Outpatient Group Therapy for Post-COVID Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Verena Zimmermann-Schlegel, Nadine Gronewold, Sandra Stengel, Mechthild Hartmann, Uta Merle, Hans-Christoph Friederich, Beate Ditzen, Jonas Tesarz
Primary Institution: Heidelberg University
Hypothesis
Group therapy with a predominantly psychoeducational and supportive approach is feasible and potentially helpful for patients with PCS.
Conclusion
The group therapy for patients with PCS is safe, accepted, and predominantly rated as helpful by participants.
Supporting Evidence
- 77% of patients participated in at least 6 group sessions.
- 62.6% of face-to-face participants reported feeling at least slightly better.
- Participants valued the opportunity to engage with peers who share similar experiences.
Takeaway
This study shows that group therapy can help people who are still feeling sick after COVID, whether they meet in person or online.
Methodology
The study involved developing a group therapy concept and evaluating its feasibility through questionnaires after eight weekly sessions.
Potential Biases
Participants were not randomly assigned to therapy formats, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study lacked control conditions and random assignment to therapy formats.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 57 patients with severe limitations due to PCS, predominantly female (86%), with an average age of 45.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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