Experiences of a newly developed brief compassion-focused intervention for Trainee mental health professionals – A qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives: Informed by the Medical Research Council's process evaluation framework (Moore et al., 2015), this study explored the experiences of a newly developed brief compassion-focused intervention for trainee mental health professionals (tMHPs). Design: A qualitative approach was taken, using semi-structured interviews analysed with thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Method: The intervention was developed and planned in collaboration with key stakeholders. The intervention was piloted by delivering it to tMHPs at course centres in England as part of their core teaching programme. Qualitative methods were employed to explore the experiences of the intervention using in-depth semi-structured interviews (n = 19). Results: Whilst several suggested improvements were recommended by participants, the experience of the intervention was generally good. Participants reported finding the intervention helpful and described positive changes they subsequently noticed in themselves and their work. Factors facilitating engagement with and implementation of the intervention, such as interactive and experiential content, were discussed as improving experience. Conversely, contextual factors, such as multiple demands and levels of support, were most consistently spoken about as preventing participants from being able to make use of the intervention. Conclusions: The brief compassion-focused intervention was largely perceived to be helpful and valuable. However, some aspects of the intervention and the context in which it was delivered were discussed as creating barriers to engagement and implementation, thereby impacting experience. These findings have several clinical implications and highlight areas for further research.

Keywords

• Compassion
• Self-compassion
• Compassionate mind training
• Mental health professional
• Training
• Qualitative research