Pilot evaluation of a group stabilisation intervention for refugees and asylum seekers with PTSD

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly experienced by asylum seekers and refugees (ASR). Evidence supports the use of cognitive behavioural therapy-based treatments, but not in group format for this population. However, group-based treatments are frequently used as a first-line intervention in the UK. Aims: This study investigated the feasibility of delivering a group-based, manualised stabilisation course specifically developed for ASR. The second aim was to evaluate the use of routine outcome measures (ROMs) to capture psychological change in this population. Method: Eighty-two participants from 22 countries attended the 8-session Moving On After Trauma (MOAT) group-based stabilisation treatment. PHQ-9, GAD-7, IES-R and idiosyncratic outcomes were administered pre- and post-intervention. Results: Seventy-one per cent of participants (n = 58) attended five or more of the treatment sessions. While completion rates of the ROMs were poor - measures were completed at pre- and post-intervention for 46% participants (n = 38) - a repeated-measures MANOVA indicated significant improvements in depression (p = .001, eta(2)(p) = .262), anxiety (p = .000, eta(2)(p) = .390), PTSD (p = .001, eta(2)(p) = .393) and idiosyncratic measures (p = .000, eta(2)(p) = .593) following the intervention. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence indicates that ASR who attended a low-intensity, group-based stabilisation group for PTSD experienced lower mental health scores post-group, although the lack of a comparison group means these results should be interpreted with caution. There are significant challenges in administering ROMs to individuals who speak many different languages, in a group setting. Nonetheless, groups have benefits including efficiency of treatment delivery which should also be considered.

Automated summary

This study explored the feasibility of a group-based stabilisation course specifically designed for asylum seekers and refugees (ASR), and evaluated the use of routine outcome measures (ROMs) to capture psychological changes in this population. The results showed that ASR who attended the group-based treatment experienced improvements in their mental health scores post-intervention. However, the lack of a comparison group limits the interpretation of these findings. Administering ROMs in a group setting poses significant challenges, but group-based treatments have the advantage of efficiency.