JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Background:

A reduced availability of resources hampers the implementation of family work in psychosis. Web-based support programmes have the potential to increase access to high-quality, standardised resources. This pilot study tested the Norwegian version of the web-based NHS programme ‘REACT: Relatives Education and Coping Toolkit’ in combination with phone-based support by trained family therapists. We investigated how the programme was perceived by its users and identified the facilitators and barriers to its clinical implementation.

Objective:

We investigated how the programme was perceived by its users and identified the facilitators and barriers to its clinical implementation.

Methods:

Nineteen relatives were offered access to REACT for 26 weeks. One of two trained family therapists offered weekly support. Data on the levels of distress and expressed emotions were collected at baseline and after 26 weeks using the Family Questionnaire and the Relatives Stress Scale. Seven relatives and both family therapists were interviewed about their experiences after completing the programme.

Results:

The median number of consultations with the family therapists during the programme was eight (4–11). We found a significant reduction in stress and in expressed emotions post intervention. The qualitative data indicated the following themes as important: 1) The intervention turned knowledge into action; 2) The intervention strengthened the feeling of being involved and taken seriously by the health services; and 3) Management support and the ability for self-referral were important, while lack of reimbursement and clinicians’ resistance to technology were barriers to implementation.

Conclusions:

The service was found to offer a valued clinical benefit. However, developing strategies that aim to engage clinicians and increase organisational support toward new technology is important to address.