An evaluation of the psychosocial group programme at an inpatient detoxification and stabilisation unit: a service improvement project

Abstract

Purpose

The benefits of including a psychosocial group programme alongside a medical inpatient detoxification and stabilisation regime has been recognised within addiction research; however, a “gold standard” psychosocial intervention has not been established. This small-scale study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial group (“Straight Ahead”) currently running at a substance use inpatient unit based in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods questionnaire design aimed to capture service user perspectives of the group programme via a questionnaire and assess whether an individual’s recovery capital and emotion regulation scores improved during their stay.

Findings

Thirty-four service users participated in the evaluation. Results indicate the group significantly increased individuals’ recovery capital scores; however, it did not significantly improve emotion regulation. The three themes from the qualitative results focused on the importance of shared experiences, learning of new skills and the group as a positive experience. Service users provided suggestions for improvements, and these informed the provision of service-specific recommendations for the team and project commissioner.

Originality/value

The evaluation provides tentative support for the use of the Straight Ahead programme and provides an insight into what service users find helpful when attending a psychosocial group during an inpatient detoxification admission.

Citation

Rettie, H., Georgewill, J., Stacey, S. and Griffith, E. (2021), "An evaluation of the psychosocial group programme at an inpatient detoxification and stabilisation unit: a service improvement project", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 217-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/ADD-09-2021-0011