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Kalhovde AM, Kitzmüller G. Family Caregivers' Trajectories of Distress While Caring for a Person With Serious Mental Illness. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:154-165. [PMID: 37905732 PMCID: PMC10714708 DOI: 10.1177/10497323231203627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Serious mental illness (SMI) can significantly impact the lives of individuals and their families. These families often experience great emotional distress over time due to the early onset of SMI, which in turn leads to long-term trajectories and only partial recovery. However, we do not fully understand the emotional distress of family caregivers. Thus, our aim was to enrich the understanding of the lived experiences of family caregivers' emotional trajectories of distress while caring for persons with SMI. We conducted a secondary analysis using a hermeneutic approach to the narratives of seven family caregivers from a study on living with voices unheard by others. Participants' trajectories of emotional distress came forth as being thrust on an unpredictable, intensely worrisome, and indefinite journey. The following themes highlighted this tumultuous journey: fumbling in the dark trying to grasp the incomprehensible, "on your toes"-enduring unpredictability, facing different forms of fear, and battling waves of sadness and regret. Caregivers face multiple threats to their well-being and sometimes even to their health. Their distress appeared to vary according to their relationship with the person with SMI, whether they lived with the ill person, illness trajectory, and amount of violent or suicidal behavior. The results underscore the need for individualized and timely information, opportunities for dialogue with healthcare providers with and without the person with SMI, and inclusion in care planning. Caregivers who have experienced trauma, threats of violence, and rejection require special attention.
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Hsiao CY, Lu HL, Chiu CK, Tsai YF. Factors associated with attitudes of mental health nurses towards the importance of families in mental health nursing care. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:1429-1438. [PMID: 37332262 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Family involvement in mental healthcare is a key ingredient in the recovery of patients with mental illness. Research on the attitudes of mental health nurses regarding family involvement in mental healthcare remains limited. This study aimed to examine factors that affect the attitudes of mental health nurses towards the importance of family involvement in mental health nursing care. A descriptive, correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted with 162 mental health nurses at two psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were applied to analyse data. Mental health nurses generally demonstrated positive attitudes towards incorporating families into nursing care. Older age, more clinical experiences in mental healthcare, and workplace (such as working in chronic psychiatric inpatient wards) were found to be key factors for mental health nurses' attitudes. Particularly, greater competence in working with families and job satisfaction were the most significant factors associated with positive attitudes of mental health nurses towards involving families as important in nursing care. Insight into correlates of mental health nurses' attitudes towards the importance of focusing on families in care is pivotal for targeted interventions to improve nurses' attitudes towards families and, thus, implement family engagement in mental healthcare practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiu-Yueh Hsiao
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Huei-Lan Lu
- Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chin-Kuai Chiu
- Taoyuan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tao-Yuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yun-Fang Tsai
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Tao-Yuan City, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Keelung, Keelung City, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Soler-Andrés M, Díaz-Pons A, Ortiz-García de la Foz V, Murillo-García N, Barrio-Martínez S, Miguel-Corredera M, Yorca-Ruiz A, Magdaleno Herrero R, Moya-Higueras J, Setién-Suero E, Ayesa-Arriola R. A Proxy Approach to Family Involvement and Neurocognitive Function in First Episode of Non-Affective Psychosis: Sex-Related Differences. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1902. [PMID: 37444735 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11131902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) often show cognitive deficits (CD) impacting daily life. Family support has been shown to be protective against CD, yet the relationship between these in psychotic patients remains complex and not fully understood. This study investigated the association between a subdomain of family support, namely, family involvement (estimated through a proxy measure), cognitive functioning, and sex in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients. The sample included 308 patients enrolled in the Program for Early Phases of Psychosis (PAFIP), divided into 4 groups based on their estimated family involvement (eFI) level and sex, and compared on various variables. Women presented lower rates of eFI than men (37.1% and 48.8%). Higher eFI was associated with better cognitive functioning, particularly in verbal memory. This association was stronger in women. The findings suggest that eFI may be an important factor in FEP patients' cognitive functioning. This highlights the importance of including families in treatment plans for psychotic patients to prevent CD. Further research is needed to better understand the complex interplay between family support, sex, and cognitive functioning in psychotic patients and develop effective interventions that target these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Soler-Andrés
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, European University of the Atlantic, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Alexandre Díaz-Pons
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, European University of the Atlantic, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, National University of Distance Education (UNED), 28015 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Ortiz-García de la Foz
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nancy Murillo-García
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Sara Barrio-Martínez
