Perceptions of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses Regarding the Needs of Family Members Caring for People Living With Mental Illness: A Qualitative Study in Lobatse, Botswana

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Family caregivers play a critical role in the rehabilitation and ongoing care of relatives diagnosed with mental illness. This involvement of families in the care of their relatives with mental illness not only improves patient outcomes but also encompasses the stress and burden experienced by family caregivers. AIM: This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of psychiatric mental health nurses regarding the needs of family members caring for people diagnosed with mental illness in Lobatse, Botswana. METHODS: A qualitative explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design was used. Data were collected from 15 psychiatric mental health nurses using semi-structured in-depth interviews. The psychiatric mental health nurses were purposively sampled. The data were analysed using content data analysis. Comprehensive Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines were followed. RESULTS: The results yielded three themes: healthcare interventions, informational support, and tangible support needed by family caregivers of people living with mental illness. DISCUSSION: Family members caring for individuals diagnosed with mental illness need various support interventions to help them cope with the strain of caregiving and alleviate the impact of caregiver role strain. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Mental health nursing care that recognizes the need for caregiver-oriented care practice is needed to promote a better quality of life and enhance caregivers' coping with caregiver role strain.