An Open Group for Patients with Various Chronic Illnesses: A Qualitative Case Evaluation

Many self-management and support groups for medical patients target a specific medical condition or diagnosis and are often time-limited. Presented is the Medical Issues Group (MIG), which is an integration of a self-management program and a therapist-led supportive psychotherapy group. This ongoing...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of group psychotherapy 2023, Vol.73 (1), p.44-68
Main Authors: Shah, Jennifer, Kovacs, Michelle, Mori, Deanna
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chronic illnesses
Coping strategies
Group psychotherapy
Loneliness
Medical diagnosis
Psychotherapy
Selfmanagement
Social isolation
Social support
Support groups
Vulnerability
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Summary:Many self-management and support groups for medical patients target a specific medical condition or diagnosis and are often time-limited. Presented is the Medical Issues Group (MIG), which is an integration of a self-management program and a therapist-led supportive psychotherapy group. This ongoing group is open to individuals with any significant chronic medical condition. Findings from our qualitative evaluation (n = 9) revealed that this group is positively received and can provide individuals who are experiencing challenges associated with living with medical illness a forum to receive high quality social support, address feelings of social isolation and loneliness, and develop adaptive coping strategies to adjust to medical illness. The inclusive structure of the group appears to provide enhanced access to high quality support and intervention for a vulnerable population. Limitations and implications are discussed.
ISSN:0020-7284
1943-2836
DOI:10.1080/00207284.2022.2154674