A qualitative study on caregivers' experiences using the PEIPOD service at St Vincent’s Hospital
Caregivers of young individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis often find themselves navigating uncharted territory. The complexities of mental health disorders, combined with the emotional and physical demands of caregiving, can be overwhelming. Despite their pivotal role in the recovery process, caregivers frequently lack the necessary support, resources, and recognition.
This study explored the experiences of caregivers using the Program for Early Intervention and Prevention of Disability (PEIPOD) service at St Vincent’s Hospital, highlighting the gaps and opportunities for improving caregiver support. It aims to understand the experience and service from a caregiver's perspective.
What is PEIPOD?
PEIPOD is a multidisciplinary service dedicated to working with young people and their families aged 16 to 25 years old who may be experiencing their first episode of psychosis or complex mood disorder. PEIPOD provides an early intervention service and promotes the best possible care for young people in the St Vincent’s Hospital catchment area, with emerging mental health problems.
Participants selected for this study are caregivers of individuals who had experienced a First Episode Psychosis. These individuals were either currently or previously receiving treatment through the PEIPOD service within St Vincent's Hospital.
Key aims:
"The role of carers in helping recovery with First Episode Psychosis clients often goes unnoticed. Considering their significant role in a patient's recovery, understanding how to support their wellbeing journey was of utmost importance. The St Vincent's Clinic Research Foundation grant was integral in putting together a cohesive research team to enable quality research to add to this important area of improving clinical outcomes for clients with psychosis at St Vincent's Hospital."
The research provided a deeper understanding of caregiver needs. Specifically, the need to feel part of the team, to be upskilled, and to receive ongoing support. These findings align with global research indicating that caregivers' needs, though often overlooked, are crucial for the recovery of individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis. Below is a summary of the key findings:
Hearts and Minds measures its impact across six core categories as developed by the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes. Key highlights include:
The study aims to:
Several caregiver support structures could be implemented to address the findings from this study. A planning and design session with the PEIPOD and research teams is proposed to integrate the findings with global insights and practitioners' experiences. The goal is to generate practical support ideas for caregivers, leading to empirically tested support that can be trialled and rolled out. This aims to improve health outcomes for both individuals with psychosis and their caregivers.
Funding support from Hearts and Minds Investments, as nominated by Core Fund Manager, Magellan.
This content was last updated in July 2024, for further information and updates, visit St Vincent's Clinic Research Foundation.