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Margarita Miguel-Corredera
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Yorca-Ruiz
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, European University of the Atlantic, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Rebeca Magdaleno Herrero
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, European University of the Atlantic, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Jorge Moya-Higueras
- Biomedical Research Center in Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM), Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain
| | - Esther Setién-Suero
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, European University of the Atlantic, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, National University of Distance Education (UNED), 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain
| | - Rosa Ayesa-Arriola
- Mental Illness Research Department, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Psychology, National University of Distance Education (UNED), 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of Lleida, 25001 Lleida, Spain
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Hestmark L, Romøren M, Hansson KM, Heiervang KS, Pedersen R. Clinicians' perceptions of family involvement in the treatment of persons with psychotic disorders: a nested qualitative study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1175557. [PMID: 37293406 PMCID: PMC10244542 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1175557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Family involvement in mental health care ranges from basic practices to complex interventions such as Family psychoeducation, the latter being a well-documented treatment for psychotic disorders. The aim of this study was to explore clinicians' perceptions of the benefits and disadvantages of family involvement, including possible mediating factors and processes. Methods Nested in a randomised trial, which purpose was to implement Basic family involvement and support and Family psychoeducation in Norwegian community mental health centres during 2019-2020, this qualitative study is based on eight focus groups with implementation teams and five focus groups with ordinary clinicians. Using a purposive sampling strategy and semi-structured interview guides, focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Results Four main themes were identified as perceived benefits: (1) Family psychoeducation-a concrete framework, (2) Reducing conflict and stress, (3) A triadic understanding, and (4) Being on the same team. Themes 2-4 formed an interconnected triad of mutually reinforcing elements and were further linked to three important clinician-facilitated sub-themes: a space for relatives' experiences, emotions and needs; a space for patients and relatives to discuss sensitive topics and an open line of communication between clinician and relative. Although far less frequent, three main themes were identified as perceived disadvantages or challenges: (1) Family psychoeducation-occasional poor model fit or difficulties following the framework, (2) Getting more involved than usual, and (3) Relatives as a potentially negative influence-important nonetheless. Conclusions The findings contribute to the understanding of the beneficial processes and outcomes of family involvement, as well as the critical role of the clinician in achieving these and possible challenges. They could also be used to inform future quantitative research on mediating factors and implementation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hestmark
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Romøren
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kristin Sverdvik Heiervang
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Reidar Pedersen
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Hansson KM, Romøren M, Hestmark L, Heiervang KS, Weimand B, Norheim I, Pedersen R. "The most important thing is that those closest to you, understand you": a nested qualitative study of persons with psychotic disorders' experiences with family involvement. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1138394. [PMID: 37255680 PMCID: PMC10225600 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1138394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Family interventions constitute effective treatment for persons with psychotic disorders. However, the active ingredients and beneficial processes of these interventions are insufficiently examined, and qualitative explorations of patients` experiences are lacking. This study was nested in a cluster randomised trial that implemented national guidelines on family involvement in Norwegian community mental health centres, including family psychoeducation and basic family involvement and support. The aim of this sub-study was to explore how patients with psychotic disorders experience systematic family involvement, and its significance. Methods We conducted semi-structured, individual interviews with 13 persons with a psychotic disorder after systematic family involvement. The participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Qualitative content analysis guided the analysis. Results Participants reported overall positive experiences with systematic family involvement. It was significant that the relatives increasingly understood more about psychosis and their situation, while they themselves also gained more insight into the relatives` situation. The participants emphasised the need to enable both patients and relatives to safely share experiences in a containing space, led by professionals. Shared understanding and awareness of each other's situation further improved communication, coping with the illness, reduced stress, and stimulated a more caring family environment. The therapist seemed crucial to facilitate these beneficial communication processes, and also to provide continuous support to the relatives. Reported challenges included that the participants felt vulnerable in the initial phase, a need for tailored approaches, and too late start-up. Conclusion Findings from this study suggest that persons with psychotic disorders may benefit greatly from participating in systematic family involvement. This study also gives new insight into possible mediators of positive outcomes both for the patients and the relatives. Systematic family involvement should be implemented a standard approach in the early phase of the disease, using a step-wise and tailored process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiane M. Hansson
