Process-oriented dynamic group psychotherapy for depression as a teaching modality in a family medicine residency program— A pilot study. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simon, Eric P; McClaflin, Richard; Zonca, Rachel; Mikuni, Karen; Chung, Willard; Etnyre, Ethan; Faucette, Lindsey; Oates, David; Merrill, Chuck
• Is Part Of: International journal of psychiatry in medicine. Volume 52:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: family medicine residency -- group psychotherapy -- depression -- dynamic process-oriented; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Sick -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine, Psychosomatic -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/0091217417703290
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-2174

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This pilot study provides a description and evaluation of process-oriented dynamic group psychotherapy for depression as a teaching modality for family medicine residents. The main purpose of using this modality was to teach family medicine residents a variety of psychological clinical skills. A secondary benefit of this modality was to provide in-house, primary care treatment to depressed patients, although the efficacy of this was not evaluated in the present study. Methods: A 10-item, self-report, Likert-type questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of family medicine residents who had participated in the program. Results: Completed questionnaires were received from 100% of the family medicine resident participants. Responses to the questionnaires indicate that the residents felt they acquired a variety of clinical skills from the training modality, to include developing active listening and interviewing skills; methods to improve the doctor–patient relationship; increased skills in empathy, intuitive processes, and emotional support; a depth understanding of how intra-psychic conflicts and interpersonal problems contribute to depression; how to give effective feedback that promotes behavioral change; and how to place interventions at the appropriate level of change. Eighty-eight percent of residents indicated they would recommend this learning modality to a family medicine physician colleague. Conclusions: The family medicine residents' responses to the questionnaires indicate that they perceived process-oriented dynamic group psychotherapy for depression as a constructive and beneficial modality for both patient care and learning a variety of clinical skills.