Group-based interventions for individuals with dual pathology: a preliminary focus group study

BACKGROUND: Dual Pathology has a major impact on the individual's life and on society and is associated with worsening severity and persistence of both mental illness and addiction, which is why scientific evidence increasingly points treatment of patients with Dual Pathology. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate how participants in group therapy experience the group and their relationship with the professionals. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study using focus groups was conducted with 12 participants attending a Dual Pathology Group in a psychiatric hospital in Portugal. The data was analyzed using Braun & Clarke's reflective thematic analysis methodology. Transcripts of interview recordings were imported into the MAXQDA 24 qualitative software program for thematic content analysis. RESULTS: The results point to the positive contribution of Group teaching carried out by nurses in improving literacy about substance use and psychiatric disorder. The four themes obtained were: Meaning of the Dual Pathology Group; Importance of Healthcare Professionals; Learning and Knowledge Acquisition; Relationship between Alcohol Use and Psychiatric Disorder. CONCLUSION: Increasing literacy about substance use and psychiatric pathology seems to have an impact on adherence to treatment for patients with Dual Pathology.