UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF RELATIVES OF PATIENTS WITHIN A SPECIAL HOSPITAL FOR MENTALLY DISORDERED OFFENDERS - A BASIS FOR IMPROVED SERVICES

This paper outlines one component of a major research study, which wil l form the basis for a new service for relatives of schizophrenia suff erers within a special hospital, The aim of this initial component has been twofold: firstly to identify and understand the needs of relativ es in terms of their present knowledge and understanding of schizophre nia; and secondly to establish what stress the relatives are presently experiencing in maintaining contact with patients and whether this st ress may have an impact on the management of schizophrenia at the hosp ital, A purposive sample of 17 relatives were interviewed using two se mi-structured interview protocols, All interviews were audio-taped and later transcribed for analysis, The data have provided an illuminatin g insight into the thoughts and feelings of relatives and indicate man y ways in which a service for relatives could be tailored, It is appar ent that many relatives are currently not being supported, involved or allowed to contribute to the care of their family member at Ashworth Hospital, This present situation is stressful for relatives and is lik ely to have a detrimental effect on the course of schizophrenia in pat ients at Ashworth Hospital.