Effects of a caregiver coaching program on family caregivers’ competencies for persons with schizophrenia: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Competency in caring is important for caregivers of persons with schizophrenia. Coaching can facilitate successful caregiving through the understanding of a caregiver’s competencies and goals. The present study aimed to determine the feasibility and evaluate a coaching program for enhancing family caregivers’ competencies in caring for persons with schizophrenia.

Methods: This pilot study employed a quasi-experimental study design. The measures of family caregivers’ competencies data using the Knowledge about Schizophrenia Test, the Family Attitude Scale, and the Chiang Mai Psychiatric Caregiving Scale were compared at baseline and 2 weeks after completion of caregiver coaching program-, twelve family caregivers were assigned into control and experimental groups with each group 6 persons. The coaching program was a seven-week program with several implementation methods, such as discussion, watching videos, providing information, training, demonstration, role-plays, observation and telephone calls.

Results: The participants receiving the caregiver coaching program reported significantly more improved knowledge about schizophrenia (p < 0.05), decreased criticism of attitude toward schizophrenia (p < 0.05), and improvement of caregiving skills (p < 0.05) than those receiving routine care.

Conclusions: This study revealed that caregiver coaching program intervention is feasible to be implemented, and can enhance family caregivers’ competencies including knowledge about schizophrenia, attitude, and caregiving skills.