E-support for carers of people with psychosis: Focus groups
Research type
Research Study
Full title
EFFIP (E-support for Families and Friends of Individuals affected by Psychosis): A focus group study with people with lived experience of psychosis and carers
IRAS ID
210571
Contact name
Jacqueline Sin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, days
Research summary
It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million people in the UK are caring for a family member or friend with a mental illness (called "(informal) carers" thereafter).(1,2) Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, are recognised as one of the most common and severe mental illness, affecting around 1% of the population.(1-4) Meanwhile, the burden of caring often means carers of people with psychosis experience high levels of distress and require support.(3-5) The EFFIP (E-support for Families and Friends of Individuals affected by psychosis) is a NIHR-funded project which aims to develop and evaluate an online multi-component resource for carers of people affected by psychosis. The online resource aims to promote carers' mental wellbeing, through providing information, peer support and coping strategies in supporting the cared-for individuals in their caring role. In turn, this may also improve the cared-for individuals' clinical outcomes and quality of life.
The focus group study forms part of the first phase of the overall EFFIP project, with an aim to explore ideas and views from individuals with lived experience of psychosis and carers to help inform the development of the online resource.
This present study uses qualitative research method: individuals with lived experience of psychosis and carers will be invited to attend separate focus groups. As groups of people with shared experiences, discussion will be facilitated to explore ideas and views about the content and design features for developing the online resource. Data generated will be analysed using the thematic analysis framework.(6)
Study findings will inform the development of the online resource for carers. Use of focus group method, rather than individual in-depth interviews with participants, is chosen to explore a range of perspectives and insights generated through interactive group discussion. Such views are crucial to determine the optimal design for the online resource.
*See appendix for references.
REC name
London - Surrey Borders Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1300
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion