Usefulness of working with a person‐centred intervention in a group: Perspectives from facilitators and persons with mental illness

Background When implementing new interventions into clinical practice, it is of great importance to investigate the implementation process to better understand factors promoting and impeding the implementation to stimulate engagement and sustainability of the intervention. It is essential to consider perspectives both from the health professionals delivering the intervention and those receiving the intervention to be open to their suggestions for enhancing the dissemination and implementation of the intervention. The aim of the study was to evaluate adoption, acceptability and appropriateness of a person‐centred group intervention (PCGI) from the perspectives of facilitators and participants with mental illness in mental health outpatient services right after delivery. Methods A qualitative interview study design was used. Interview data from three individual interviews, one group interview with facilitators and 16 individual interviews with participants were analyzed through content analysis. Results As described in the following three categories, the facilitators and participants found the PCGI overall useful and meaningful to deliver and receive: (1) application of a PCGI in clinical practice, (2) balancing the facilitator role and (3) establishing and maintaining a safe relationship. Conclusion Facilitators and participants found the form and structure of the PCGI useful and meaningful. Some participants dropped out as they did not feel comfortable in a group setting. The components in the sessions, questions on cards and reflection sheets together with peer‐to‐peer interactions provided a safe environment. However, facilitation from facilitators requires appropriate skills and qualifications, which must be provided by the hospital together with supervision and the possibility for peer feedback and exchange of experiences.