Interim results of remotely provided, one-on-one, tailored psycho-education and skills training to caregivers of patients with mental health difficulties

Abstract

In the past several decades, considerable evidence has emerged on the efficacy of caregiver and family interventions in the treatment of severe and enduring mental health disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Studies have demonstrated benefits of these interventions with regard to both reduced rates of burden in caregivers, and a reduction in relapse and improvement in symptoms of the person with psychosis. However, many caregivers who may benefit from such interventions are unable to access them, due to limited resources and geographical factors. Additionally, concerns about stigma and time constraints may deter caregivers from accessing support. The following study is among the first to address these barriers using a remotely delivered, one-on-one caregiver intervention. Caregivers (n = 93) of patients with severe and enduring mental health difficulties took part in a tailored psychoeducation and skills training intervention, consisting of weekly 40 minute videoconference or telephone sessions with a trained clinician. Caregivers completed the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire (IEQ) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) at baseline, and eight sessions (mid treatment). It was hypothesized that caregivers would show a reduction of distress and burden in response to the intervention. Interim comparison of pre- versus 8th session measures demonstrated a highly significant reduction in GHQ scores (P < 001), as well as a highly significant reduction in IEQ scores (P < 001). Results suggest that remotely provided, one-on-one, tailored psycho-education and skills training may be an effective and accessible intervention to improve the well-being of, and decrease burden in, caregivers of mental health patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.