Potential utilisation of research

49 Efective Implementation of a Structured Psychoeducation Programme among Caregivers of Schizophrenia Patients in the Community

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Overview of research design

An interventional study was conducted among caregivers of schizophrenic patients in the community of Perak. This study involved 7 health clinics in the state, of which 3 and 4 were allocated into the intervention and control groups respectively. The intervention used was the introduction of a structured psychoeducation programme. Specific health staffs in the interventional group were trained in the structured psychoeducation module, after which gave structured psychoeducation to the caregivers. The control group included caregivers of patients who followed the standard treatment without any structured intervention. The study was conducted in 3 phases. Please see Figure 2 for the diagrammatic description of the study. Phase 1 Health clinics and patientscaregivers were identified for inclusion into the study and allocated to the intervention and control groups respectively, according to the researchers’ convenience of access to these clinics. Phase 2 Specifically identified health staffs in the intervention group from the respective clinics were trained in the use of the Structured Psychoeducation Programme Module Appendix A. Following this, a baseline audit was conducted. All respondents identified in both groups were given the demographic survey, the knowledge questionnaire form, and The Family Burden Interview Schedule-Short Form FBIS SF prior to the intervention. Phase 3 psychoeducation module Respondents in the intervention group went through the structured psychoeducational programme. To ensure the modules were taught adequately and in a standard manner, all staffs involved in giving the psychoeducation programme were required to complete a checklist. The caregivers were given psychoeducation using 5 modules as used in the PET programme. The patients in the intervention groups were given psychoeducation mainly in the clinics. Methods of teaching included audio visual aids, e.g. LCD projectors with power point presentations, charts, and also one to one teaching. Those who were unable to come to the clinic were taught at their homes. The teaching materials that were provided to the trainers during the training sessions were used during the teaching. All the 5 modules were completed within 2 weeks. The knowledge questionnaire form was done immediately after completion of the modules to assess the quality of the training.