Exploring the needs of diverse consumers experiencing mental illness and their families through family psychoeducation

Abstract

Background: Family psychoeducation (FPE), an intervention for those experiencing serious mental illness and their families, aims to improve communication and build problem-solving skills. Limited research exists on carers’ and consumers’ needs who engage in FPE, or FPE’s impact on needs.Aims: This study aimed to describe the needs of consumers with mental illness and their carers, who participated in behavioural family therapy (BFT), a type of FPE, and evaluate changes to needs.Method: Qualitative responses to the Carers’ and Users’ Expectations of Services questionnaires were analysed to describe consumers’ and carers’ needs. Participants’ quantitative responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, to evaluate changes in needs post-programme.Results: Participants’ needs included information on mental illness and improved relationships. Post-programme, the percentage of consumers’ satisfied with their lives increased, while the percentage of carers’ reporting a need for more assistance decreased.Conclusions: Further development of BFT programmes in clinical and non-clinical services is warranted to address the needs of diverse consumers and carers living in the community.