Abstract
Introduction
Carers (family and friends) are simultaneously impacted by a loved one’s experience of psychosis and influential in supporting recovery from psychosis. This study examines carers’ experiences and perceived impacts of a psycho-education group within one Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service in England.
Methods
Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with seven carers who had attended a psycho-education group. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) for which a small sample is recommended.
Results
Participants highlighted the importance of carers’ early access to information and of working around barriers to attendance at psycho-education groups. They perceived that their attendance at the group had enhanced their confidence and independence in supporting loved ones with their symptoms, encouraged greater involvement in care planning, and overall improved carer wellbeing. Further, sharing experiences had increased their understanding of psychosis and helped with tackling stigma and feelings of shame. Implications and areas for further research are discussed.
Carers (family and friends) are simultaneously impacted by a loved one’s experience of psychosis and influential in supporting recovery from psychosis. This study examines carers’ experiences and perceived impacts of a psycho-education group within one Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service in England.
Methods
Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with seven carers who had attended a psycho-education group. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) for which a small sample is recommended.
Results
Participants highlighted the importance of carers’ early access to information and of working around barriers to attendance at psycho-education groups. They perceived that their attendance at the group had enhanced their confidence and independence in supporting loved ones with their symptoms, encouraged greater involvement in care planning, and overall improved carer wellbeing. Further, sharing experiences had increased their understanding of psychosis and helped with tackling stigma and feelings of shame. Implications and areas for further research are discussed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 253-264 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Psychosis |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 22 Feb 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 3 Jul 2021 |