title: Meeting the needs of families and carers on acute psychiatric wards: a nurse-led service.
abstract: The needs of families and carers are often not met by the busy staff on inpatient units. A nurse-led family and carers service was set up on three adult acute psychiatric wards. A four-session protocol was developed for structuring sessions with families and carers. Methods of engaging reluctant carers were developed. Satisfaction rates are high. Families and carers value the emotional support, improved communication, help and advice. About one quarter are referred on for further input after discharge. A nurse-run service for the families and carers can make a significant difference to those who use it, providing support, creating a working alliance and improving the two-way exchange of information.
authors: Integrated Psychological Therapies Team, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Lewisham Psychological Therapies Service, Ladywell Unit, University Hospital Lewisham, London, UK. jonathan.radcliffe@slam.nhs.uk
authors: J J L
authors: JJ
authors: Radcliffe
authors: E O
authors: EO
authors: Adeshokan
authors: P C
authors: PC
authors: Thompson
authors: A J
authors: AJ
authors: Bakowski
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support