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Principal Investigator: Sally Chan, Ph.D., R.N.

The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong

The psychoeducation intervention consisted of 10 sessions which were conducted over 3 months on a weekly basis. In order to facilitate the caregivers’ attendance, two schedules (i.e. either on Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon) for each session were available. A mental health nurse was responsible for planning and conducting the intervention. Content of intervention was developed based on the framework suggested by Atkinson and Coia (1995), which included knowledge and treatment of the illness, management of symptoms and medication, dealing with crisis, mental health services, communication and problem solving skills, and stress coping skills.

Family caregivers who completed the psychoeducation intervention had better improvement on their perception of burden of care, self-efficacy and social support than those who received routine care.

Key search terms: Psychoeducation, schizophrenia

2. Intervention Materials

The intervention consisted of educational talk, powerpoint presentation and discussion.

Contact information for further information, materials, and training:

Sally Chan, Professor, The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong (e-mail: sallychan@cuhk.edu.hk)

3. Implementing the Intervention

Training qualifications and guidelines for those delivering the intervention:

Qualified mental health nurse delivered the intervention. No additional training program required.

Total cost: US$1250

3. Caveats/ limitations on the implementation of this intervention

The program could only reach those family caregivers who are willing to take care of the clients and to accept help and support

The problems that the families faced might not be able to solve at a short period of time. A longer term support and follow up of families and clients is necessary

4. For more information

Chien, W.T., Chan, S. & Thompson, D. (2006) Effects of mutual support group for Chinese families of people with schizophrenia: 18-month follow-up. British Journal of Psychiatry, 189, 41-49.

Cheng, L.Y. & Chan, S. (2005). Psychoeducation program for Chinese family carers of members with Schizophrenia. The Western Journal of Nursing Research, 27(5), 585-599.