An Introductory Out-Patient Group for Patients on the Cassel Hospital In-Patient Waiting-List

In this paper the writers set out to describe an introductory experimental approach to the use of outpatient groups in the handling of a waiting-list of disturbed borderline and schizoid patients all awaiting admission for inpatient treatment in the Cassel Hospital. The groups were led by a Consultant and a Senior Nurse. The initial aims were to provide a degree of holding, a more extended evaluation of suitablity for treatment in a psychoanalytically orientated hospital setting, and an early preparation for such treatment. The co-therapists hoped to achieve a coordinated use of psychosocial nursing and a group dynamics approach. They began the venture with some apprehension in view of the degree of patient disturbance, and were active with group members in an initial structuring of the nature and aims of the groups. Early results have been promising. The writers conclude that several advantages can accrue from this approach to the management of these patients, despite the danger of inducing more regression than can be contained by the group structure. They also describe some aspects of the group dynamics.