Effective implementation of a structured psychoeducation programme among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in the community.

BACKGROUND Psychoeducation has shown promising benefits in managing patients with schizophrenia. In Malaysia, the use of psychoeducation is rather limited and its impact indeterminate. AIMS To assess the effectiveness of a structured psychoeducation programme for the community in improving caregiver knowledge, decreasing caregivers' burden, reducing patients' readmission and defaulter follow up rates. METHOD In a controlled interventional study, 109 caregivers were included, 54 and 55 in the intervention and control groups respectively. Caregivers were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-intervention for knowledge and burden. Patients were monitored for relapse and defaulting follow up in the clinic. RESULTS Caregivers in the intervention group showed significant improvement in knowledge, reduction in burden in assistance in daily living (severity) and a reduced defaulter rate was seen in the patients' follow up. CONCLUSION The findings shows that structured psychoeducation programme among caregivers has the potential to improve outcome of care for patients with schizophrenia.