Caring for people with schizophrenia: Family carers' involvement with medication

Abstract

Objective - To investigate carers' experiences of medication, and their involvement in managing medication, when caring for an adult family member with schizophrenia. Method - In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 family carers who were identified through voluntary care groups of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSF). Interviews were audiotape recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed by comparing transcripts to generate descriptive themes. Setting - All but one of the carers were interviewed in their homes; the remaining curer was interviewed in the researcher's home. Key findings - Carers acknowledged the importance of medication in stabilising their care-recipients' illness. However, they had also observed their care-recipients experiencing unexpected adverse effects of medication. As a result of these observations, carers experienced feelings of guilt and fear for having encouraged medication compliance. Not all carers were involved with their care-recipients' medication but a number of roles were described: Facilitator, monitor, advocate and interventionist. Direct involvement with managing medication was identified as a source of conflict between some carers and their adult care-recipients. All carers reported unmet needs for information and support concerning their care-recipients' medication. Conclusion - In this study, the degree of involvement that carers had with their care-recipients' medication varied. Direct involvement with medication was identified as a source of conflict between some carers and care-recipients. All carers expressed the unmet need to discuss their care-recipients' medication with a professional. Health professionals need to consider effective methods for contributing to this gap in routine service provision.