TERTIARY PREVENTION IN MENTAL-HEALTH-CARE - EFFECTS OF GROUP MEETINGSFOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

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.