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The implementation of a ‘Living with Voices’ group in a psychiatric intensive care unit: A pilot study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 2009

Libby Davidson ,
Vicky Hammond  and
Tess Maguire
Libby Davidson*
Affiliation:
Mayflower Ward, Department of Psychiatry, Royal South Hants Hospital, St Mary’s, Southampton
Vicky Hammond
Affiliation:
Mayflower Ward, Department of Psychiatry, Royal South Hants Hospital, St Mary’s, Southampton
Tess Maguire
Affiliation:
Mayflower Ward, Department of Psychiatry, Royal South Hants Hospital, St Mary’s, Southampton
*
Correspondence to: Libby Davidson, Mayflower Ward, Department of Psychiatry, Royal South Hants Hospital, St Mary’s, Southampton, SO14 0YG. Tel: 02380 825548; E-mail: libby.davidson@hantspt-sw.nhs.uk
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Abstract

This article presents the initial implementation and adaptation of a group for people who hear voices in a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) using a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approach. It highlights the lack of evidence-based psychosocial group interventions designed specifically for the PICU environment and challenges the traditional medical-model of PICU care. It also highlights national policy and guidelines advocating the implementation of CBT approaches for severe and enduring mental illness. An overview of the group sessions is described, with particular focus on adaptations of the group content and delivery for PICU populations. The authors note that twenty three clients have attended the PICU voices groups to date, demonstrating the feasibility of voices groups in PICU environments. Further work is currently being undertaken including formal evaluations of group outcomes using standardised measures.

Keywords

PICU (psychiatric intensive care units)cognitive behavioural therapygroup workvoices

Information

Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care , Volume 5 , Issue 2 , December 2009 , pp. 89 - 94
Copyright
Copyright © NAPICU 2009

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