Trial Implementation of CIRCuiTS Cognitive Remediation Therapy for People with Schizophrenia in Rural Australia: Therapists Experiences

AbstractCognitive impairment which impacts on functioning in everyday tasks and quality of life affects many  people diagnosed with schizophrenia. Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is recommended in the current Australian and New Zealand clinical practice guidelines for Schizophrenia and related disorders. An implementation trial of the Computerised Interactive Remediation of Cognition-Interactive Train ing for Schizophrenia (CIRCuiTS) program was undertaken in Orange, NSW, Australia. As an important component of the evaluation of the CIRCuiTS program in our local context, this study explored the meanings clinicians placed on their experiences as CIRCuiTS therapists. Seven CIRCuiTS therapists who w ere each involved in the implementation trial agreed to present platform papers at the CIRCuiTS Expo held in May 2018. A thematic analysis was undertaken on the transcripts of these presentations. Analyses showed therapists valued their involvement in delivering the CIRCuiTS program and pointed to m any instances in which they felt their practice was enhanced. The three major themes identified from the data included (1) appreciation of the lived experience of schizophrenia, (2) the centrality of the therapeutic relationship, and (3) increased professional satisfaction and “Joy in work”. CIR CuiTS therapists’ language was consistent with recovery-focused practice. This was the first study to explore CIRCuiTS therapists’ experiences and occurred within a broader implementa...
Source: Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research