Mastering the Art of Collaboration: Supporting Family Caregivers of Mental Health Patients by Service Providers in Iran

Abstract

Responsive support systems, designed and promoted by policy makers, are critical in supporting family caregivers. The purpose of this study was to explore viewpoints of service providers in supporting family caregivers of mental health patients in Iran. In this qualitative study, a purposive sample of 29 service providers and policy makers consented to participate in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis and three main categories and seven sub-categories were identified. The main categories were: interpersonal collaboration, intra-organization collaboration and inter-sectorial collaboration. A common theme in this study was that service providers play a key role in coordinating responsive support services for Iranian family caregivers of mental health patients across all levels. The increasing complexity of the health care system and resource limitations have created complex problems, which require the use of participatory approaches by the various specialties, disciplines and departments to provide complementary services and mutual support. This approach is the best way of ensuring that service users receive the most relevant services from the right service providers in the right place as and when needed.

The effect of a family-based training program on the care burden of family caregivers of patients undergoing hemodialysis

“…[16] It is therefore necessary for health-care workers to be aware of the important role played by the main family members of patients with kidney disease in caregiving and effectively communicate with them and provide support when they require it. [17] Because of their constant contact with the patients and their relatives, nurses play a major role in the interactions established with the patients' families and can provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and support for improving the quality of home care. They can play an important role in enhancing the quality of care and reducing the care burden experienced by caregivers of dementia,[18] cardiac,[19] and psychiatric[20] patients through evaluating the family's health-related needs and providing them with accurate and timely training.…”

Barriers to Self-Care Planning for Family Caregivers of Patients with Severe Mental Illness

“…The global increase in mental disorders, whose high prevalence has had a severe impact on the functions of societies, is becoming a serious concern ( 1 ). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one-fourth of households have at least one member suffering from mental disorder cared for by a family members.…”