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S001-1

The Effectiveness and Patient Satisfaction of Utilizing Interpersonal Growth
Groups in the Day Ward Rehabilitation Program

Shiu-Feng Lu1, Ching-Feng Huang2

1Nursing Department, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan 2Chang Gung University of Science and
Technology at Chiayi campus, Taiwan

Background/Objective: The utilization of the interpersonal growth group aims to help patients
understand, experience, and realize the importance of interpersonal interaction, further learn to build
up appropriate interpersonal relationships.

Method: The cross-sectional research was employed. Thirty-eight participants were recruited from a
day ward of a medical center located in southern Taiwan. The interpersonal growth group contained
seven sessions. After the completion of seven sessions, a questionnaire designed by the researchers
was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the group sessions.

Result: In general, the participants felt safe and comfort (95%) and openly shared own perceptions
and thoughts (86%) in group sessions. Through group sessions, the participants were able to find out
their and others advantages (97%), understand the importance of listening (95%), know the meaning
of empathy in the interpersonal communication (90%), think differently or from another perspective
(87%), learn to deal with interpersonal conflicts (85%), enhance own abilities in the aspects of verbal
expression and interactional skills (82%), and apply learned skills in daily life (80%).

Conclusion: The study found that the most effectiveness of the interpersonal growth group was to
relax its members and promote their verbal expression and interactional skills. The utilization of
situational practice and role playing allowed patients to listen and think actively from another
viewpoint. Assertiveness was strengthened though group feedbacks. The group climate fostered
senses of cooperation and trust, and further promote positive attitude to get along with each other and
improve interpersonal relationships. The findings suggested that the utilization of the interpersonal
growth group might enhance patients’ social skills through interpersonal learning, and further
promote the quality of care.

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