ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Informal caregivers play a vital role in supporting people with severe mental illness. However, this role can leave informal caregivers with significant unmet needs. The aim of this qualitative study is to identify the extent to which the support offered to informal caregivers in adult psychiatry in French-speaking Switzerland meets their needs. METHOD: Individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with informal caregivers, mental health professionals, and service providers. The data were analyzed by theme. RESULTS: The need for assistance and the need for information are two themes identified as prevalent among informal caregivers. Despite a consensus on the need for more support and information, informal caregivers, service providers, and health professionals do not assign the same importance to specific aspects of these themes. Suggestions for improving practices at the institutional, socio-political, and civil-society levels are put forward. Given the diversity of viewpoints on the priority needs of informal caregivers, there is a risk of offering support that only partially corresponds to the difficulties encountered by informal caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Matching support and needs remains a major challenge. Agreeing on a consensual definition of support and information needs and proposing tailored approaches could make it possible to develop support services that meet the actual needs of informal caregivers.
Subject(s)
Caregivers , Mental Disorders , Humans , Female , Switzerland , Male , Mental Disorders/therapy , Middle Aged , Adult , Focus Groups , Health Services Needs and Demand , Social Support , Psychiatry , Needs Assessment , Qualitative Research , AgedABSTRACT
Context: Family caregivers play an essential role in the continuity of care for patients with mental health problems. However, the lack of consideration for their role and difficulties in their collaboration with health professionals impact their involvement. Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the issues underlying the family-professional partnership. Method: A qualitative and exploratory study is used to collect data from providers of support services, family caregivers of patients with psychiatric disorders, and mental health professionals. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups conducted from October 2017 to August 2018 were analyzed to determine key issues surrounding this partnership. Results: A total of thirty-two family caregivers, nine healthcare professionals, and eleven providers participated in the study. The central concerns related to the partnership are information, continuity of care, and the relationship between patients, family members, and professionals. The relational dimension appears to be an important element for all three groups of participants, who nevertheless point out difficulties with regard to their positioning in this tripartite relationship. Discussion/Conclusion: In the context of the current healthcare system, the concept of partnership creates obstacles to family caregivers being able to contribute their expertise while feeling recognized by the other actors.
Contexte: Les proches aidants jouent un rôle essentiel dans la continuité des soins des patients vivant avec des troubles psychiques ; toutefois, les difficultés de collaboration avec les professionnels de la santé impactent leur engagement. Objectif: Cette étude a pour but d'identifier les enjeux qui sous-tendent le partenariat proches- professionnels. Méthode: Un devis qualitatif et exploratoire a permis de collecter les données auprès de prestataires d'offres de soutien, de proches aidants de patients souffrant de troubles psychiatriques et de professionnels en santé mentale. Des entretiens semi-directifs et des focus groups, menés d'octobre 2017 à août 2018, ont été analysés afin de déterminer les enjeux autour du partenariat. Résultats: Au total, 32 proches aidants, 9 professionnels de la santé et 11 prestataires de soutien ont participé à l'étude. L'information, la relation entre patients, proches et professionnels, et la continuité des soins se placent au cÅur des préoccupations relatives au partenariat. Discussion/conclusion: Le partenariat est un concept qui engendre des défis dans l'organisation du système de santé actuel afin que les proches aidants puissent apporter leur expertise en se sentant considérés par les autres acteurs.
