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Table 1 Facilitated Support Group Weekly Topicsa

From: Making sense of symptoms, clinicians and systems: a qualitative evaluation of a facilitated support group for patients with medically unexplained symptoms

Week

Topics

Focus of Weekly Content

1

Introductions and Establish Goals of the Group

Introductions and establishment of group norms and expectations of participants to create a safe environment

2

Understanding where you’re at

Documenting changes in symptoms, mood and function and importance of self-reflection

3

Getting the most from your medical appointment

Strategies to improve patient-provider communication and making the most of medical appointments

4

Understanding the Brain-Body Connection

The mind–body connection and the impact on health and well-being

5

Reducing Stress

Stress reducing strategies, including physical activity, healthy eating, sleep and relaxation techniques

6

Living with Stress

Techniques and approaches to help manage the ongoing stress of living with MUS

7

Driving your Care

Perspectives and insights on the healthcare system and how to navigate its complexity

8

Topic determined by the group

Example: Life hacks for people with chronic conditions

9

Topic determined by the group

Example: The science behind stress

10

Wrap up

Reflection about the weekly sessions and discussion about the post-FSG evaluation

  1. aWeekly agenda: Welcome, participant rounding, facilitator-led skills development (weekly topics described above), goal-setting for subsequent week (using the pocketbook), wrap-up