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Romøren
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Hestmark
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Sverdvik Heiervang
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Bente Weimand
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Irene Norheim
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Reidar Pedersen
- Centre for Medical Ethics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Hestmark L, Romøren M, Heiervang KS, Hansson KM, Ruud T, Šaltytė Benth J, Norheim I, Weimand B, Pedersen R. Implementation of Guidelines on Family Involvement for Persons with Psychotic Disorders (IFIP): A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2023; 50:520-533. [PMID: 36797515 PMCID: PMC9934504 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-023-01255-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Family involvement is part of the evidence-based treatment for persons with psychotic disorders, yet is under-implemented despite guideline recommendations. This study assessed whether an implementation support programme increased the adherence to guidelines on family involvement, compared to guideline/manual only. In a cluster randomised design, community mental health centre units in South-East Norway went through stratified allocation to the experimental (n = 7) or control (n = 7) arm. Experimental clusters received an implementation support programme including clinical training and supervision, appointing a family coordinator and an implementation team, a toolkit, and fidelity measurements at baseline, 12, 18, and 24 months with on-site feedback and supervision. Control clusters received no such support and had fidelity measurements at baseline and 24 months without feedback. During fidelity measurements, adherence to the guidelines was measured with the basic family involvement and support scale, the general organizational index, and the family psychoeducation fidelity scale, the latter being the primary outcome. The scales consist of 12-14 items rated from 1 to 5. Data was analysed with an independent samples t-test, linear mixed models, and a tobit regression model. At 24 months, the mean scores were 4.00 or higher on all scales in the experimental arm, and the increase in adherence to the guidelines was significantly greater than in the control arm with p-values < 0.001. Large-scale implementation of guidelines on family involvement for persons with psychotic disorders in community mental health centres may be accomplished, with substantial implementation support.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03869177. Registered 11.03.19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Hestmark
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Postbox 1130, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Maria Romøren
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Postbox 1130, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Sverdvik Heiervang
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Postbox 1130, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | | | - Torleif Ruud
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo , Oslo, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Irene Norheim
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Lier, Norway
| | - Bente Weimand
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Reidar Pedersen
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Postbox 1130, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
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Wergeland NC, Fause Å, Weber AK, Fause ABO, Riley H. Capacity-based legislation in Norway has so far scarcely influenced the daily life and responsibilities of patients' carers: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:111. [PMID: 36804005 PMCID: PMC9940676 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04611-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When capacity-based mental health legislation was introduced in Norway in 2017, there was concern about the consequences of change in the law for patients'carer whose community treatment order was revoked as a result of being assessed as having capacity to consent. The concern was that the lack of a community treatment order would increase carers' responsibilities in an already challenging life situation. The aim of this study is to explore carers' experiences of how their responsibility and daily life were affected after the patient's community treatment order was revoked based on capacity to consent. METHOD We conducted individual in-depth interviews from September 2019 to March 2020 with seven carers of patients whose community treatment order was revoked following assessment of capacity to consent, based on the change in the legislation. The transcripts were analysed with inspiration from reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS The participants had little knowledge about the amended legislation, and three out of seven did not know about the change at the time of the interview. Their responsibility and daily life were as before, but they felt that the patient was more content, without relating this to the change in the law. They had found that coercion was necessary in certain situations, which made them worry whether the new legislation would make it more difficult to use coercion. CONCLUSION The participating carers had little or no knowledge of the change in the law. They were involved in the patient's everyday life as before. The concerns prior to the change about a worse situation for carers had not affected them. On the contrary, they found that their family member was more satisfied with life and the care and treatment provided. This may suggest that the intention of the legislation to reduce coercion and increase autonomy was fulfilled for these patients, without resulting in any significant change in carers' lives and responsibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Camilla Wergeland
- Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway. .,Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Åshild Fause
- grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Astrid Karine Weber
- National Competence Center for Community Mental Health (NAPHA), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Henriette Riley
