Multi-family psycho-education group for assertive community treatment clients and families of culturally diverse background: a pilot study

Community Ment Health J. 2010 Aug;46(4):364-71. doi: 10.1007/s10597-010-9305-5. Epub 2010 Apr 23.

Abstract

This study evaluates the incorporation of Multi-Family Psycho-education Group (MFPG) to an Assertive Community Treatment Team developed to serve culturally diverse clients who suffers from severe mental illness. Participants included Chinese and Tamil clients and their family members. Family members' well-being, perceived burden, and acceptance of clients were assessed before and after the intervention. Focus group interviews with clinicians were conducted to qualitatively examine MFPG. Family members' acceptance increased after MFPG. Regular attendance was associated with reduction in perceived family burden. Culturally competent delivery of MFPG enhanced family members' understanding of mental illness and reduced stress levels and negative feelings towards clients.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Caregivers / education*
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • China / ethnology
  • Community Mental Health Services / methods*
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / education*
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology*
  • Ethnicity / education*
  • Ethnicity / psychology*
  • Expressed Emotion
  • Family Conflict / psychology
  • Family Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India / ethnology
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence / ethnology
  • Medication Adherence / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Multilingualism
  • Ontario
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prejudice
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Psychotic Disorders / ethnology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Social Isolation
  • Social Support
  • Treatment Outcome