Implementing specialist psychological support for caregivers in psychosis services: a preliminary report^*

^*The work was carried out in the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

Abstract

Background: Research demonstrates the importance of supporting caregivers of people with psychosis, but routine implementation studies are lacking. We evaluate a newly-developed caregiver support service, offering individual and group psychoeducation, practical advice and emotional support, working alongside usual community mental health provision for people with established psychosis.

Aims: We aimed to provide analysis of preliminary data on the rate and suitability of referrals, engagement, and helpfulness, to inform future larger-scale implementation and evaluation.

Method: We conducted a mixed-methods audit during the service’s first ten operational months (01 September 2013–30 June 2014). Caregivers gave qualitative feedback and completed measures of the impact of caregiving pre- and post-intervention.

Results: Referrals totalled 103 (10/month), with 45 (44%) initial meetings; and 28 (27%) individual interventions (≥1 sessions, mode = 3). Caregivers were predominantly black British/African/Caribbean parents. Self-reported needs and caregiving experiences were consistent with the literature. Two-thirds of caregivers were clinically distressed. Qualitative feedback showed that caregivers valued the service. Outcomes suggest improved experiences of caregiving following intervention.

Conclusions: Findings highlight the potential benefits and challenges of routinely providing psychologically-focused caregiver support. Limitations and future plans are discussed.

Keywords:

• Clinical psychology
• psychosis
• families
• caregiving
• mental health services

Acknowledgements

We thank the participating caregivers, CMHTs, and wider service for their support of the service and evaluation. We gratefully acknowledge funding for the subsequent evaluation of the service from Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Charity (ref. EFT 130801).

Notes

^* The work was carried out in the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.