- grid.412244.50000 0004 4689 5540Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway ,grid.10919.300000000122595234Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Estradé A, Onwumere J, Venables J, Gilardi L, Cabrera A, Rico J, Hoque A, Otaiku J, Hunter N, Kéri P, Kpodo L, Sunkel C, Bao J, Shiers D, Bonoldi I, Kuipers E, Fusar-Poli P. The Lived Experiences of Family Members and Carers of People with Psychosis: A Bottom-Up Review Co-Written by Experts by Experience and Academics. Psychopathology 2023; 56:371-382. [PMID: 36689938 PMCID: PMC10568611 DOI: 10.1159/000528513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Informal caregivers of individuals affected by psychotic disorder can play a key role in the recovery process. However, little research has been conducted on the lived experiences of carers and family members. We conducted a bottom-up (from lived experience to theory) review of first-person accounts, co-written between academics and experts by experience, to identify key experiential themes. First-person accounts of carers, relatives, and individuals with psychosis were screened and discussed in collaborative workshops involving individuals with lived experiences of psychosis, family members, and carers, representing various organizations. The lived experiences of family members and carers were characterized by experiential themes related to dealing with the unexpected news, the search for a reason behind the disorder, living with difficult and negative emotions, dealing with loss, feeling lost in fragmented healthcare systems, feeling invisible and wanting to be active partners in care, struggling to communicate with the affected person, fighting stigma and isolation, dealing with an uncertain future, and learning from one's mistakes and building resilience and hope. Our findings bring forth the voices of relatives and informal carers of people with psychosis, by highlighting some of the common themes of their lived experiences from the time of the initial diagnosis and throughout the different clinical stages of the disorder. Informal carers are key stakeholders who can play a strategic role, and their contributions in the recovery process merit recognition and active support by mental health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Estradé
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Juliana Onwumere
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Bethlem Royal Hospital, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | - Jemma Venables
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ana Cabrera
- Asociación Madrileña de Amigos y Familiares de Personas con Esquizofrenia (AMAFE), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joseba Rico
- Asociación Madrileña de Amigos y Familiares de Personas con Esquizofrenia (AMAFE), Madrid, Spain
| | - Arif Hoque
- Young Person’s Mental Health Advisory Group (YPMHAG), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Jummy Otaiku
- Young Person’s Mental Health Advisory Group (YPMHAG), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Hunter
- National Health System (NHS) South London and Maudsley (SLaM) Recovery College, London, UK
| | - Péter Kéri
- Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks-Europe (GAMIAN-Europe), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lily Kpodo
- South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Charlene Sunkel
- Global Mental Health Peer Network (GMHPN), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jianan Bao
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopment Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
- OASIS Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David Shiers
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, Newcastle, UK
| | - Ilaria Bonoldi
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Kuipers
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Bethlem Royal Hospital, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- OASIS Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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The duty of confidentiality during family involvement: ethical challenges and possible solutions in the treatment of persons with psychotic disorders. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:812. [PMID: 36539741 PMCID: PMC9764492 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04461-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family involvement during severe mental illness is still poorly implemented, contrary to evidence-based recommendations. Confidentiality issues are among the most prominent barriers, with mental health professionals facing complex ethical, legal, and practical challenges. However, research focusing on this barrier is very sparse. Nested within a cluster-randomised trial to implement guidelines on family involvement for persons with psychotic disorders in community mental health centres, the aim of this sub-study was to explore ethical challenges related to the duty of confidentiality as experienced by mental health professionals, and to explore key measures that might contribute to improving the handling of such challenges. METHODS In total 75 participants participated in 21 semi-structured focus groups, including implementation team members at the initial and late phase of the intervention period and clinicians who were not on the implementation teams, at late phase of implementation. We used purposive sampling and manifest content analysis to explore participants' experiences and change processes. RESULTS Ethical challenges related to the duty of confidentiality included 1) Uncertainty in how to apply the legislation, 2) Patient autonomy versus a less strict interpretation of the duty of confidentiality, 3) Patient alliance and beneficence versus a less strict interpretation of the duty of confidentiality, 4) How to deal with uncertainty regarding what relatives know about the patients' illness, and 5) Relatives' interests versus the duty of confidentiality. Measures to facilitate better handling of the duty of confidentiality included 1) Training and practice in family involvement, and 2) Standardisation of family involvement practices. CONCLUSION When health professionals gained competence in and positive experiences with family involvement, this led to vital changes in how they interpreted and practiced the duty of confidentiality in their ethical reasoning and in clinical practice. Especially, the need to provide sufficient information to the patients about family involvement became evident during the study. To improve the handling of confidentiality issues, professionals should receive training in family involvement and confidentiality statutes followed by practice. Furthermore, family involvement should be standardised, and confidentiality guidelines should be implemented in the mental health services. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03869177. Registered 11.03.19.
