The SOLAR Group Program to Promote Recovery After Disaster and Trauma-A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial Among German Trauma Survivors

Clinical Impact Statement The SOLAR program has been designed to promote recovery in Australian bushfire survivors with persistent subclinical distress. This pilot study demonstrated that the SOLAR program can be used for German survivors of various trauma types in a randomized controled trial. Satisfaction with the program was high. The results provide preliminary evidence of the program's effectiveness in reducing distress, insomnia, and functional impairment, and in increasing perceived social support and quality of life. Introduction: Many disaster and trauma survivors experience persistent subclinical distress that places them at risk of developing a mental health disorder. This study describes the first European feasibility study of a brief and scalable skills-based intervention targeting persistent subclinical distress following disasters and trauma. Method: Randomized controlled feasibility study of the Skills fOr Life Adjustment and Resilience (SOLAR) group program. German trauma survivors (N = 30) with subclinical symptoms of depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder or functional impairment, but no current mental disorder other than adjustment disorder, were randomized to the SOLAR group program (n = 15) or to a wait-list control group (n = 15). The primary outcome was feasibility, operationalized through eligibility rate, recruitment speed, treatment adherence, dropout rate, and participant satisfaction with the program. Secondary outcomes were psychological distress, symptoms of insomnia, posttraumatic stress disorder, patient-centered outcomes, quality of life, and perceived social support. Results: Eligibility rate was 33.6%; recruitment speed was two days per participant; 92.9% completed at least four of five sessions; dropout rate was 10.0%; 92.3% were very satisfied with the program. Between-group change scores showed a large effect size for patient-centered outcomes. Medium effect sizes were found for symptoms of insomnia, perceived social support, and quality of life. Small effects were identified for reductions in distress and functional impairment. Discussion: The application of the SOLAR group program within a randomized controlled trial was feasible. Its efficacy should be further tested in a larger trial.

Automated summary

The SOLAR program, originally designed for Australian bushfire survivors, has shown promising results in a pilot study with German trauma survivors. The feasibility study demonstrated high participant satisfaction and preliminary evidence of effectiveness in reducing distress and improving quality of life. Further testing in larger trials is recommended to confirm its efficacy.