Online Hearing Voices Peer Support Groups: Assessing Feasibility and Acceptability Within UK National Health Service Settings.

BACKGROUND

User-led hearing voices groups (HVGs) have existed for the past 40 years, but little research has been conducted into if and how this approach can be implemented in statutory mental health settings, and whether they can be delivered effectively when held online. The aim of this study was to conduct a feasibility and acceptability trial of an online HVG for the UK National Health Service (NHS) users who hear voices, to inform a future larger-scale trial.

METHODS

A mixed-methods, nonrandomized feasibility study of an online HVG was conducted with 9 participants. Participants attended weekly online meetings for 6 months and completed measures of social connectedness, voice hearing, personal recovery, as well as semi-structured interviews, at baseline and postintervention (26-weeks). Primary outcomes were qualitative and quantitative assessments of feasibility and acceptability.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight participants were referred to the trial, 9 of whom were recruited (100% of the target sample). The trial had high retention (100%) and engagement (mean = 13.2 groups attended). Participants reported positive features of attending this digital intervention, with 85% reporting it was helpful to meet other voice hearers, that the group helped them make sense of voice hearing experiences, that they received positive messages about recovery, and that the group represented a form of support they could not get elsewhere.

DISCUSSION: The findings indicate it is feasible and acceptable to run an online HVG within an NHS setting. A larger trial is needed to further investigate the utility, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of running online HVGs in the NHS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN11873550.