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Hansson KM, Romøren M, Pedersen R, Weimand B, Hestmark L, Norheim I, Ruud T, Hymer IS, Heiervang KS. Barriers and facilitators when implementing family involvement for persons with psychotic disorders in community mental health centres - a nested qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1153. [PMID: 36096844 PMCID: PMC9469513 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08489-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The uptake of family involvement in health care services for patients with psychotic disorders is poor, despite a clear evidence base, socio-economic and moral justifications, policy, and guideline recommendations. To respond to this knowledge-practice gap, we established the cluster randomised controlled trial: Implementation of guidelines on Family Involvement for persons with Psychotic disorders in community mental health centres (IFIP). Nested in the IFIP trial, this sub-study aims to explore what organisational and clinical barriers and facilitators local implementation teams and clinicians experience when implementing family involvement in mental health care for persons with psychotic disorders. Methods We performed 21 semi-structured focus groups, including 75 participants in total. Implementation team members were interviewed at the initial and middle phases of the intervention period, while clinicians who were not in the implementation team were interviewed in the late phase. A purposive sampling approach was used to recruit participants with various engagement in the implementation process. Data were analysed using manifest content analysis. Results Organisational barriers to involvement included: 1) Lack of shared knowledge, perceptions, and practice 2) Lack of routines 3) Lack of resources and logistics. Clinical barriers included: 4) Patient-related factors 5) Relative-related factors 6) Provider-related factors. Organisational facilitators for involvement included: 1) Whole-ward approach 2) Appointed and dedicated roles 3) Standardisation and routines. Clinical facilitators included: 4) External implementation support 5) Understanding, skills, and self-efficacy among mental health professionals 6) Awareness and attitudes among mental health professionals. Conclusions Implementing family involvement in health care services for persons with psychotic disorders is possible through a whole-ward and multi-level approach, ensured by organisational- and leadership commitment. Providing training in family psychoeducation to all staff, establishing routines to offer a basic level of family involvement to all patients, and ensuring that clinicians get experience with family involvement, reduce or dissolve core barriers. Having access to external implementation support appears decisive to initiate, promote and evaluate implementation. Our findings also point to future policy, practice and implementation developments to offer adequate treatment and support to all patients with severe mental illness and their families. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03869177. Registered 11.03.19. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08489-y.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Romøren
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Postbox 1130 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Reidar Pedersen
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Postbox 1130 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Weimand
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Sykehusveien 25, 1474, Nordbyhagen, Norway.,Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Hestmark
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Postbox 1130 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Irene Norheim
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Torleif Ruud
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Sykehusveien 25, 1474, Nordbyhagen, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Stølan Hymer
- Early Intervention in Psychosis Advisory Unit for South East Norway, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Sverdvik Heiervang
- Centre for Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Postbox 1130 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Sykehusveien 25, 1474, Nordbyhagen, Norway.,Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
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Eckardt JP. Barriers to WHO Mental Health Action Plan updates to expand family and caregiver involvement in mental healthcare. Gen Psychiatr 2022; 35:e100784. [PMID: 35372788 PMCID: PMC8921906 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2022-100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Skar-Fröding R, Clausen H, Šaltytė Benth J, Ruud T, Slade M, S. Heiervang K. Associations between personal recovery and service user-rated versus clinician-rated clinical recovery, a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:42. [PMID: 35042494 PMCID: PMC8764788 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03691-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the relationship between service user-rated personal recovery and clinician-rated and service user-rated clinical recovery. The relationships between different subdomains of clinical recovery and personal recovery were also assessed. METHODS In total, 318 mental health service users with a psychosis diagnosis and their clinicians from 39 sites across Norway completed standardized questionnaires regarding personal recovery, clinical symptoms and psychosocial functioning. Regression models were used to investigate the relationship between personal and clinical recovery. RESULTS Overall, clinical recovery was positively associated with personal recovery, when rated both by service users and by clinicians. Personal recovery was associated with lower levels of depression, self-harm and problems with relationships when rated by the service users. Among the subdomains rated by the clinicians, personal recovery was associated with fewer problems with relationships and higher aggressiveness. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that affective symptoms are associated with personal recovery, indicating the need for greater focus on depression treatment among people with psychosis. Improving social connections is of importance for personal recovery, and might be an area where clinicians and service users can meet and find agreement on important treatment goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Skar-Fröding
- R&D Department, Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, P.O. box 1000, 1478, Lørenskog, Norway.
| | - Hanne Clausen
- grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XR&D Department, Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, P.O. box 1000, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway ,grid.412929.50000 0004 0627 386XNorwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders and Mental Health Division, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XHealth Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Torleif Ruud
- grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XR&D Department, Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, P.O. box 1000, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mike Slade
- grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kristin S. Heiervang
- grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XR&D Department, Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, P.O. box 1000, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Centre for Medical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Eckardt JP. Comment on: Family engagement as part of managing patients with mental illness in primary care. Singapore Med J 2022; 62:561. [PMID: 35001128 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2021205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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