Perspectives of family caregivers, health professionals, and support providers on partnership issues in adult psychiatry

Context: Family caregivers play an essential role in the continuity of care for patients with mental health problems. However, the lack of consideration for their role and difficulties in their collaboration with health professionals impact their involvement.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the issues underlying the family-professional partnership.

Method: A qualitative and exploratory study is used to collect data from providers of support services, family caregivers of patients with psychiatric disorders, and mental health professionals. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups conducted from October 2017 to August 2018 were analyzed to determine key issues surrounding this partnership.

Results: A total of thirty-two family caregivers, nine healthcare professionals, and eleven providers participated in the study. The central concerns related to the partnership are information, continuity of care, and the relationship between patients, family members, and professionals. The relational dimension appears to be an important element for all three groups of participants, who nevertheless point out difficulties with regard to their positioning in this tripartite relationship.

Discussion/conclusion: In the context of the current healthcare system, the concept of partnership creates obstacles to family caregivers being able to contribute their expertise while feeling recognized by the other actors.