Implementation of a conversational, videoconferencing-based therapy group for postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms: A pragmatic evaluation

Abstract

Background Group psychotherapy is an effective treatment for postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms, and interpersonal connection and support through the group process can aid recovery. Little is known about the implication of the delivery of interpersonally oriented group therapy in this population through videoconferencing. Objective To pragmatically evaluate the implementation of a conversationally-oriented postpartum videoconferencing psychotherapy group for depression and anxiety within the clinical setting. Methods Over 8 weeks, five to six patients and one therapist facilitator (closed group) meet weekly for 1 hour via a secure videoconferencing platform. We evaluated group adoption metrics for all postpartum videoconferencing psychotherapy groups offered during the evaluation period (October 2021–August 2022), and offered patients the opportunity to complete baseline and post-group quality improvement surveys to evaluate outcomes including acceptability (Satisfaction with Therapist and Therapy Scale-Revised, STTS-R), group process (Group Questionnaire, GQ), and effectiveness (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS). Results Of 153 patients ( n = 26 groups), most (72.5%) attended >70% of group sessions. Of 137 patients ( n = 24 groups) who were sent surveys, n = 50 (36.5%) completed both baseline and post-group surveys. Mean ( SD) ratings were high for acceptability (STTS-R-therapy: 25.0/30 (3.1); STTS-R-therapist: 27.6/30 (2.3)) and group process with GQ ratings of 81.4/91 (7.8) (positive bond), 34.1/56 (3.8) (positive working relationship) and 23.5/63 (4.4) (negative relationship). Patients with probable depression (EPDS ≥ 13) significantly decreased from n = 23 (50%) to n = 19 (41.3%, p < .001), although the absolute score difference was minimal. Discussion Videoconferencing-based group therapy can be implemented with a robust group process and acceptability in the postpartum period. Impact on clinical outcomes should be further investigated.