Feasibility of two guidebooks for parents with mental illness and their children: Healthcare professionals' perspectives

Abstract

In this study, we aim to examine the feasibility of two guidebooks in Japanese healthcare services, which aimed to support parenting and child well-being in families with parental mental health illness. We sought and explored professionals' perspectives on the translated versions of the Finnish guidebooks, one for parents with mental illness and the other for children. 55 professionals providing support to parents and/or their dependent children were included in this study. Participants were asked to read the guidebooks and completed a self-report questionnaire as regards the necessity/helpfulness and utilization of the guidebooks. Berelson's content analysis method was utilized to analyze the participants' free description responses. As per our findings, around 70%-85% of the participants see the guidebooks necessary and helpful for family members and professionals. These guidebooks were assessed to provide parents and children emotional support, helping them to understand each other, and guide parents in finding ways to address their children's issues. Similarly, the guidebooks were seen to help professionals understand these families, in terms of how to support them and explain parental illnesses to children. Approximately 90%-95% of the participants shared that they would use these guidebooks, but half of them said that they would use them only to a certain extent. Many had worries about how and with whom to utilize them. Guidebooks are recommended for use in clinical training. In conclusion, this study suggests that guidebooks are feasible in Japan as resources in clinical practice and for training professionals to support families. They are likely to promote awareness of families and children with parental mental illness among professionals and within families.