to 30-minute coaching sessions over a 5-week period. Design: survey interview of clinician and patient satisfaction with and acceptability of the intervention. Setting: general practices in Wellington, New Zealand. Main outcome measure: clinician and patient acceptability of the intervention was assessed by survey questionnaire at 3 months. Baseline and follow-up mental health status assessments were undertaken using the Kessler-10 measure of psychological distress. Results: Six clinicians recruited 19 patient participants, 16 of whom completed the intervention. Based on questionnaire feedback, clinician and patient satisfaction ratings were very positive. However, clinicians expressed a concern that the length of the sessions was sometimes inadequate. The psychological well-being of the patients, as measured by the Kessler-10, was also significantly improved post-intervention. Conclusion: The intervention appeared to improve the psychological well-being of the patients and was regarded positively by both clinicians and patient participants. Further testing of the efficacy of the intervention on a larger sample with a randomized controlled trial study design is warranted. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.