Short summary

In this project, we evaluate the efficacy and usefulness of a community based group psychoeducation for relatives of individuals with mental illness. The evaluation is based on a pilot-project, where a civil society organization collaborate with the regional psychiatry in developing the psychoeducation.

Rationale

The Region of Southern Denmark has entered into a collaboration with a civil society organization focusing on developing a manual-based group-psychoeducation for relatives of individuals with mental illness. The pilot project aims to benefit the relatives and provide them with support in their role as caregivers. Previous research has highlighted that psychoeducation for relatives can be beneficial in terms of increasing their knowledge about the illness and promoting understanding of the situation they find themselves in as caregivers (Aakhus et al., 2009; Lobban et al., 2013). Some studies also indicate that relatives who are offered psychoeducation with a broader focus on the caregiver role, including how to manage their own difficult emotions, may experience a positive change in their mental well-being (Ata & Doğan, 2018; Yesufu-Udechuku et al., 2015). However, no studies have examined how group-based psychoeducation developed through collaboration between a civil society organization and the regional psychiatry can be implemented, and what outcomes can be expected for the relatives in this specific context. The purpose of this project is to conduct a scientific evaluation of the aforementioned pilot project in order to provide concrete assessments of its impact and suggestions for future implementation. This purpose is related to the following three research questions that the evaluation aims to answer:

1) What is the learning outcome and perceived effect for the relatives (quantitative data collection based on questionnaires and qualitative data collection based on interviews)?

2) How do the project stakeholders experience the collaboration between the two parties, and how does the collaboration progress over time (qualitative interviews and observations)?

3) How can the implementation process be improved (quantitative data collection based on questionnaires, qualitative data collection based on interviews and observations)?

Description of the cohort

Relatives of individuals with mental illness. Relatives are over 18 years old, and their sick relative is also over 18 years old. The relatives do not need referral, but can self-assign to participate.

Data and biological material

Questionnaire data, interview data and observation data.