The meta-analysis of focus groups of 7 In-Sight training courses which took place between 2008 and 2010 is now available. Focus groups were held and the data analysed by Dr Jan Wallcraft before and after each course.  Dr Wallcraft was not associated with the delivery of the In-Sight courses.

This meta-analysis will be added to when a further 2 In-Sight courses take place in 2011 - with an estimated 80+ trainees completing the courses.

The salient points appear to be that the course met or exceeded trainees’ expectations: in giving them information about the condition, learning or improving personal coping strategies, learning specific tools and techniques to manage bipolar disorder, giving trainees a chance to practice the skills they learned, managing high and low moods and preventing crises, giving trainees the knowledge to live better and move on in their lives, sharing knowledge and mutual support, being able to get others to understand better or better understand others, and helping carers in their understanding.

The downside was that some found the full day course tiring, and some found the weekly homework a challenge. A number of trainees would have wished to spend more time on certain sections or on additional materials. Suggestions for improving the course were to extend the number of sessions or length of some sessions as some felt the group discussions took this time away although also appreciated this learning from one another. Some thought how the course was referenced, with electronically available materials, might improve, some would have preferred to have the same trainers at all sessions, and the availability of the course closer to home was indicated.

Earlier apprehensions about not being able to cope or having a negative impact upon wellbeing or fears about trust and sharing in a group setting were not realised at the end of the course, rather the earlier expectations of how the course might help were fulfilled in the course meeting or exceeding their expectations.

Therapies previously followed by trainees included a wide range: counselling, CBT, group therapy, art and drama therapies, meditation, eating disorder therapy and psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Please click on this link to download the 17 page analysis    7-cohorts

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