Service Evaluation Project (SEP) of a Low-Intensity CBT Based Group for Rehabilitation Inpatients with Brain and Spinal Injuries.
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All Authors
Khan, Mahbub
Hay, Sarah
Suttle, Louis
Turton, Clarice
LTHT Author
Khan, Mahbub
LTHT Department
Non Medic
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Conference Abstract
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
Background: Depression and anxiety (D&A) rates within an acquired brain injury (ABI) population are expectedly larger than within the general population, with rates being approximately 29% (Al-Kader et al., 2022), compared to 16% of the GP experiencing either anxiety or depression (MCManus et al., 2016). Group CBT based interventions have been found to significantly reduce symptoms of D&A, in people with ABIs (PWABIs) (Bradbury et al., 2008; Hodgson et al., 2012).
Aim: To evaluate the impact that attending a NICE guidelines adapted CBT based emotional wellbeing group has for individuals experiencing D&A, whilst being admitted for inpatient rehabilitation for ABIs.
Method: Completed SEP involving 22 (Mean age= 57.5 years) patients across 7 cohorts, all were admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation ward following an ABI or spinal injury. The Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) was completed pre and post group to assess intervention efficacy. Patients attended 4x60 minute weekly sessions each with a different psychoeducation topic and ‘relaxation’ strategies. T-tests analysed differences between pre and post-HADS means. Content analysis was carried out on qualitative data gathered from a feedback form.
Results: A t-test revealed a statistically significant difference between the pre-anxiety scores and the post-anxiety scores (t(21)=2.67, p =.006). There was a significant difference between pre-depression scores and post-depression scores (t(21)= 2.81, p=0.005). There was a significant difference between the pre-total scores and the post-total scores (t(21)=3.9, p=.<000). Themes identified from qualitative data include the benefit of peer support and learning of practical strategies.
Conclusion: The findings supported the use of low-level CBT group interventions for PWABIs experiencing D&A. The group faced challenges of attrition, small sample size, ward pressures, and medical stability. Future recommendations are to increase the accessibility of the group to people with varying cognitive abilities, and increased number of services it is available in.