title: Patients' perspectives of the feasibility, acceptability and impact of a group-based psychoeducation programme for bipolar disorder: a qualitative analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although there is some quantitative evidence to suggest the benefits of group psychoeducation for people with bipolar disorder, patients' perspectives and experiences of group psychoeducation require in-depth exploration to enable us to better understand the feasibility, acceptability and impact of these interventions, the potential facilitators and barriers to engagement, and how to improve these interventions in the future.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants of a psychoeducation programme for bipolar disorder in Wales, following their involvement in the programme. The data were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings demonstrate that group psychoeducation may impact on participants' perceived social support, knowledge and acceptance of bipolar disorder, personal insights, attitude towards medication and access to services. Key recommendations for improvement included: allowing more time for group discussions, offering group sessions to family members and avoiding use of hospital or university venues for the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first qualitative study of patients' perspectives of a UK-based group psychoeducation programme for people with bipolar disorder, and findings present an in-depth account of how group psychoeducation may be experienced by patients. The recommendations for improving the content and delivery of group psychoeducation for bipolar disorder may enhance engagement and widen access to such programmes. Future research into psychoeducation for bipolar disorder should explore how to target and engage people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and those in lower socioeconomic groups who are less likely to access healthcare services.
authors.affiliation: DECIPHer, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, 1-3 Museum Place, Cardiff, CF10 3BD, UK. PooleR3@cardiff.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Ria
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Poole
authors.affiliation: Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, 1055 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0XH, UK. Daniel.smith@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, G2 3QB, UK. sharon.simpson@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D032882:Comprehension; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research