Michelle Marcinow1, Jane Sandercock2, Chelsea D'Silva2, David Daien3, Carly Ellis4, Christine Dias5, Elizabeth Mansfield2,6. 1. Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Administrative Building - 6th Floor, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada. michelle.marcinow@thp.ca. 2. Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Administrative Building - 6th Floor, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada. 3. Family Medicine, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada. 4. Strategic Projects, Trillium Health Partners, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada. 5. Medical Psychiatry Alliance, Trillium Health Partners, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8, Canada. 6. Department of Occupational Health, University of Toronto, 6 Queen's Park Crescent West, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H2, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Health services to date have inadequately addressed the physical and mental health needs of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. This qualitative study evaluates a piloted facilitated support group (FSG) developed for patients with medically unexplained symptoms to inform recommendations and resources for this patient population. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted and thematically analyzed semi-structured interviews with participants (n = 8) and facilitators (n = 4) to explore their experiences of the facilitated support group. Common themes that captured strengths and challenges of the facilitated support group were identified. RESULTS: The following key themes were identified through analysis of the data: Participants described 1) feeling validated through sharing similar experiences with peers; 2) learning practical symptom management and coping strategies; and 3) gaining new perspectives for navigating conversations with PCPs. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that a facilitated support group may provide additional forms of support and resources for patients with medically unexplained symptoms, filling a gap in currently available clinical care offered by health care professionals. Potential implications: This paper highlights lessons learned that can inform the design and delivery of future supports and resources directed toward optimizing patient care for this underserved patient population. Our findings are relevant to those who are involved in direct patient care or involved in designing and implementing self-management programs.
OBJECTIVES: Health services to date have inadequately addressed the physical and mental health needs of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. This qualitative study evaluates a piloted facilitated support group (FSG) developed for patients with medically unexplained symptoms to inform recommendations and resources for this patient population. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted and thematically analyzed semi-structured interviews with participants (n = 8) and facilitators (n = 4) to explore their experiences of the facilitated support group. Common themes that captured strengths and challenges of the facilitated support group were identified. RESULTS: The following key themes were identified through analysis of the data: Participants described 1) feeling validated through sharing similar experiences with peers; 2) learning practical symptom management and coping strategies; and 3) gaining new perspectives for navigating conversations with PCPs. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that a facilitated support group may provide additional forms of support and resources for patients with medically unexplained symptoms, filling a gap in currently available clinical care offered by health care professionals. Potential implications: This paper highlights lessons learned that can inform the design and delivery of future supports and resources directed toward optimizing patient care for this underserved patient population. Our findings are relevant to those who are involved in direct patient care or involved in designing and implementing self-management programs.
Authors: Juul Houwen; Peter L B J Lucassen; Hugo W Stappers; Pim J J Assendelft; Sandra van Dulmen; Tim C Olde Hartman Journal: Fam Pract Date: 2017-04-01 Impact factor: 2.267
Authors: Margreet S H Wortman; Tim C Olde Hartman; Johannes C van der Wouden; Sarah Dankers; Bart Visser; Willem J J Assendelft; Henriëtte E van der Horst Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2022-01-12 Impact factor: 2.692