Hr. Winefield et Ej. Harvey, TERTIARY PREVENTION IN MENTAL-HEALTH-CARE - EFFECTS OF GROUP MEETINGSFOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 29(1), 1995, pp. 139-145
Several series of discussion groups were conducted for people caring f
or relatives who suffer from chronic schizophrenia. Groups aimed to pr
ovide information from both experts and fellow caregivers about the il
lness and about coping techniques, and to foster emotional support wit
hin the peer group. Owing to the small number of subjects, statistical
power was inadequate to test effects quantitatively; however the resp
onses of the family caregivers to structured follow-up questions indic
ated many gains from group attendance. Attendance and participation ra
tes were high once subjects were engaged; positive outcomes were repor
ted by the carers, and they actively sought feedback of their dissatis
factions with mental health services to the relevant decision-makers.
The results are relevant both in the area of preventive mental health
care for carers, and in promoting collaboration between carers and pro
fessionals.