An Investigation of the Health Education Needs of Family Members of Psychiatric Patients

Objective: To investigate the contents and formats of health education needed by family members of hospitalized psychiatric patients. Methods: 116 family members of hospitalized psychiatric patients were interviewed with a self-designed inventory of health education. Results: Family members indicated poorest knowledge with respect to psychotherapeutic medication, strategies for preventing relapse, and management of family nursing. They also indicated the greatest need for knowledge in relation to effects and side-effects of psychotropic medication, monitoring of effects of psychotropic drugs, and measures to prevent relapse of mental illness. The most acceptable formats of health education were instructions by medical staff and recommendation for relevant reading materials.Conclusion: Mental health education should be based on the needs of patients' family members and be delivered in acceptable formats.