Development and feasibility of need-based psychosocial training programme for family caregivers of in-patients with schizophrenia in India

ObjectivesTo develop and test the feasibility of a need-based psychosocial training programme for family caregivers of in-patients with schizophrenia in India.MethodSix topics for the psychosocial training programme were identified. Each day's programme was based on a theoretical approach and involved a combination of methodologies. A structured questionnaire eliciting comments on each day's topic, content and methodology was given independently to 11 experienced mental health professionals for validation. The final version of the programme based on the feedback given by the experts was pilot tested on a group of six caregivers to check for feasibility.ResultsExperts gave an average score of ‘4′ (very much – on a 5 point Likert scale) when asked whether the overall psychosocial programme will achieve its objective of helping the caregiver reduce their burden. They independently approved the theoretical approach and methodology used for each day's topic and suggested many changes. In the pilot study, quantitative and qualitative feedback of the caregivers further endorsed the feasibility and usefulness of the programme.ConclusionThe developed psychosocial training programme was found acceptable to the caregivers of in-patients with schizophrenia.