Authors (including presenting author) :
Liu YT(1), Chow YF(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Psychiatry, Kowloon Hospital
Keyword 1: :
C&A relatives' psychoeducation
Keyword 2: :
carer support
Keyword 3: :
caregiving skills
Keyword 4: :
family-centered care
Keyword 5: :
stress coping strategies for carers
Introduction :
In 2023, Ward IJ2 at Kowloon Hospital reported that approximately 50%, 22%, 19%, and 20% of its 117 admitted cases involved mood disorders (including depression), psychosis, ADHD, and ASD respectively. Among the 57 cases received as at end-June 2024, around 57%, 33%, 24% and 9% of them suffered from mood disorder, psychosis, ADHD and ASD respectively. Notably, 68% of the 57 cases reported having suicidal ideation or attempts which might stem from poor emotional regulation and inadequate family support. Approximately 31% of the cases involved family conflict prior to admission, highlighting the significant burden on caregivers and the lack of structured support for relatives. Research indicated that family psychoeducation can reduce relapse rates by 20 - 50%, promote symptom recovery, and enhance social functioning. Early intervention is stressed to prevent poor prognoses in persistent mental illnesses.
Objectives :
The project aims to enhance the knowledge and caregiving skills of relatives for their children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, depression, or psychosis through a structured psychoeducation programme. The programme seeks to improve relatives’ knowledge of these disorders, reduce caregivers’ stress, and ultimately achieve better patient outcomes.
Methodology :
The programme consists of four weekly 45-minute sessions conducted during visiting hours. Each session focuses on one disorder: ADHD, ASD depression, or psychosis. Content includes etiology, symptoms, treatment options, medication management, communication strategies, and caregiver self-care. Participants are required to complete pre- and post-intervention questionnaires to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, and caregiving skills. Recruitment is through ward posters and nurse referrals.
Result & Outcome :
This initiative represents a proactive step toward integrating family-centered care into psychiatric services for children and adolescents. By empowering relatives with knowledge and skills, the programme aims to foster a supportive home environment, reduce relapse rates, and improve both patient and family well-being. While the project is still ongoing, we have preliminarily analysed its outcome by distributing pre- and post-questionnaires to relatives attending the sessions. All of the participants reported to have acquired more knowledge of the causes and symptoms, and knowledge of treatment for children suffering from mental illness. 75% of the participants said to have known more about carers’ stress. 50% said to have improved their skills of communicating with children. 25% said to have understood more about the community support. Based on the questionnaires’ results, participants demonstrated an improved understanding of psychiatric symptoms, and enhanced their communication and caregiving skills. The project has provided valuable data for refining future family-support initiatives within the ward.
