Therapeutic groups run for community-dwelling people with acquired brain injury: a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose Therapeutic group interventions are commonly provided in acquired brain injury (ABI) inpatient rehabilitation settings, but little is known about the extent of therapeutic groups run for community-dwellers with ABI. This paper seeks to review current literature concerning the nature of therapeutic groups run for community-dwellers with ABI and the involvement of occupational therapists. Materials & Methods A scoping review was conducted with systematic searching of relevant databases guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Studies were included if they reported on therapeutic groups for community-dwellers with ABI. Articles were collated and summarised with key findings presented in narrative form with accompanying tables. Results Seventy articles met inclusion. Groups are used as therapeutic change agents for community-dwellers with ABI and target a diverse range of participation barriers. Participants valued group programs that established safe environments, a sense of belonging, growth opportunities and social connections. Group accessibility needs to be improved, with better funding avenues available for service providers, as well as greater consumer involvement in group design and facilitation. Conclusions Groups are a valuable therapeutic modality supporting community-dwellers with ABI. Further research is warranted into the use of groups by occupational therapists working with community-dwellers with ABI. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Therapeutic groups can support the development of social connections, community participation and help community-dwellers with ABI re-establish a positive self-identity. Conducting groups in community settings and involving consumers in group design and facilitation may enhance the group experience for participants. Occupational Therapists should be involved in the design and delivery of occupation-based and participation focused group-based programs.