Empowering caregivers, enhancing recovery: European best practices and tools
Informal caregivers are essential to the recovery of individuals with severe mental disorders. However, this role often results in significant emotional, social, and financial strain, which adversely impact caregivers’ mental and physical health. In turn, this reduces caregiving effectiveness and hinders patients’ recovery outcomes [1]. Providing comprehensive support for caregivers is therefore essential to sustain their role.
Various caregiver support interventions have been developed, differing in objectives (psychoeducation, family therapy…); format (single-family or multifamily groups; peer-led or service-based…), and duration. Many have proven effective and adaptable across diverse settings [2-3]. However, navigating these interventions raises key questions: How to choose the appropriate intervention? What is the role of family peer support workers? Is a gradual approach advisable, and how should it be designed?
References:
1. Mittendorfer-Rutz et al. (2019). Patients With Schizophrenia—A Nationwide Comparative Study (…). Schizophr Bull, 45:794–803.
2. Gemito, L., Alves, E., Moreira, J., Marques, M. F., Caldeira, E., Ferreira, R., … & Lopes, M. (2024). Programmes Addressed to Informal Caregivers’ Needs: A Systematic Literature Review. Geriatrics, 9(3), 71.
3. Sin J, et al. (2017). Effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions for family carers of people with psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin. Psychol. Rev., 56:13–24.
Course Director: Elisabetta Scanferla, France