Background: The use of synchronous telemental health for therapy group is a relatively new area of exploration. While telegroups have demonstrated they can be helpful in providing psychoeducation, there is less known about whether synchronous remote groups can develop group cohesion and whether patients can receive the benefit of a supportive group setting.Methods: A pilot study was conducted comparing group cohesion between patients who participated in a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) group via video teleconferencing (VTC) and patients who participated in an in-person group.Results: Findings indicate that while both groups felt equally connected to the facilitator, there were significant differences between the online and in-person groups on the group cohesion scale. Those in the online group did not feel as connected to other group members as those in the in-person group. Qualitative statements indicate that while an in-person group may have been preferable, the convenience of the online group outweighed any negative effects. Attendance was significantly better in the online group, suggesting that use of this technology may help to overcome barriers preventing treatment participation. The focus of this study was on group cohesion and changes in psychiatric symptoms were not evaluated.Conclusions: The use of telemental health for group therapy appears to be a viable alternative to traditional in-person groups, especially when no other treatment options are available. However, facilitators may need to take extra steps to build group cohesion when members are participating remotely.
Introduction There is growing interest to adopt pharmacogenetic (PGx)
testing in psychiatric medicine, despite mixed views regarding its clinical
utility. Nevertheless, providers are utilizing PGx testing among patients
with mental health disorders. This study sought to assess genotyped
patients’ perspectives and experiences with psychiatric PGx
testing.
Methods Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted among
patients with depression who had undergone psychiatric PGx testing. The
audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed inductively and
deductively for salient themes.
Results Twenty patients (100% Caucasian, 60% female,
mean age 39±18 years) were interviewed. The majority of the PGx
tests were provider-initiated for patients who failed multiple
pharmacotherapies (50%) and/or had medication intolerances
(45%). Patients’ pre-testing expectations ranged from
hopefulness to indifference to skepticism. Their post-testing experiences
varied from optimism to disappointment, with the perceived value of the test
influenced by the results and cost of the test.
Discussion Genotyped patients had mixed perspectives, expectations,
and experiences with psychiatric PGx testing. Their perceived value of the
test was influenced by the test outcomes and its cost.
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