Implementing a Group Psychoeducational Program for Emotional Well-Being in Primary Care Teams: A Qualitative Study in Catalonia

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Healthcare workers have faced increasing emotional strain driven by organizational constraints, rising workload, and accumulated post-pandemic pressure. To support emotional well-being in primary care professionals, the Catalan Health Institute implemented a large-scale psychoeducational group program in its primary care centers. This study explored its feasibility, acceptability, and the factors shaping real-world implementation from the perspectives of participating professionals and community psychologists who taught it. <b>Methods</b>: A qualitative study was conducted involving five online focus groups held with community psychologists (two groups) and primary care professionals who participated in the program (three groups), selected through purposive sampling. Additional qualitative material was obtained from implementation-related field notes. Session transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05720429). <b>Results</b>: Participants described a context of sustained emotional strain that increased motivation to engage with the program. The sessions were perceived as a valuable protected space for emotional expression, interpersonal connection, and learning self-care strategies. Community psychologists were regarded as key facilitators due to their embedded role and contextual knowledge. However, inconsistent managerial engagement, lack of protected time, competing workloads, and inadequate physical spaces were barriers to successful implementation. Participants proposed strengthening institutional support and offering follow-up sessions to consolidate benefits. <b>Conclusions</b>: The program was positively valued and was perceived to provide individual and team-level benefits. Its sustainability requires stronger organizational commitment and integration into routine practice. Findings underscore the need to complement individual-focused interventions with systemic actions addressing workload, staffing, and organizational culture.

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Journal
Healthcare
Published
2026-02-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14030402
Primary Topic
COVID-19 and Mental Health
Type
article
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article

Implementing a Group Psychoeducational Program for Emotional Well-Being in Primary Care Teams: A Qualitative Study in Catalonia

Dolors Rodríguez, Concepció Rambla, Meritxell Guitart, 亜希子 松崎 et al.
Healthcare
COVID-19 and Mental Health
article

Implementing a Group Psychoeducational Program for Emotional Well-Being in Primary Care Teams: A Qualitative Study in Catalonia

Dolors Rodríguez, Concepció Rambla, Meritxell Guitart, 亜希子 松崎, Guillem Aragonès, Josep Basora, Eva Garcia, Anna Berenguera, Antoni Calvo, Francisco Martín-Luján, Ariadna Mas, Sara Rodoreda
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Healthcare workers have faced increasing emotional strain driven by organizational constraints, rising workload, and accumulated post-pandemic pressure. To support emotional well-being in primary care professionals, the Catalan Health Institute implemented a large-scale psychoeducational group program in its primary care centers. This study explored its feasibility, acceptability, and the factors shaping real-world implementation from the perspectives of participating professionals and community psychologists who taught it. <b>Methods</b>: A qualitative study was conducted involving five online focus groups held with community psychologists (two groups) and primary care professionals who participated in the program (three groups), selected through purposive sampling. Additional qualitative material was obtained from implementation-related field notes. Session transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05720429). <b>Results</b>: Participants described a context of sustained emotional strain that increased motivation to engage with the program. The sessions were perceived as a valuable protected space for emotional expression, interpersonal connection, and learning self-care strategies. Community psychologists were regarded as key facilitators due to their embedded role and contextual knowledge. However, inconsistent managerial engagement, lack of protected time, competing workloads, and inadequate physical spaces were barriers to successful implementation. Participants proposed strengthening institutional support and offering follow-up sessions to consolidate benefits. <b>Conclusions</b>: The program was positively valued and was perceived to provide individual and team-level benefits. Its sustainability requires stronger organizational commitment and integration into routine practice. Findings underscore the need to complement individual-focused interventions with systemic actions addressing workload, staffing, and organizational culture.

HealthcareVol. 14(3)
Generalitat de Catalunya (ES), Government of Spain (ES), Galicia Sur Biomedical Foundation (ES), Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud (ES), Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (ES), Institut Català de la Salut (ES), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (ES)
Openalex Percentile: Top 68%
COVID-19 and Mental Health
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