title: A qualitative study of programs for parents with serious mental illness and their children: building practice-based evidence.
abstract: The rationale for the development of effective programs for parents with serious mental illness and their children is compelling. Using qualitative methods and a grounded theory approach with data obtained in site visits, seven existing programs for parents with mental illness and their children in the United States are described and compared across core components: target population, theory and assumptions, funding, community and agency contexts, essential services and intervention strategies, moderators, and outcomes. The diversity across programs is strongly complemented by shared characteristics, the identification of which provides the foundation for future testing and the development of an evidence base. Challenges in program implementation and sustainability are identified. Qualitative methods are useful, particularly when studying existing programs, in taking steps toward building the evidence base for effective programs for parents with serious mental illness and their children.
authors.affiliation: Center for Mental Health Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. Joanne.Nicholson@Umassmed.edu
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nicholson
authors.forename: Beth R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Hinden
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Biebel
authors.forename: Alexis D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Katz-Leavy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001524:Behavioral Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008128:Logic; D008297:Male; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States