The role of community mental health nurses in educating clients and families about schizophrenia

Effects of a family-to-family support program on the mental health and coping strategies of caregivers of adults with mental illness: a randomized controlled study

This randomized, controlled intervention study was carried out to investigate the effects of a Family-to-Family Support (FFS) program on the coping strategies and mental health status of caregivers of schizophrenia patients. Data were collected via a General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Ways of Coping with Stress Scale (WCSS). During the first phase of the study, the FFS program was developed, followed by a second phase in which the participants of the study were identified and trained. In the third phase, trained caregivers trained other caregivers. The study sample consisted of 46 caregivers. We determined statistically significant differences in the mean GHQ scores of the FFS group over four measurements. In the WCSS subscales, the self-confident approach, optimistic approach and seeking social support approach scores of caregivers participating in the FFS program were high, while their helpless approach score was low. The FFS program had a positive impact on the coping strategies and mental health status of caregivers of schizophrenia patients.

Swedish mental health nurses' responsibility in supervised community care of persons with long-term mental illness

The aim of the present study was to describe psychiatric nurses' experience of how the changing focus of mental health care in Sweden, from in-patient treatment to community-based care, has influenced their professional autonomy. Eleven psychiatric nurses were interviewed and a qualitative content analysis was used to identify major themes in the data. Three main themes were found: pattern of responsibility, pattern of clinical judgement, and pattern of control through support and supervision. All themes were related to the nurse's identity, moral responsibility and the feelings of loneliness and independence in his/her daily work. Together, the three themes were found to constitute a process. This study shows the complexity involved in nursing care provided in the patient's home. Achieving control over the patient's everyday life through support and supervision does not imply taking over the patient's autonomy, but rather reducing the stigma attached to mental illness and facilitating the process of rehabilitation.

Multiple family group interventions in first episode psychosis: Enhancing knowledge and understanding

Families play a major role in promoting recovery and preventing relapse following the first psychotic episode. This paper presents a multiple family group education programme for the families of clients with first episode psychosis. The educational needs of the families are also discussed. The results of this evaluation show that the programme improved the families' perceptions of their overall knowledge and understanding of mental illness and its treatment. This evaluation demonstrates the efficacy of such groups and the key role of community mental health nurses in providing family interventions.