Implementation of a 'Living with Voices' Group in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit

Davidson, Elizabeth, Hammond, Victoria and Maguire, Tessa (2009) Implementation of a 'Living with Voices' Group in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit. Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care: psychiatric intensive care and low secure units, 5 (2), 89-94. (doi:10.1017/S1742646408001362).

Record type: Article

Abstract

This article presents the initial implementation and adaptation of a group for people who hear voices in a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) using a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach. It highlights the lack of evidence-based psychosocial group interventions designed specifically for the PICU environment and challenges the traditional medical-model of PICU care. It also highlights national policy and guidelines advocating the implementation of CBT approaches for severe and enduring mental illness. An overview of the group sessions is described, with particular focus on adaptations of the group content and delivery for PICU populations. The authors note that twenty three clients have attended the PICU voices groups to date, demonstrating the feasibility of voices groups in PICU environments. Further work is currently being undertaken including formal evaluations of group outcomes using standardised measures.

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