Companions in the Abyss
Objective: To explore the feasibility and acceptability of "Accepting Moral Suffering and Pain for Healthcare Providers" (AMPS-HCP), an online group therapy program designed for healthcare providers (HCPs) based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Background: During the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers faced immense challenges and pressures, leading to experiences of moral injury (MI). Moral injury refers to the psychological distress that arises from actions, or the lack of them, which violate one’s moral or ethical code. Despite the growing recognition of MI among HCPs, especially in the context of the pandemic, there has been a lack of established evidence-based treatments specifically addressing MI within this group. Recognizing this gap, the AMPS-HCP program was developed to assess the potential of ACT in supporting HCPs through group and online therapeutic interventions.
Methodology: The study served as a preliminary investigation into the application of ACT for MI among HCPs, employing an online group therapy format. This approach was chosen to accommodate the restrictions and challenges posed by the pandemic, as well as to test the scalability and accessibility of the intervention for HCPs who might be geographically dispersed or unable to attend in-person sessions.
Significance: This study is pivotal for several reasons:
Innovation in MI Intervention: It introduces a novel application of ACT for addressing moral injury among healthcare providers, a group particularly vulnerable to such experiences due to the nature of their work.
Adaptation to Online Platforms: By utilizing an online group therapy model, the study explores a flexible and accessible mode of delivering psychological support, which could be particularly beneficial in times of crisis or when traditional face-to-face interventions are not feasible.
Foundation for Future Research: As a preliminary step, the study lays the groundwork for a larger randomized controlled pilot study. The findings on feasibility and acceptability are crucial for refining the intervention and establishing a robust evidence base for ACT as a treatment for MI among HCPs.
Conclusion: "Companions in the Abyss" represents a significant stride towards addressing the psychological needs of healthcare providers, particularly in the context of moral injury. By exploring the application of ACT in an online group setting, the study not only seeks to offer immediate support to HCPs but also contributes to the broader discourse on mental health interventions tailored to the unique challenges faced by those in the healthcare sector.
For more information and resources on coping with moral injury and moral distress, visit Healthcare Salute.
