SA122. Participant Satisfaction and Subjective Experiences in a Community-Based Cognitive Enhancement Therapy Program

摘要

>Background: Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) is an effective treatment to improve social cognition and neurocognition for individuals with schizophrenia (Hogarty & Flesher, 1999). CET is associated with improvement in employment (Eack et al., 2009), functional outcomes (Eack et al., 2011), and reducing negative symptoms (Eack et al, 2013). While CET is linked to these outcomes, research has not investigated client satisfaction and subjective experiences. Our proposed study hopes to address this gap in the literature and evaluate experiences and satisfaction in a diverse community medical center. >Methods: The current study utilizes participants (N = 17) engaging in CET. Participants completed a satisfaction survey and semistructured interview to capture satisfaction and subjective experiences. Surveys consist of 13 questions stressing CET components such as satisfaction, coaching, and homework. Survey questions are on a Likert-type scale with 1 being “completely disagree” and 5 being “completely agree”. Semistructured interviews consist of 8 open-ended questions exploring likes/dislikes, accomplishments, and areas of learning. Descriptive statistics of surveys were analyzed and thematic analysis was used to code transcribed interviews. >Results: Participants’ mean age was 42.24 (SD = 12.23). All participants were diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (N=17). Participants’ racial/ethnic backgrounds included Caucasian/white (n = 5), African American/black (n = 5), multiracial (n = 4), and Asian/Pacific Islander (n = 3). Results from surveys indicated that CET is worth their time (n = 17, 100%), satisfaction with CET classes is high (M = 4.06), and all CET participants feel comfortable talking with their CET coach (n = 17, 100%). Several themes from interviews emerged. Themes indicated that CET compared to other groups (1) is more difficult, (2) feels more educational, and (3) has more client participation and coach questioning. Interviews also suggested that participants find CET beneficial due to (1) treatment being interactive, (2) promotion of learning communication and social skills, (3) improved attention, and (4) individual coaching and feedback. More details about participant surveys and interviews will be reported. >Conclusion: The current study shows preliminary evidence that CET is a unique and satisfactory treatment. Previous research shows that client preferences affect satisfaction, completion, and clinical outcomes (Lindhiem et al., 2014). Thus, more research is needed to measure program satisfaction and experiences to improve outcomes.