Damodaran S, Huttlin EA, Lauer E, Rubin E. Mental Health Trainee Facilitation of Sibling Support Groups: Understanding its Influence on Views and Skills of Family-Centered Care.
ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENCY TRAINING AND THE ASSOCIATION FOR ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY 2020;
44:305-310. [PMID:
31848931 DOI:
10.1007/s40596-019-01150-7]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Prior research suggests family-centered interventions are among the least taught yet most needed skills for practicing psychiatry. In this study, we evaluated whether having mental health trainees lead a sibling support group could serve as a method to promote family-centered care among trainees.
METHODS
All trainees in psychiatry, psychology, and social work were invited to participate as sibling support group facilitators. Both facilitator and non-facilitator trainees were then surveyed using a questionnaire inquiring about exposure to family-centered care, comfort level in providing family-centered care, attitudes regarding the importance of family-centered care, and desire to provide family-centered care in the future. A second survey was administered to the facilitator trainees to assess their perceptions of the sibling group leader experience.
RESULTS
Facilitator trainees reported increased engagement in family-centered activities during training (p < 0.05), expressed greater confidence in their family-centered care skills (p < 0.05), and reported stronger intentions to practice in a family-centered way (p < 0.05). Facilitator trainees were overwhelmingly positive about their experience with the sibling support program and reported it strengthened their commitment to addressing the needs of siblings as a part of family-centered care.
CONCLUSIONS
Facilitating a sibling support group may be an effective way for mental health trainees to gain skills and confidence in delivering family-centered care. Mental health training programs aiming to imbue trainees with the importance of family-centered care may consider creating opportunities for trainees to facilitate sibling support groups.
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