Carers matter: promoting the inclusion of families within acute inpatient settings

Despite their important contributions, many carers report feeling excluded by mental health services. Admission to a psychiatric ward can be a traumatic experience for both clients and their carers. Inpatient teams play a crucial role in engaging families but they report a lack of time, skills and confidence.

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and potential benefits of introducing a family service across three acute wards. This comprised staff training, individual carer support and family intervention (FI). The service was found to be acceptable and feasible to implement. Family meetings on the ward increased following staff training, along with reported confidence in working with families. Following FI, significant improvements were found in carer distress, wellbeing, burden and negative illness perceptions and more carers reported having someone to confide in. The total number of ward complaints decreased following introduction of the service. Despite the difficulties implementing family work on the wards, it remains highly indicated.

This pilot has shown it is possible to implement an effective and much needed service in an acute setting.