Authors (including presenting author) :
Mak CWP (1), Ng CF(2)(3), Lee SMJ(2), Wong TH(2), Yeung TF(2), Hui L(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Psychiatry, New Territories East Cluster
(2) Department of Psychiatry, North District Hospital
(3) Department of Psychiatry, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital
Introduction :
Carer support plays a unique role in the recovery journey of people with mental illness. However, literatures showed that carers might suffer from stress and anxiety, the prevalence of problem in their mental health were higher than general population. To tackle the issue, a carer support program ‘By your side’ was held in Community Psychiatric Service of North District Hospital to support the carers with practical and emotional support in their caring journey. This program adopted mindfulness approach activities to enhance carer’s skill in stress coping.
Objectives :
•To reduce stress of carers and achieve optimal level of physical and psychological wellness.
•To foster carer’s coping strategies in stress reduction and knowledge in mental health treatment.
•To empower carers in their right and hope induction.
•To strengthen supportive community network of carers.
Methodology :
The main target of the program was carer of people with mental illness. The participants were recruited by case managers of CPS, NDH, and community partner (Caritas Wellness Link-North District). A recruitment talk was held yearly prior to educational sessions. Total 26 sessions (twenty-two 1.5hrs indoor sessions & 2 full day outing sessions) in 2017-2019. The program was evaluated by pre-test & post-test Questionnaire of stress level in 1st year and Chinese version of 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) in 2nd & 3rd year, while the participants’ satisfaction was evaluated by post-test Client Satisfaction Questionnaire.
Result & Outcome :
From Sep 2017 to Dec 2019, 61 participants joined the program; 48 participants (79%) had completed the program. In 2017, the result showed a decreased in 40.1% in mean score of Questionnaire of stress level. In 2018 and 2019, there was a decrease in 34.8% and 32.5% in stress level, a decrease in 27.3% and 23.5 % in anxiety level, and a decrease in 28.6% and 30.4% in depressive level when compared the mean score of DASS-21. Moreover, all participants were satisfied towards the program. From the participant’s satisfaction questionnaire, over 90% participants acknowledged their knowledge and skill in carer role and knowledge about community resources were enhanced.
In conclusion, the result showed a marked decreased in stress level of participants after the program. Moreover, participants could also be empowered by strengthening their supportive network and enhancing their knowledge as carer. With the positive finding of the program, a mindfulness approach stress reduction program to carers is recommended to roll out in other community psychiatric service.
