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on top of their daily responsibilities. All staffs responded that they would like to be given an incentive, whether financially or by time off.
5.4 Limitations of the study
The small sample size of the study limited the analysis of the mediating variables to identify therapeutic mechanisms of the psychoeducation group programme. In
addition, the study had a relatively short period of follow-up of 6 months. This short follow-up period limited further assessment of the impact of the intervention on
outcomes such as relapse and defaulter rates.
Despite the success of the psychoeducation programme, it was not standardised in every clinic. In some clinics, it was done in small groups and in others, it was
done one-to-one. The equipments to deliver the modules also varied among the clinics. These variations might affect the knowledge received by the caregivers. The
researchers also acknowledged the fact that the staffs had difficulty carrying out the programme because they had other work responsibilities.
6.0 CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Conclusion
The study showed that a structured psychoeducation programme among caregivers of patient with schizophrenia can be effectively implemented in the community.
The programme significantly improved and sustained the knowledge about schizophrenia, decreased the caregivers’ burden in daily living assistance and
improved compliance to follow up. Staff involved in the program found that the programme was feasible and are keen for its implementation. The small sample size
and the short duration of this study limit the achievement of the study objectives. These findings warrant further evaluation of this type of intervention and its
therapeutic mechanisms.
6.2 Recommendations
Based on the study findings, the researchers would like to make the following recommendations:
1. To introduce and implement a psychoeducation programme in all primary
health centres. To ensure success, the module needs to be revised and its delivery standardised prior to implementation. It is suggested that the module
be taught for every newly diagnosed schizophrenia patient and the caregiver. The module should be repeated after the first 2 years and then every 5 years.
2. If the need arises to repeat the study it should be carried out for a longer
duration and with a larger sample.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors wish to thank the Director-General of Health Malaysia for giving permission to publish this paper.
Our deepest gratitude and indebtedness to Dato’ Dr. Amar-Singh HSS, who has been invaluable in the conduct of the study. He has been a constant source of encouragement
and his untiring willingness to contribute ideas towards the study design and report writing has kept us amazed. It would not have been possible to complete this study due
to the complexity of issues involved without the statistical input and support of Dr. Sondi Sararaks. We would also like to thank Datin Dr. Ranjit Kaur Praim Singh for her constant
encouragement and technical support for this study.
Lastly, we thank all staff of the various clinics who were directly involved in this study, especially those who had spent hours giving psychoeducation to caregivers of patients
with schizophrenia in the community.
