Psychosocial interventions for families caring for mental health care users : a nominal group technique

Abstract

INTRODUCTION : In light of the rising global prevalence of mental illness and the need for deinstitutionalised care, families are required to provide community-based care to mental healthcare users. Family members need to be prepared and supported to undertake this role. AIM : The aim was to develop psychosocial interventions to ease the burden of family caregivers of mental healthcare users. METHOD : Using convenience sampling, 21 stakeholders were selected. The participants had at least 2 years' experience and/or expertise in the care of family members of mental healthcare users. During a workshop, a nominal group technique was used to collect data. The six steps of Braun and Clarke guided the data analysis. RESULTS : Three themes were identified, namely, interventions to provide mental health education, interventions to promote social support for families and interventions to ensure effective psychological support for families and mental healthcare users. DISCUSSION : The nominal group technique allowed healthcare and community stakeholders to become aware of their role in supporting family caregivers of mental healthcare users. Healthcare providers need to be empowered to use basic family counselling skills. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE : Implementation of the developed interventions might lead to a reduction in relapse rates and relieve the caregiver burden.

SUMMARY What is known on the subject? ○ Deinstitutionalisation and community-based mental health care shifted the burden of care to family caregivers. ○ Family caregivers of mental healthcare users are prone to physical and psychological health problems. What does the paper add to existing knowledge? ○ Family members and mental healthcare users are not receiving adequate psychological and social support from their extended family members, healthcare professionals and the community at large. ○ Healthcare providers and community leaders developed psychological, educational and social interventions to address the psychosocial burden experienced by family caregivers in under-resourced areas. What are the implications for mental health nursing practice? ○ Family caregivers' psychological, educational and social challenges should be considered when designing psychosocial interventions. ○ Individual and family psychotherapy is recommended to facilitate family caregivers coping with their caregiving role. ○ Community leaders to be at the forefront in raising awareness campaigns about mental illness, to increase mental health literacy and reduce stigma and discrimination.