Peter Gallagher1, Adele Kane1, Mary Kelleher4, Felicity Fanning1, Patrick Egan1, Mary Clarke1,3,5,6; 1DETECT Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland., 2Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries, Dublin, Ireland., 3Saint John of God Community Services clg, Dublin, Ireland., 4Health Service Executive, Dublin North, Ireland., 5University College Dublin, Ireland., 6Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
The importance of providing relevant, well timed information and education for family members of people experiencing first episode psychosis is well established in the literature. However qualitative enquiry has suggested a gap in the support needs of families. This study explores a peer support programme for family members set up in 2015. Designed and developed with input from a multi-stakeholder advisory group including service users and family members, the programme is offered to family members who have recently completed a first episode psychosis information and support course. Methodology; This study employed a Thematic Analysis qualitative methodology to explore the effectiveness of the program and the experiences of participants. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 7 supported family members. Verbatim transcribed data were checked by research team members to increase interrater reliability. Coding meetings were also employed for veracity. Findings; The data revealed overarching themes of “A Sense of Hope: Light at the end of the tunnel”, and “Feeling understood reduced the isolation felt by Carers”. The Flexibility of the support arrangement and the ability to talk to someone with a shared experience who was not a healthcare professional was also highly valued. Discussion; A uniquely valuable aspect of family member peer support is the shared lived experience. Talking to someone who has found a way through their difficulties engenders a sense of hope and promotes a model based on strengths and recovery. The equal nature of the relationship appeals to family members and is distinct from the expert patient relationship.
