Exploring the needs of diverse consumers experiencing mental illness and their families through family psychoeducation

Abstract

Background: Family psychoeducation (FPE), an intervention for those experiencing serious mental illness and their families, aims to improve communication and build problem-solving skills. Limited research exists on carers’ and consumers’ needs who engage in FPE, or FPE’s impact on needs. Aims: This study aimed to describe the needs of consumers with mental illness and their carers, who participated in behavioural family therapy (BFT), a type of FPE, and evaluate changes to needs. Method: Qualitative responses to the Carers’ and Users’ Expectations of Services questionnaires were analysed to describe consumers’ and carers’ needs. Participants’ quantitative responses were analysed using descri..